Santa Cruz County knows how to take care of itself, and our readers have their favorite spots for rest, renewal and a little self-care. From acupuncture and spa days to haircuts, barbers and full-on self-care experiences, the 2025 Lookout List: Health & Wellness winners and runners-up are the local favorites that keep our community feeling its best. Find more Lookout List winners here.
Favorite Acupuncture
Winner: Points For Wellness
5161 Soquel Dr., Suite C, Soquel 95073
Points For Wellness is praised for its compassionate, individualized care that combines acupuncture, functional medicine and herbal support in a serene setting. With special strength in fertility, hormone and stress-related treatments, the clinic clearly resonates with community members seeking deeply attentive and integrative wellness solutions.
Runner-up: Solis Acupuncture
4170 Gross Rd. Extension, Suite 6, Capitola 95010
5617 Scotts Valley Dr., Suite 180, Scotts Valley 95066
Favorite Barber
Winner: Waves & Fades
1000 41st Ave., Suite B, Santa Cruz 95062
Lookout List voters say Waves & Fades stands thanks to its top-notch cuts delivered in a welcoming surf-inspired space where every client felt heard and well-looked-after. Voters highlight friendly, skilled barbers, a relaxed atmosphere and that luxurious finishing touch – a hot towel or precisely edged fade – that keeps them coming back.
Runner-up: Montgomery’s Barber Shop
1047 Water St., Santa Cruz 95062
Favorite Chiropractor
Winner: Evolve Wellness Studio
120 Pearl Alley, Santa Cruz 95060
Evolve Wellness Studio in downtown Santa Cruz blends gentle, advanced spinal-care methods with a deep focus on nervous-system resilience and mind-body healing. Voters called out the team’s holistic approach, and one client said, “I’ve never felt like anywhere has been as committed to my happiness, growth and quality of life as Evolve.”
Runner-up: Rhythm Health & Performance
6894A Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz 95062
Favorite Dentist
Winner: Raffo Dental
2185 41st Ave., Capitola 95010
Patients of Raffo Dental in Capitola called out the welcoming team, modern office and meticulous care that make visits as painless as possible. Many say Dr. Michael J. Raffo and his staff go the extra mile to deliver gentle, confident work and put even nervous patients at ease.
Runner-up: Dientes Community Dental
Multiple locations
Favorite Esthetician
Winner: Waves to Woods Skin Care – Andrea Versaw
500 Soquel Ave., Suite B, Santa Cruz 95062
Waves to Woods Skin Care delivers deeply personalized skin care that clients consistently rave about — highlighted by founder Andrea Versaw’s holistic approach and tailored treatments. One Lookout List voter said, “Andrea is so thoughtful and wants to help our adolescents in our community build their self-confidence by helping them with their facial needs, especially acne.”
Runner-up: Yoso Wellness – Jennalee Dahlen
740 Front St. #110, Santa Cruz 95060
Favorite Float Spa
Winner: Sage Float Spa
1395 41st Ave., Capitola 95010
Those seeking a calm, sensory‑relieving experience love Sage Float Spa as it masterfully blends flotation therapy, full‑spectrum infrared sauna and expert massages. Lookout List voters called out the staff’s thoughtful guidance and the facility’s pristine, relaxing atmosphere.
Runner-up: Well Within Spa
417 Cedar St., Santa Cruz 95060
Favorite Full-Service Hair Salon
Winner: Kinship Hair Co.
114 Pearl Alley, Santa Cruz 95060
Kinship Hair Co. stands out for its team of talented stylists and inclusive, welcoming atmosphere. Lookout List voters shouted out Alanna Searcy and salon owner Megan Donovan for the consistently excellent cuts and color and added that the salon “has a wonderful ambiance.”
Runner-up: The Nook
920 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz 95062
Favorite Group Exercise Instructor
Winner: Carina Reid – Toadal Fitness
Multiple Toadal Fitness locations
Carina Reid is known for the high-energy, motivating classes she hosts at multiple Toadal Fitness locations across Santa Cruz County. Lookout List voters say she makes everyone feel empowered while delivering thoughtful guidance, and she “inspires all ages and all fitness levels in our community. She has a way of making sure everyone is noticed.”
Runner-up: Mary Kate Zolin – SPENGA
335 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz 95062
Favorite Hair Salon for Curly Hair
Winner: Urban Groove
575 7th Ave. A, Santa Cruz 95062
Urban Groove Hair Salon has built a strong reputation for its curl‑specific expertise: The salon is certified in the DevaCurl system. Their services can be tailored to waves, curls and coils thanks to stylists who understand texture helping clients feel confident about their curls.
Runner-up: Alchemy Haus of Hair
1021 Center St., Santa Cruz 95060
Lookout Staff Pick: Favorite Hair Salon for Curly Hair
After I had my second child, I decided to grow my hair out from chin length to as long as it would go for the first time since I was in high school. When it got to my chest, I realized I had no idea how to take care of my new mane, and my beachy waves always looked flat and dry. A consultation with Noelle Stapleton at Ritual Curl Studio in the Sash Mill in Santa Cruz was eye-opening. She taught me which products to use and how to care for and style my wavy hair in order to emphasize its natural curl – and set the record straight on bad habits I had picked up. I left with so much knowledge and confidence.
– Lily Belli
Favorite Hair Salon for Vivid Color
Winner: Lavish Salon
602 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz 95062
Those looking for fun, bold hair rave about Lavish Salon, as its stylists bring people’s hair goals to life in a warm, friendly environment. Lookout List voters love the creative freedom matched with expert stylists and standout results that keep them coming back again and again.
