High above the Santa Cruz Harbor is a Coast Guard lookout, called a "Crow's Nest." It serves as a weather station, observation tower and base for rescue operations. Directly beneath is one of Monterey Bay's most popular restaurants, known by the same name. Expansive waterfront windows, a friendly atmosphere and exceptional food make the Crow's Nest a favorite of locals and visitors alike.

From virtually every table, the first-story dining room and second-story lounge and outdoor decks afford one of the most magnificent vistas on the West Coast. The unobstructed view stretches across the bay to Monterey, out to the open ocean, and north to picturesque beaches, the wharf and lighthouse. The restaurant's history stretches back to humble beginnings at the opening of the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor in 1964 as a small coffee shop.

In 1969, two restaurateurs acquired it, remodeled it extensively, created our famous menu and the Crow's Nest was born. In 1978, present owners Bob Munsey and Ted Burke took the helm, acquiring the famous Shadowbrook Restaurant in Capitola at the same time. The stunning second floor of the Crow's Nest was added in 1983, and enhanced in 1999 by an expansive beachfront deck. In recent years, the addition of rich woods and luminous works of glass art throughout both levels of the restaurant create a backdrop of classic California warmth. The unique collection of vintage surfboards and local surf photography on display complete the unforgettable ambiance of the Crow's Nest.