International VISITORS
Rustic forests, pristine California coastline, agricultural fields carpeted in green, and public art displays crafted by a passionate creative community: these are the ways in which Santa Cruz County tells its story to visitors. Heritage old growth redwood trees are nourished by restorative marine fog absorbed through its pine needles. Marine mammals, fish and invertebrates thrive in Monterey Bayβs nutrient-rich waters, once critical to survival for the native Ohlone people.
The regionβs 29 miles of coastline and acres of redwood forests are testimony to its enduring heritage of preservation and conservation, ripe for exploration and experiences.
A rich history of surfing β Californiaβs official sport β began in 1885, when three Hawaiian princes tested the swells adjacent to what is now Main Beach on boards crafted from redwood trees, and surfing was born on the mainland. Only two decades later, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk welcomed visitors as βthe Coney Island of the West Coastβ with two national historic landmarks guests still enjoy today.
Things to do seem endless here: discover a forested trail through a lush riparian corridor under a canopy of redwood trees; take a breezy sail on the majestic Monterey Bay; or experience the rush of a 17-mile mountain bike ride on a downhill single track.
If farm to table is your thing, youβll feel right at home The roots of the organic farming movement are literally in the soil at the Center for Agroecology at U.C. Santa Cruz, where researchers found gentler, alternative ways to grow and harvest fresh produce in concert with natural elements. Weekly farmerβs markets showcase local produce, which are sourced by chefs around the county.
These natural surroundings provide inspiration to an eclectic array of consciously creative artists, modern but mindful. An abundance of live music, theater and fine arts accompany local festivals, celebrations and performances – all inspired by the county’s continuous, artistic energy.
Santa Cruz County cordially invites you to explore the region with the fervor, passion, and open-mindedness that defines the destination. Welcome!
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Travel to Santa Cruz County by car from San Francisco via scenic Highway 17 or iconic Highway 1 along the coastline, which will take approximately 90 minutes and is approximately 60 miles/96 km south. Driving from southern California, Santa Cruz County is approximately 349 miles/562 km north of Los Angeles and 30 minutes north of Monterey.
Santa Cruz County
Destinations
70 miles south of San Francisco, 35 miles north of Monterey, and unabashedly left of center, youβll find great surf, sandy beaches, redwood-covered mountains, laid-back towns organic farms, and a burgeoning beer and wine scene. Itβs impossible to pick one place to visit in Santa Cruz County. Take a quick cruz of them all!
Picture Yourself Here
Get inspired and start planning your next visit to Santa Cruz County. #VisitSantaCruz
No further explanation needed. π«
Whatβs your favorite hike to boost your mood? π²π₯Ύ
π Castle Rock State Park, Goat Rock Trail
Videos π₯ | @dgsc
#visitsantacruz #santacruz #santacruzmountains #hiking #hike #hikes #summer #summerhikes #goatrock
Wish you were hereβ¦ Capitola Twilight Concert happening now! π πΆ π΄
Didnβt make this one? There are plenty more this summer! Check below for more summer concerts in Santa Cruz County:
π΄ WEDNESDAYS: Capitola Twilight Concerts; Wednesdays thru August 27; 6pm-8pm
π THURSDAYS: Crowβs Nest Beach Parties; Thursdays thru August 28; beach BBQ begins at 5:30; band begins at 8:30 ($5 cover)
π΅ FRIDAYS: Midtown Summer Block Parties; Fridays thru August 29; 5pm-8:30ish
π¦ TUESDAYS: Live Summer Wharf Concert Series; August 12, August 26, and September 9; 6pm-8pm
Those are just a few faves, but thereβs a whole lot more! Check out bio link and story for dates, times, and details! π
Video πΉ | @dgsc
#visitsantacruz #capitola #santacruz #twilightconcert #capitolavillage #summer #summervibes #livemusic
When was the last time you went in the ocean here? Wetsuit or nah? Tell us below! πββοΈππββοΈπ©³ππ©΄
Drone Videos π₯ | @impactcreative
#santacruz #santacruzcounty #pleasurepoint #visitsantacruz #surfing #surf #surfer #pacificocean
Santa Cruz Summer Color Palette π¨
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What are your summer favorites in Santa Cruz County? ποΈπΉπ―π¦π₯Ύ
#visitsantacruz #santacruz #santacruzcounty #capitola #felton #aptos #watsonville #bouldercreek #davenport #scottsvalley #benlomond #summercolor #summercolors #summer #summervibes
Happy 4th from Santa Cruz County! We hope you have a happy and safe holiday wherever youβre celebrating this year! Cheers! πΊπΈ
Video πΉ | @dgsc
#happy4th #4thofjuly #capitola #visitsantacruz capitolawharf #capitolavillage july4th #santacruz #santacruzcounty
Whoβs due for a north coast sunset? π€
From Wilder Ranch to AΓ±o Neuvo, the north county sunsets just hit a little differentβ¦ π
Videos π₯ | @dgsc & @beningramvisuals
#visitsantacruz #sunset #wilderranch #coastdairies@#summer #sunsets #sunsetgram #sunsetvibes #santacruz #davenport #santacruzcounty
Spirit animalβ¦ π¦ On a scale of 1-10, how much do you love these guys?
