Santa Cruz Wharf

Constructed in 1914, the 2,745-foot Santa Cruz Wharf is the longest pier on the west coast. The pier is operated by the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation. The wharf includes shops, restaurants, boat rentals, restroom and public parking. Summer rates for parking are $1 for 20 minutes and a maximum of $24 per day. The wharf is open daily from 5:00 AM to 2:00 AM.

Storm Damage - Winter 2024

"December 23, 2024, the end of the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, where the Dolphin Restaurant and Restroom #3 were located, collapsed into the ocean along with three construction workers. This section of the Wharf as closed to the public following damage in 2023 and construction had began to repair it. Two workers were rescued by Santa Cruz Lifeguard Unit 3166, and the third was self-rescued."
Santa Cruz Wharf Construction Updates

Interactive Wharf Tour

Take a tour of the wharf, moving among 13 exhibit kiosks, panel displays, outdoor aquariums, and special vistas along the wharf's half-mile length. Learn about the sea, the shore, and the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary.

Santa Cruz Boat Rentals

Located on the wharf -   (831) 423-1739
Motorized Skiffs with 8 HP outboards, seats 4
Boogie boards, wetsuits, life jackets
Fishing gear - rods, reels, sinkers, hooks, lines, frozen bait
Santa Cruz Boat Rentals

Events on the Wharf

Annual Woodies on the Wharf

June 21, 2025   10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
(831) 420-5273   Santa Cruz Woodies
More than 200 classic woodies on display on the wharf, plus music and prizes.

31st Annual Aloha Outrigger Races

September TBA, 2025
Santa Cruz Events
Races begin at 9:30 AM, Last race at noon
Outrigger canoe races open to first-time paddlers

Santa Cruz Wharf Restaurants

Dolphin Restaurant - CLOSED

71 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA
(831) 426-5830  
Seafood restaurant, grilled steak, pastas, burgers, salads

Gilbert's Firefish Grill

25 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA
(831) 423-5200   Firefish Grill
Lunch and dinner
Seafood, steaks, fish and chips, burgers, pasta, cocktails

Gilda's Restaurant

37 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA
(831) 423-2010   Gilda's Restaurant
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Salads, pasta, sandwiches, seafood, chicken

Olitas Cantina and Grill

Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA
(831) 458-9393   Olitas Cantina and Grill
Restaurant and bar, lunch and dinner
Salads, tacos, enchiladas, and much more

Riva Fish House

31 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA
(831) 429-1223  

Stagnaro Bro. Restaurant

59 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA
(831) 423-1188   Stagnaro Bros. Restaurant
Downstairs dining room, upstairs lounge, open for lunch and dinner
Seafood, pasta, steak

Food to Go, Snacks, Coffee, Etc.

Woodies Cafe

25 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA
(831) 421-9410  
Counter service - Seafood, burgers, sandwiches

Marini's at the Wharf

55 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA
(866) MARINIS   Marini's Candies
Taffy, caramel corn, peanut brittle, licorice, coffee, ice cream

Paradise Dogs

Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA
Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, cash only
Hot dogs, polish dogs, hot links, soda, chips, cookies

Vino Prima Wine Bar

55 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA
(831) 426-0750   Vino Prima Wine Bar
Wine tasting, live music about twice a week