Pleasure Point

Relaxed and laid-back, Pleasure Point residents follow an informal dress code of flip flops, shorts, and surf tees.

Welcome to Pleasure Point

Cozy and beach-focused, this quaint surfing community offers ample shopping, dining, and more.

Located in an unincorporated area of Santa Cruz County and nestled between Moran Lagoon and 41st Avenue, this small surfing community is a classic beachside town credited with being the foundation for the Santa Cruz surf culture.

Offering a bustling commercial hub with numerous shops and boutiques selling an array of surf and skate gear, beach apparel, and coastal home decor, Pleasure Point is home to many of Santa Cruz County’s favorite food and drink spots - including The Penny Ice Creamery and Pleasure Pizza. The popular Live Oak Farmers Market also occurs within this town’s borders.

A mixture of charming beach cottages, surf bungalows, and stunning multi-million dollar homes, this seaside neighborhood is one of the most vibrant surf destinations along the California coast. Its most notable attraction is East Cliff Drive, a dazzling waterfront promenade that winds along coastal bluffs overlooking Monterey Bay. At the Hook, one of the neighborhood’s most famed surf spots, you’ll find spectators lining a cliffside fence to watch surfers ride some intense waves. Jack O’Neill Park honors the late surf legend and wetsuit pioneer who once lived in this community.

Houses in West Santa Cruz neighborhoods vary widely in price and property style, from luxe properties with expansive acreage to smaller condominiums and townhouses. Divided into sections - Upper West Side and the Lower West Side - you'll find a range of Victorian-style houses and Craftsman bungalows here. Some homes are located just steps from the beach, while others sit at higher elevations and feature expansive views.

Home to UC Santa Cruz since 1965, this town features a highly educated population and an influx of students throughout the school year. Numerous parks and nature preserves make this area attractive to outdoor enthusiasts, and hiking, biking, and walking trails abound.

What to Love

• Classic beachside vibe

• Lots of options for all levels of surfers

• A bustling commercial hub

• Exceptional eateries

Local Lifestyle

Relaxed and laid-back, Pleasure Point residents follow an informal dress code of flip flops, shorts, and surf tees. The community’s 300 annual days of sunshine encourage this unspoken rule.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Coffee is big business in Pleasure Point, and locals grab giant cups of joe at Verve Coffee Shop, where coffee is roasted on vintage roasters, and the beloved Cat and Cloud Coffee, which offers creamy espresso drinks from beans roasted on-site.

Eateries abound as well. At Suda, you’ll find easy-going bistro fare in a contemporary and rustic setting, and Zameen at the Point offers made-to-order Mediterranean wraps, salads, and bowls.

The surf-themed Pleasure Pizza, decorated with posters, photos, and surfboards, serves up hot slices to the area’s surf-heavy population.

Things to do

Surfing, of course, is the big attraction at Pleasure Point. You’ll find tons of famous surf breaks here, ranging from beginner to expert. When residents are not waiting for a wave, you can find them shopping at the boutiques on lower 41st Avenue.