Want to see sea lions? Visit the @santacruzharbor! How about harbor seals? Head to Wilder Ranch State Park and take the Old Cove Landing Trail!
#sealions #seals #sealion #harborseals #santacruz #santacruzharbor #wilderranch #visitsantacruz #layarounder #zoomies #spiritanimal
Whatβs your favorite thing about the Santa Cruz @beachboardwalk? The Giant Dipperπ’? The Dream Wheel π‘? The Looff Carousel π ? The games π? The treats π¦π¬π and eats π₯ππ?
Tell us below! β¬οΈ
#visitsantacruz #santacruz #summerinsantacruz #beachboardwalk #santacruzbeachboardwalk #summer #summerclassics #boardwalk
Are you answering?
#santacruz #santacruzcounty #visitsantacruz #oceancalling #centralcoasting
Sunday summer scenes from Henry Cowellβ¦ ποΈπ€οΈπ²πΏπ΄πΏοΈ Whatβs your favorite view?
π Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
π₯Ύ River Trail β‘οΈ Eagle Creek β‘οΈ Pipeline β‘οΈ Redwood Grove Loop Trail
#henrycowell #henrycowellredwoodsstatepark #redwoods #hiking #hikes #getoutside #sundaymoodβοΈ #sunday #sanlorenzoriver #santacruzmountains #santacruz #summerinsantacruz #summer #visitsantacruz
Summer in Santa Cruz >>>
Beach days ποΈ , events πΊπΈ, outdoor live music πΆ , cold beers πΊ, huge cones π¦, river and forest hangs and hikes π², and the best Santa Cruz summer vibe – itβs time to get here!
Whatβs your favorite summer view in Santa Cruz County?
#summer #santacruz #santacruzcounty #happysummer #vacationmode #summerinsantacruz #visitsantacruz
How many of these summer favorites have you been to in the Santa Cruz Mountains? π²
1) @roaringcamp Railroads: Ride a train through the redwoods to the @beachboardwalk! π’ You can also walk and picnic on the beautiful grounds. π¦ Leashed dogs welcome. Call ahead if you plan to bring your pup on the train.
2) Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Hike for miles or cool off in the river, the parkβs towering redwoods and cool waters are perfect for summer heatwaves. π² Leashed dogs allowed on certain trails and fire roads.
3) Loch Lomond Reservoir: This seasonal treasure is open all summer long (minus Wednesdays). Rent a paddle boat or a motor boat! Fish, picnic, hike and hang with a gorgeous Santa Cruz Mountain backdrop. (No swimming or contact with water allowed here. If you want to get in the water, go to Henry Cowell) π Leashed dogs allowed.
Where are you headed this summer in Santa Cruz County?
Content π· | @beningramvisuals / @desireexc / @impactcreative
#santacruzmountains #santacruz #visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty #roaringcamp #henrycowellredwoodsstatepark #henrycowell #lochlomondreservoir #felton #benlomond #sanlorenzovalley #redwoods
All before noon todayβ¦ Pleasure Point summer days are simply perfection! ππΌπΆπ― And best believe they always lead to burritos from @thepointmarket!
