Don't be fooled by the name, this isn't an indoor mall. Instead, it's a very pretty shopping zone filled with interesting shops and restaurants including three large bookstores, some chain stores (Gap, Coldstone, Starbucks) and many smaller homegrown places to check out.

Don't miss local favorites Annie Glass, Bookshop Santa Cruz, Lulu Carpenters, Logos, Zoccoli's Deli, O'Neill's, and lots more.

The best shopping is on Pacific Ave. between Front St. and Cathcart St. Below Cathcart, the offerings become spotty and the street crowd less savory.

Look for the street musicians, especially on weekends or warm evenings. Some are very good! The "Pink Umbrella Man" is a fixture who walks silently up and down the mall, and he will even let you take his photograph. Very Santa Cruz!