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Santa Cruz Shopping

Articles: Locally Made: Santa Cruz County Offers Distinctive Items

Just as each region in Santa Cruz County is distinct in its natural beauty, the keepsakes found in the many shops throughout the area also reflect the character of the locale.

A piece of jewelry crafted by a local artisan or a bottle of local wine become treasured mementos that can awaken memories of your visit long after you've returned home.

Artistic wonders abound in the form of hand-made gifts on Mission Street. Shop alongside locals as you uncover uncommon finds along Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz like custom jewelry and luminescent glass sculptures. On the Wharf, an array of items, from lavender soap to surfwear can be found.

Antique shoppers can uncover heirloom-quality items along the quaint streets of Soquel Village and Aptos. And the San Lorenzo Valley towns of Felton, Ben Lomond and Boulder Creek have shops offering a variety of collectibles. Browse specialty shops in Capitola Village or the mall nearby.

Beachwear and outdoor gear can be found on nearly every corner of town. Surf shops feature the products of local wetsuit entrepreneur Jack O'Neill. In Santa Cruz's Pleasure Point district, charming boutiques can be found in one of the best surf areas around.

Gifts for gardeners blossom throughout the county, like exotic flora and fauna-related items at the UCSC Arboretum. Sierra Azul Nursery in south county features dried floral wreaths and artistic gifts for the garden enthusiast. And the San Lorenzo Valley Museum offers copies of How to Grow a Chair: The Art of Tree Trunk Topiary.

Fascinating mementos can be found at the county's many museum gift shops. The Museum of Art & History has an eclectic assortment of creative items. The Ocean Discovery Shop at Seymour Marine Discovery Center has marine-related treasures, from glass seashell ornaments to educational toys.

State Park gift shops offer even more. At the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park gift shop, all items relate to the forest, from journals to jewelry. Butterfly-shaped cookie-cutters and silk scarves celebrate the monarch at the Natural Bridges State Park gift shop. Native American-themed baskets and books on California history can be found at Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park. Items designed by prominent artist Michael Schwab are on display at any of the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks' gift shops throughout the county.

Santa Cruz County's wealth of unusual shops and exquisite boutiques provide an extraordinary shopping excursion.