Kendra Baker’s to-do list

Sunset State Beach: “It’s ironic that we live here but like to camp here. Every year, we book a bunch of campsites right when they become available. We can load up the car in the afternoon, drive over and be camping 10 minutes later.” 201 Sunset Beach Road, Watsonville. (831) 763-7063. www.parks.ca.gov La Posta: “Chef Katherine Stern used to cook at Quince in San Francisco. She has a real seasonal menu. Her vinaigrettes on salads are really punchy, and her pastas are amazing.” Look for dishes such as chitarra verde with pork sausage and broccoli di cicco. 538 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz. (831) 4572782. www.lapostarestaurant.com Beer Thirty Bottle Shop & Pour House: As the name implies, there are 30 rotating taps at this craft beer garden, offering everything from Ballast Point Red Velvet Cake Nitro to Evil Twin Liquid Double Fudge. “There are lots of games like darts and cornhole. It’s really fun. You can bring the whole family. And bring a picnic because they don’t have food here.” 2504 S. Main St., Soquel. (831) 477-9967. www.beerthirtysantacruz.com Cat & Cloud Coffee Co.: This tiny, inviting coffee shop was founded by Chris Baca, a three-time U.S. Barista Championship finalist, and Jared Truby, former head of retail for Verve Coffee Roasters in Santa Cruz. They roast their own beans on site, favoring a darker hue. “This place is like happiness on crack. Everyone who works here is so chipper.” 3600 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz. www.catandcloud.com Dig Gardens: This is a nursery, plus so much more. Think home decor such as macrame wall hangings, hand-poured candles and whimsical recycled-wood frames shaped like numbers and letters for growing succulents. Workshops teach how to build terrariums or rebloom orchids. 420 Water St., Santa Cruz. (831) 466-3444. www.dig gardens.com Bookshop Santa Cruz: Established in 1966, it survived even the ravages of the Loma Prieta quake. “This is a gem of a bookstore and a cornerstone of our community. We are proud to still have a thriving, independent bookstore.’’ 1520 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. (831) 4230900. www.bookshopsantacruz.com