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Downtown Santa Cruz Welcomes Over a Dozen New Businesses in 2026 So Far

New & Noteworthy

Santa Cruz, CA — September 3, 2026 — Commercial occupancy continues to climb in Downtown Santa Cruz, with over a dozen new businesses opening so far this year. Local residents and visitors are discovering new flavors, new styles, and new routines with specialty retail, nightlife, fitness and food businesses opening their doors.

"Downtown Santa Cruz is always evolving," said Jorian Wilkins, Executive Director of the Downtown Association of Santa Cruz. "Our community is full of entrepreneurs who want to bring their talents Downtown, and share their passions with other people. Did you know that over 85% of Downtown Santa Cruz businesses are locally owned and operated?”

Downtown Businesses: New Openings & What’s Coming Soon

These new businesses have opened in Downtown Santa Cruz in 2026 ~

  • The Alley Oop completely transformed the old Poet & Patriot, and is now serving up fine cocktails with personalized service in a rare environment at 320 Cedar Street
  • Anthropologie is keeping us on trend, in the latest styles, without having to drive over the hill at 1134 Pacific Ave
  • Gran Gelato Cafe is bringing authentic Italian excellence to every scoop and wowing critics and kids alike at 525 Cedar Street
  • Hand it Down is joyfully reselling pre-loved children’s clothing for newborns to 10 year olds at 119 Walnut Avenue
  • The Hotel is a vintage-styled cocktail lounge, bar and restaurant that has transformed the upstairs of Santa Cruz’s first hotel building at 200 Locust Street
  • India Gourmet is scratch-making naan wraps, curry plates, rice bowls, samosas, and house-made mango lassis at Abbott Square Market, 725 Front Street
  • Luna’s Boriken Bites is serving up Puerto Rican comfort food and family recipes in the Octagon building at Abbott Square Market, 725 Front Street 
  • Palmetto Superfoods is building customized acai bowls and functional smoothies designed to fuel you with fruits, fiber, protein and probiotics at 1335 Pacific Avenue
  • Portside Supply is curating the newest streetwear thrift haven, with vintage denim, designer hoodies, and quality Y2K pieces at 103 Locust Street
  • Relic & Roots is rescuing natural fiber clothing, and showing vintage finds, handmade goods and local artists in curated room vignettes at 121 Walnut Avenue 

  • RockSalt Pilates is captivating workout lovers with its award-winning combination of cardio, resistance, light weights and upbeat music at 1106 Pacific Avenue
  • Switch Bakery is giving you a reason to go gluten-free; you won’t miss it at this artisan bakery at 1016 Cedar Street
  • UMe Tea is celebrating their grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, September 5 and specials all weekend at 111 Locust Street
     

And there are more on the way! Here’s a sneak peek of what’s coming soon to Downtown Santa Cruz ~

  • Spirit Halloween will be bringing spooky seasonal energy to 1407 Pacific Avenue, the former Palace Arts location
  • Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History is renovating their permanent home and will be temporarily relocating to Downtown at 1339 Pacific Avenue - we can’t wait!
  • Con Azucar Cafe, a vibrant and culturally immersive coffee shop inspired by the rich traditions of Mexico, is under construction at 825 Pacific Avenue
  • The Breakfast Club at Midtown is not where you might think - it’s coming Downtown! - along with $1.99 smashburgers from Campus Burgers, both at 1108 Pacific Avenue
  • Tomato Tomato is putting in a new neighborhood market and specialty food store near the Downtown Farmers’ Market at 117 Walnut Avenue
  • The Burning Ember, a new romance bookstore, has scheduled their grand opening for October 30 at 1128 Pacific Avenue
  • And more!

Stay connected with new and long beloved businesses, and other happenings in Downtown Santa Cruz at www.downtownsantacruz.com. 

Learn more about the recent evolution of Downtown Santa Cruz from City Council member Scott Newsome, and about Downtown visitor statistics from City Manager, Matt Huffaker.

It’s time to come experience Downtown Santa Cruz for yourself, and see what’s new!