Everyone seems to be talking about this little brother of tennis, cousin of pingpong and distant relative of badminton, squash and something in the U.K. called padel (Google it). Like you, perhaps, we wondered what the big deal was. So we decided to do the heavy investigative journalism for you. Spoiler alert: Pickleball is easy and addictive. If you try it, you will like it and you will want more. Here’s a guide to discovering your inner pickleballer right here in beautiful, pickleball-weather-friendly Santa Cruz County.
Westside / Downtown
Posted inGuides
Salvias, sages and succulents: A Santa Cruz gardener’s guide to dealing with drought
Lawns are so 20th century, and they’re disappearing from the local landscape. But what to plant as water supply gets increasingly problematic? We talked to the experts and have tips to get you started or keep you going.
Posted inAptos, Capitola & Soquel, Eastside / Live Oak / Pleasure Point, Guides, Watsonville / Pajaro, Westside / Downtown
Slurps up!: Lily’s guide to the best hard slushies in Santa Cruz County
Here are a dozen places to celebrate the summer with a cold buzz (beware of the brain freeze!) — and leave 7-Eleven Slurpee machine memories far in the rearview mirror.
Posted inGuides
Guide to food trucks and pop-ups in Santa Cruz County
Forty food trucks and pop-ups now dot the Santa Cruz County landscape. Call it global food tourism — within 30 minutes. Here’s where to find dumplings, Cubanos, yakitori, adobo, tapas and so much more.
Posted inCapitola & Soquel, Eastside / Live Oak / Pleasure Point, Guides, Westside / Downtown
Into the blue: Your guide to Santa Cruz coastal exploration
Whether in a kayak or on a stand-up paddleboard, the waters just off Santa Cruz County are swimming with possibilities. Take it easy in the Yacht Harbor? Cruise around a wharf? Explore the wilds off the Westside? Venture to Shark Park and the Cement Ship? Lookout has you covered no matter what you choose.
Posted inAptos, Capitola & Soquel, Corralitos / Freedom, Guides, San Lorenzo Valley, Westside / Downtown
Six hikes to get you outside and soothe the soul
The world has been a bit upside down, from COVID-19 to economic and wildfire recovery. Here’s our Lookout Guide to sanctuary and solace, especially as the pandemic grip loosens and summer blooms. These Santa Cruz County hiking paths will bring some calm to your being. Best off, they’re all free.