Whatβs your favorite beach for summers in Santa Cruz County? ποΈ
#pleasurepoint #santacruz #vacation #summer #centralcoast #goodmorning #montereybay #pointmarket #burrito #thebarrel
Summer weather in Santa Cruz = weβll sit outside. βοΈ Whatβs your favorite restaurant to dine al fresco? The @crowsnestsantacruz clearly has it dialed with views + great food and drinks! β΅οΈ
Photos π· | @thecuratedfeast / @wolfpeachcreative
#dinealfresco #patiodining #patiolife #santacruzharbor #crowsnest #santacruz #visitsantacruz #harbor #crowsnestsantacruz
Add this to your summer bucket list in Santa Cruz County: a bucket of u-pick roses at @birdsongorchards in Watsonville! Literally slow down and smell the roses as you walk through the flower fields and pick your perfect bouquet. Be sure to say hi to the farmβs emus, llamas, goats, and chickens too! Reservations are required! Check below for more details:
π» Reservations are required and can be done on the Birdsong website.
βοΈ $50 per πͺ£ of πΉ. Each bucket will fit 25-30 stems of 12-18 inches. Birdsong provides a bucket with water for you to keep.
πΉ Potted roses are also available for purchase.
π¦ Say hello through the fence to the llamas, emus, chickens and goats!
π This farm has an astonishing number of fruits (plus, walnuts and avocados)! From apples to citrus, stone fruit to figs, and loquats to persimmons, the orchard is always working on delicious produce. The farmβs bounty serves many restaurants in Santa Cruz, Carmel, Monterey, San Francisco and beyond. During the summer and fall, they also have an open fruit and flower stand at the farm on Sundays 10 am – 2 pm. U-pick fruit is also a seasonal possibility, so be sure to ask!
Whoβd ready for a fun summer outing at Birdsong Orchards?
Video + Photos π· | @dgsc
#birdsongorchards #upick #youpick #upickroses #youpickroses #rosegarden #roses #flowerfarm #rosefarm #watsonville #santacruz #visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty #santacruzbucketlist
Pro tip: Grab an @umetea and skyrocket your beach day vibe. ππ§ποΈ
From Brown Sugar Boba, Coco Mango Slushies, Matcha Melon Coco, CrΓ¨me BrΓ»lΓ©e Thai Tea, and dozens of other refreshing creations, youβre sure to find something youβll love at Ume Tea.
The little pink storefront is located at 46 Front Street, right by the @santacruzwharf roundabout, behind Las Palmas Taco Bar.
Have you been yet? Stop in and tell us what you think!
#santacruz #umetea #santacruzumetea #beachday #beachboardwalk #santacruzwharf #visitsantacruz
There are TWO car shows you donβt want to miss this month! The Capitola Rod and Custom Car Show on June 14 and Woodies on the Wharf on June 21! Read below for more details and be sure to add these classic car shows by the beach to your June calendar!
π Capitola Rod and Custom Car Show
π Saturday, June 14, 9am – 5pm
π @capitolavillage
π΄ Featuring Hot Rods, Muscle Cars, Coupes, Roadsters, Customs and Classics β vintage to 1987 β Vendor Booths, Music, Raffle, Trophies, and more.
π
ΏοΈ Beach and Village Parking Lot 2 (Lower) located behind City Hall at 420 Capitola Avenue. This lot has over 220 spaces and offers a free summer shuttle to the Village.
π Woodies on the Wharf
π Saturday, June 21, 10am – 3:30pm
π @santacruzwharf
π Come see the more than 200 βWoodiesβ, gorgeous, pre-1950s cars that feature wood bodies, line the Santa Cruz Wharf. Stroll the Wharf and enjoy dozens of shops and restaurants and stellar coastal views while you soak up the sun and beauty of Northern Californiaβs premier βWoodieβ show. At 3:30pm, be sure to take part in the Woodies Send-Off Parade!