Runner-up: Alchemy Haus of Hair
1021 Center St., Santa Cruz 95060
Favorite Manicure / Pedicure
Winner: Tracy’s Nails
1420 41st Ave., Capitola 95010
Tracy’s Nails is known for its cleanliness, efficient service and great value. Lookout List voters praised the abundance of chairs and the owner’s community‑minded spirit, including philanthropic efforts supporting schools in Vietnam.
Runner-up: Aptos Nails
60 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos 95003
Lookout Staff Pick: Favorite Manicure / Pedicure
My favorite place for a mani-pedi in Santa Cruz is Escape Salon & Day Spa on Mission Street! Its services are amazing, and my nails are something I love to have done as self-care. After switching to this salon and getting builder gel, my nails are so much healthier and stronger — it’s been a total game-changer. The salon is always spotless, the staff is genuine, and they somehow always find time to fit you in. You can even get a glass of Champagne during your appointment! I can’t recommend it enough — treat yourself to a little self-care at Escape, you deserve it!
– Brittany Ramirez
Favorite Massage
Winner: Points For Wellness
5161 Soquel Dr., Suite C, Soquel 95073
Locals choose Points For Wellness for therapeutic treatments in a relaxing, welcoming space where staff are knowledgeable, attentive and professional. Lookout List voters say they leave feeling seen and supported, praising the team’s energy, and that the staff “really listen and address pain.”
Runner-up: Yvonne Horner
526 Soquel Ave., Suite D, Santa Cruz 95062
Favorite Medi-Spa / Health Center
Winner: Points For Wellness
5161 Soquel Dr., Suite C, Soquel 95073
Points For Wellness is also a local go-to for its comprehensive range of treatments that combine medical expertise with a spa-like experience. Lookout List voters highlight facials, microneedling and other advanced services, praising the knowledgeable staff, relaxing environment and results that leave them feeling rejuvenated and cared for.
Runner-up: Nurture Women’s Health & Fertility
5161 Soquel Dr., Suite C Floor 2, Soquel 95073
Favorite Favorite Naturopath / Holistic Practitioner
Winner: Santa Cruz Naturopathic Medical Center
615 Water St., Santa Cruz 95060
Wellness seekers praise Santa Cruz Naturopathic Medical Center for its whole‑person approach to care. They highlight the staff that truly listens to their stories and works to address root causes to improve their quality of life.
Runner-up: Santa Cruz Integrative Medicine
740 Front St., Suite 130, Santa Cruz 95060
Favorite Optometrist
Winner: EyeQ
1101 Pacific Ave. # E, Santa Cruz 95060
Patients of EyeQ say the practice stands out for its friendly, professional staff and optometrists who take time to listen and explain. A Lookout List voter also highlights its eyeglass selection, saying, “They have the coolest glasses, and they’re good at helping you find glasses that look good on you.”
Runner-up: Plaza Lane
1537 Pacific Ave., Suite 100, Santa Cruz 95060
Favorite Orthodontist
Winner: Sea Glass Orthodontics
824 Mission St., Suite A, Santa Cruz 95060
Sea Glass Orthodontics has earned praise for its welcoming, modern office, friendly staff and personalized care that makes both kids and adults feel at ease. Lookout List voters rave about Dr. Sophie Logan and her team with comments like “Amazing service” and “They are truly a group of intelligent, kind, caring individuals who want to make sure you are taken care of properly and with compassion.”
Runner-up: Hulme Orthodontics
1773 Dominican Way, Santa Cruz 95065
Favorite Physical Therapist
Winner: DeWitt Physical Therapy
2724 Soquel Ave, Suite B, Santa Cruz 95062
DeWitt Physical Therapy stands out for its knowledgeable, friendly and highly skilled staff who provide consistent, personalized care. Lookout List voters praised both the therapists and front desk, with one noting, “I love their hands-on approach and continuously refining the types of exercises essential for quick recovery!”
Runner-up: Precision Physical Therapy
8030 Soquel Ave., Suite 200, Santa Cruz 95062
Favorite Physical Trainer
Winner: Carina Reid – Toadal Fitness
Multiple Toadal Fitness locations
Carina Reid, who works out of multiple Toadal Fitness locations, is celebrated for her high-energy, motivating training sessions that push clients to achieve their best. Participants praise her ability to tailor workouts for all levels while keeping things fun, engaging and results-driven.
Runner-up: Jason Lenington – Toadal Fitness
Multiple Toadal Fitness locations
Favorite Solo Self-Care Day
Winner: Well Within Spa
417 Cedar St., Santa Cruz 95060
Those seeking a relaxing solo self‑care day love Well Within Spa for its serene blend of Japanese traditions and California ease. Lookout List voters highlight the private hot tub and sauna rooms and appreciate the convenience of later night hours.
Runner-up: Chaminade Resort & Spa
1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz 95065
Favorite Therapist/Counselor
Winner: Shine a Light Counseling Center
700 Frederick St., Suite 103, Santa Cruz 95062
Shine a Light Counseling Center is praised for its attentive, inclusive approach and a team of well-trained therapists ready to support a diverse range of clients. Lookout List voters highlighted the sliding-scale options and the center’s integrity and dedication, with one noting, “The folks who run Shine a Light have the highest integrity and dedication in the business.”
Runner-up: TherapyWorks
519 Capitola Ave., Suite A, Capitola 95010
Favorite Yoga/Pilates Instructor
Winner: Kate Giampapa – Santa Cruz Athletic Club
901 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz 95062
Kate Giampapa of Santa Cruz Athletic Club is celebrated for her energy, expertise and genuine love for teaching yoga and Pilates. Lookout List voters praise her work, saying, “She is the most humble, approachable teacher I’ve met,” and thank her for creating classes that are welcoming, uplifting and transformative.
Runner-up: Abigail Parr – Hotsource Yoga
7960 Soquel Dr., Aptos 95003
