FAQ
Frequent Questions
Why are there no tours on the calendar?
The pandemic forced the closure of many Santa Cruz restaurants. All our tours are on hold for the foreseeable future. Email us
HERE
if you'd like to be notified when we start up again.
Why are there no Capitola tours on the calendar?
Capitola tours are scheduled in April each year and run June-September. We will have Capitola tours on the calendar in mid May.
How long is the tour?
Downtown Santa Cruz: 3.5 hours...............Capitola: 4 hours.
Do I purchase tickets in advance? Can I just show up with cash?
All tickets are sold in advance. We cannot accept cash. Tickets can be purchased with a credit card online (click the "Book Now" button above) or by calling (866)736-6343.
What days and what times?
Downtown Santa Cruz Tours are on Fridays and Sundays from 2:25pm to 6:00pm.
Capitola Tours are on Wednesdays from 2:00pm to 6:00pm.
Do we pay for food along the way?
No, once you buy a ticket there are no additional costs or taxes for food, or waiter tips.
How much does the tour cost?
Both of our tours are $69.00 per person.
What happens if it rains?
Tours run rain or shine. Check the weather report before your tour and if need bring an umbrella or rain gear.
Are there tours all year?
We tour from April to October each year.
How much food is there on this tour?
There is a lot of food on our Santa Cruz tour. You won't need dinner that night. The Capitola tour has less food but you will still be pretty full. After the Capitola tour you might want a snack for dinner.
Are there food option for special diets?
Yes, we make substitutions for vegetarians, and diets that are milk, nut, gluten and alcohol free. Let us know when you purchase your ticket and we'll have substitutions for you.
If I am not eating do I need to purchase a ticket?
Yes, all guests on all tours must purchase a ticket. If you want to come on the tour without eating we can make a special price for you. Email us at scfoodtour@gmail.com to find out more.
Is there parking near the meeting place?
Yes. There is easy parking within one block our meeting spots. Parking details are provided with your ticket confirmation.
Is this tour interesting for locals, or only good for tourists?
Locals are over half of our guests and they love it. We go off-the-beaten-path and tell stories that are not generally known to locals. Our tours have hidden history and points of interest that locals love to discover.
We have a group. Can we book a private tour?
Absolutely. Check out our
Private Group Tour Page or send us an email and we'll respond within 24 hours.
Are we on our feet a lot. How much standing is there?
On both of our tours we are walking or standing most of the time. The Capitola tour has three sit-down locations for a total of 50 sit-down minutes. The rest of the time we are walking or standing. The Santa Cruz tour has one sit-down location for 20 minutes. The rest of the tour we are on our feet.
Can children take the tour?
All children are unique and unrepeatable. Parents will know best whether their children should take a tour. Tours are 3.5 hours long and involve walking, standing and listening. Parents should decide on a case-by-case basis whether our tours are appropriate for their child.
Are beverages served on the tour?
Yes, there is water available at most of our stops. Some people choose to bring along a water bottle of their own. One of our tastings include micro-brewed beer in Santa Cruz and wine in Capitola. if you don't alcohol we will provide a yummy substitution.
Are there bathrooms on the tour?
Yes, there are bathrooms at each of our tasting locations.
Are pets allowed on the tour?
Because we go in and out of restaurants we can't accommodate pets on our tours.
Is tipping expected?
All food cost and tips at the restaurants are covered in the ticket price. No need to pay for any food or tips while on our tour. Tipping is customary in the tour business. If you have a great time and want to recognize your guide a 10-15% tip is customary.
Do we just walk around and eat? How much walking is there?
No way! We explore historic neighborhoods and learn about culture, history, and architecture along the way. This helps your food digest between tastings. At the end of our tours most guests say their favorite part was the history and architecture.
The Santa Cruz tour is 2 miles long. The Capitola tour is 2.8 miles long.
Are your tours wheelchair friendly?
Our tours are not wheelchair accessible because of the steep hills we climb and the many steps we descend.