π
ΏοΈ Alternative transportation available to the wharf including free bike valet and @the_santacruzer Beach and Downtown Shuttle ($1)
Hope to see you in Capitola and on the Santa Cruz Wharf this June! ππ΄ποΈβοΈπ
Video Clips πΉ | @jennday77
#visitsantacruz #santacruz #capitolacarshow #capitola #capitolavillage #santacruzwharf #woodiesonthewharf #santacruzcalifornia #juneinsantacruz #carshows #classiccarahows #woodies #oldcars
Doesnβt take much to keep us happy! How about you? βοΈππ¬οΈ Whatβs your favorite beach for a little coastal summer sun?
Video Clips π₯ | @dgsc
#visitsantacruz #summerbeachdays #beachdays #summer #californiacoast #visitcalifornia #montereybay #laselvabeach #wilderranch #capitolabeach #westcliffdrive #naturalbridges
Free concerts by the beach, music in the park, and more, are waiting to take a spot on your summer schedule in Santa Cruz County! Check our blog π in our bio or story for the full concert lineup and dates PLUS, free movies too!
βͺοΈTuesday Night Live Summer Wharf Concert Series: May 13, June 10, June 24, July 8, August 12, August 26, September 9
βͺοΈThursday Night Beach Parties at the Crowβs Nest: May 22 β August 28
βͺοΈMidtown Fridays Summer Block Party: May 30 – August 29
βͺοΈEvenings on the Colonnade at the @Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: June 19 β August 7
βͺοΈCapitola Twilight Concert Series in the @capitolavillage: June 11 β August 27
βͺοΈCapitola Sunday Art & Music at the Beach: June 22, July 20, August 3, and August 17
βͺοΈMusic in the Plaza β Watsonville: June 20, July 4, July 18, August 1, August 15, September 5
βͺοΈBargetto Wineryβs Thursday Night Music in the Courtyard: May β September
βͺοΈJunction Park in Boulder Creek: June 18, June 25, July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30
βͺοΈMusic at Skypark in Scotts Valley: August 24 and September 28
Know of more? Drop them in the comments below!
#santacruz #santacruzcounty #capitola #watsonville #bouldercreek #scottsvalley freemusic #freeconcerts #summermusic #summerinsantacruz #visitsantacruz
Hello, June, and hello, coastline. π Whatβs your favorite beach on the best coast/West Coast? π΄πͺ»π
Busy beach days with oceanfront restaurants or coastal perches to listen to the waves, thereβs the perfect spot for everyone on the Santa Cruz coast. See you soon! βπΌ
Video Clips πΉ | @dgsc
Locations π: @capitolavillage, La Selva Beach, Lighthouse Field State Beach
#santacruz #visitsantacruz #capitola #laselvabeach #laselva #santacruzcounty #capitolavillage #june #bestcoast #westcoast #summervibes #summerinsantacruz #summer
Collecting moments. Summer looks good on Capitola Village. These Memorial Day Weekend moments were the perfect kick-off to the summer season. The bright blues in the sky and water, colorful flora swaying in the coastal breeze, waves crashing, the sun casting its golden glow – they all make a special moment in time. What scene do you want to step into? π΄
Photo πΉ | @dgsc
#capitola #cinematic #capitolavillage #santacruz #visitsantacruz #capitolalove #capitolacalifornia #visitcalifornia #moments #collectingmoments
Where awe meets exploration. π€ Castle Rock State Park has a way of surprising you. Impressive rock formations, incredible vistas and sunsets, serendipitous discoveries of descending rock climbers, and a deep connection with the natural world, Castle Rock leaves room for adventure and discovery. What moment is your favorite? πͺ¨
Videos π₯ | @dgsc
#castlerock #castlerockstatepark #goatrock #hiking #santacruzmountains #santacruz #visitsantacruz #rockcliming #hikesantacruz
Wishing you all a beautiful Memorial Day from Santa Cruz County. β€οΈπ€π We are forever grateful for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. ππΊπΈ
Photo π· | @beningramvisuals / @hellobeningram
#memorialday #thankyou #happymemorialday #neverforget #santacruz #waltonlighthouse #chardonnaysailing #visitsantacruz
Subtle Memorial Day Weekend hintsβ¦ Send this to your beach babes and besties. ποΈ
Video πΉ | @beningramvisuals / @hellobeningram
#takemetotheocean #santacruz #beach #beachdays #memorialdayweekwnd #memorialday #twinlakesbeach #twinlakes #santacruzbeaches #visitsantacruz
