After an incredible inaugural year, The Lookout List returns for its second annual celebration of Santa Cruz County, and Lookout Santa Cruz wants to hear your opinion on the people, places, businesses, and experiences that make our community such a special place to live, work, and play.
Whether you’re nominating your favorite coffee shop, local artist, real-estate agent, nonprofit, live music venue, restaurant for birthday celebrations, or dining pop-ups, The Lookout List is your opportunity to celebrate the favorites that define Santa Cruz County.
Nominations are now open
From Monday, August 10, through Sunday, September 6, readers can submit write-in nominations across dozens of categories celebrating their favorite local businesses, organizations, people, places, and experiences.
When the nomination period closes, the top five nominees in each category will advance to the final voting period.
Final Voting begins September 21
The final voting period runs from Monday, September 21, through Sunday, October 18, giving the community one final opportunity to vote for their favorites.
Beginning Monday, November 9, we’ll begin unveiling this year’s Lookout List Winners and Runners-Up, revealing one category group each business day over the following two weeks.
More than bragging rights
Recognition in the Lookout List extends well beyond the campaign itself.
This year’s Winners and Runners-Up will receive:
- A commemorative certificate
- An official Lookout List window sticker
- Discounted advertising opportunities with Lookout Santa Cruz
- Permanent recognition on the 2026 Lookout List category pages
- Additional exposure through potential Lookout editorial features, guides, and other community initiatives throughout the coming year
Celebrate what makes Santa Cruz County special
The Lookout List is all about recognizing the people, places, businesses, and experiences that make Santa Cruz County one of a kind.
So spread the word, nominate your favorites, encourage your friends and family to participate, and help us celebrate the local favorites that make our community so special.
The Lookout List is proudly sponsored by Bay Federal Credit Union and New Leaf Community Markets.
