Santa Cruz County is located on California’s Central Coast, 65 miles south of San Francisco and 35 miles north of Monterey. Situated on the northern side of Monterey Bay and hugged by redwood forested mountains, Santa Cruz County has 29 miles of beaches and an extraordinary number of state parks and beaches – 14 in all – and each offers a unique experience for visitors. The nearest airport is in San Jose, 30 miles northeast of Santa Cruz.

Climate

Mild, with summer temperatures in the mid-70s and winter temperatures in the mid-50s. The sun shines 300 days a year and the humidity is low for a coastal city. Average rainfall is 31 inches per year, with most of the rainfall occurring between November and April. Occasional fog due to changing Pacific currents.

History

Santa Cruz County received its first visitors about 12,000 years ago, according to extensive archaeological research. Since then, from the Ohlone Indians to Gold Rush settlers and now you, people have come to find that the beaches are truly just the beginning in Santa Cruz County. Santa Cruz community’s architecture, natural resources, agricultural industry, arts and culture, and social diversity originate from a scintillating history worth learning more about!

Where to Stay

From a hotel on the beach, to a quaint inn or bed and breakfast, to a vacation rental for the family or a rustic campground, you can rest easy in Santa Cruz County. Inspirational places to stay near beaches, redwood forests or in quaint seaside towns offer an array of choices when it comes to amenities and settings. Opt for a hip boutique property or a classic resort with a view. And don’t forget your dog: many properties are pet-friendly!

Find a Place to Stay

Where to Dine

Santa Cruz County’s farmer’s markets are the inspiration for the farm-to-table scene at popular restaurants throughout the county. Opt for a sidewalk café or bistro, casual eatery at the beach or on the wharf, or elegant setting for a romantic dinner. Taste artisan ice cream, made from locally-sourced ingredients at a sweet spot surrounded by boutiques and shops. Drop in at a local coffee shop and hang with the locals as you sip a cup of flavorful, artisan-roasted brew. Stop by a lively brewery and sample craft beer, or spend a leisurely afternoon at a wine tasting room with a vineyard view in a rural setting.  Or satisfy your sweet tooth at a beloved local bakery, where everything is made from scratch.

Find Fod & Drinks

What o Do

In Santa Cruz County, the fun only begins at the beach. With over 14 state parks, wineries, museums, farmer’s markets, surfing, shopping, and family fun activities, there are plenty of things to do. Visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Roaring Camp Railroads, the Santa Cruz Wharf, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and other attractions that are quintessentially Santa Cruz County. Taste complimentary sparkling apple cider samples at the tasting bar at Martinelli’s Company Store. Try your hand at a you-pick farm, and gather seasonal strawberries, olallieberries, and apples.  Pet a live shark at a local aquarium, say hello to a King Snake at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History across from Seabright State Beach, or catch a glimpse of the Monterey Bay as you zip around on the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Want to experience the redwoods but are traveling with small children or grandparents? Hop aboard Roaring Camp Railroads and take an hour-long ride through a forest filled with majestic trees.

Find Things to Do