Pacific Avenue in the City of Santa Cruz, formerly known as the Pacific Garden Mall, runs North to South from Water Street/Mission Street and twists around a bit, eventually hitting Beach Street and the Municipal Wharf. Pacific Avenue is the center of the city's downtown. It has shops, restaurants, theatres, and interesting people. Pacific Avenue is known for street performers. Pacific Avenue has a few extra laws in force:

  • There is a noise ordinance against loud music.
  • No smoking.
  • No skating.

Pacific Avenue is one way going north to south from Mission Street to Locust Street. Pacific Avenue also has a one way section going south to north from Cathcart Street to Church Street.

This street performer is playing a modern  didgeridoo.View of Pacific Avenue from Mission Street.

Pacific Avenue is also known for street vendors. If a store wants to use the sidewalk area for selling, they need a permit. No other Pacific Avenue sidewalk sale (or barter) is legal.

To use the sidewalk to sell, merchants are required to pay a fee for a permit in advance of a sale. Often done on Memorial Day weekend. This Pacific Avenue sidewalk vendor (the one wearing fairy wings) is selling illegally.

Bike-Friendliness

Pacific Avenue has a lot of pedestrian traffic, so prepare to be patient if you drive. There are no bicycle paths, but riding is generally safe due to the slow speed of traffic. Riding on the sidewalks is not allowed. Cops have been known to give tickets to people cycling the wrong direction down the one-way portions of the street.

Public Transportation

Landmarks

Pacific Avenue at night.

Intersections

Pacific Ave. has two sections that are one way.

Parks

Major Buildings

Restaurants

Dining

Coffee/Tea

Fast Food

Sweets and Desserts

Bars and Nightclubs

Shopping

Antiques/Collectibles

Arts and Crafts

Automotive

Banking/Check Cashing

Beauty Salons

Books/CDs/DVDs

Clothes & Accessories

Electronics

Gifts

Green

Groceries/Liquor Stores

Housewares/Furniture

Media

Movie Theaters

Musical Instruments

Pipes & Smoking Supplies

Recreation

Sporting Goods

Surf/Skate

Thrift

Toys

Yoga

Hotels/Lodging

Services

Community Organizations

Public Art

Departed Businesses

Closed

Changed Location

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