Succulent flowers on West Cliff Drive during sunset. Photographed by Liz Birnbaum, The Curated Feast

FIND YOUR AWE.

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. Opt for a hip boutique property or a classic resort with a view. And don’t forget your dog: many properties are pet-friendly!

Destinations

70 miles south of San Francisco, 35 miles north of Monterey, and unabashedly left of center, you’ll find great surf, sandy beaches, redwood-covered mountains, laid-back towns organic farms, and a burgeoning beer and wine scene. It’s impossible to pick one place to visit in Santa Cruz County. Take a quick cruz of them all!

Get inspired and start planning your next visit to Santa Cruz County.  #VisitSantaCruz

Have you been? Don’t miss the free Twilight Concerts in Capitola this summer! Happening every Wednesday through August 27th, you don’t want to miss this summertime classic! Enjoy the weather, great live tunes, the beautiful venue (aka, the beach), and all the shops and restaurants of this adorable coastal village. 

Great vibes, good times! See you at the next one! ✌🏼 

Concerts are free and happening every Wednesday through August 27th. Music starts at 6pm. Bring a blanket or low back chair; grab dinner in the @capitolavillage or pack a picnic! Super kid-friendly event! 

Please note, no dogs or alcohol allowed in the park or beach. 

Videos 🎥 | @dgsc 

#visitsantacruz #capitola #visitcapitola #santacruzcounty #calitolavillage #twilightconcert #capitolatwilightconcerts #capitolatwilightconcert #summer #summervibes #beachconcert #livemusic
Strawberry lovers unite! 🍓 Don’t miss the Annual Watsonville Strawberry Festival, Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3! With strawberry tacos 🌮, strawberry pizza 🍕, strawberry beer & beer floats 🍺, and strawberry kettle corn 🍿- just to name a few, there’s no shortage of strawberry creations that will have you putting this event on your calendar every year! 

What are you wanting to try this year? Read more about Strawberry Festival below! 

The Watsonville Strawberry Festival provides a fun, family-friendly experience in historic downtown Watsonville. Head to the plaza for a full weekend of carnival attractions, live entertainment and delicious strawberry treats! Shop a variety of local artisans, businesses and specialty vendors for a unique shopping experience.

🍓Delicious foods, family activities, vendors, and live entertainment!
🎨 There will be a collaborative mural everyone can participate in, regardless of art skills.
🍺There will be new strawberry-infused foods, including strawberry beer!
🖼️At Watsonville Center for the Arts, there will be a special gallery display showcasing the rich history of strawberries.
🚌The Strawberry Festival is paired up with the SC Metro to offer bus service from the South County Gov. Center lot on 500 Westridge Drive to the downtown Metro station.
⏰ Saturday, August 2 | 11 AM – 8 PM – Fun Run (Registration required), Carnival, Entertainment, Food, Arts & Crafts, Strawberries & More
⏰Sunday, August 3 | 11 AM – 7 PM – Carnival, Entertainment, Food, Arts & Crafts, Strawberries & More

Please note, no dogs allowed at this event. 

#watsonvillestrawberryfestival #visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty #watsonville #strawberries #strawberry #strawberryfestival #santacruz
July diaries from Santa Cruz… and we aren’t done yet! 🌊🦀🐚🌿

#visitsantacruz #santacruz #santacruzcounty #summer #julydiaries #july #visitcalifornia #california #californiasummer
Low tide PARADISE! 🌊🐚🦀 The end of July is giving some fun low tide opportunities in Santa Cruz! Save this post for dates and times - and remember to explore safely and responsibly. Watch your step and keep the creatures and their habitats safe as you enjoy these summertime low tides! 

End of July low tides:
Saturday, 7/26 @ 6:27 am: -0.9
Sunday, 7/27 @ 7:02 am: -0.4
Monday, 7/28 @ 7:35 am: 0.1
Tuesday, 7/29 @ 8:06 am: 0.7
Wednesday, 7/30 @ 8:36 am: 1.3
Thursday, 7/31 @ 9:05 am: 1.9

Pleasure Point & Natural Bridges are two great spots to explore.

#visitsantacruz #santacruz #santacruzcounty #summer #lowtides #tidepools #tidepooling #tidepool #summerinsantacruz
Low tide PARADISE! 🌊🐚🦀 The end of July is giving some fun low tide opportunities! Save this post for dates and times - and remember to explore safely and responsibly. Watch your step and keep the creatures and their habitats safe as you enjoy these summertime low tides! 

End of July low tides:
Saturday, 7/26 @ 6:27 am: -0.9
Sunday, 7/27 @ 7:02 am: -0.4
Monday, 7/28 @ 7:35 am: 0.1
Tuesday, 7/29 @ 8:06 am: 0.7
Wednesday, 7/30 @ 8:36 am: 1.3
Thursday, 7/31 @ 9:05 am: 1.9

Pleasure Point & Natural Bridges are two great spots to explore.

#visitsantacruz #santacruz #santacruzcounty #summer #lowtides #tidepools #tidepooling #tidepool #summerinsantacruz
Do you recognize any of these coastal beauties??? 🌊🌴🏡 Tell us below!

You can find all sorts of architectural beauty in the coastal neighborhoods of Santa Cruz County! La Selva, Capitola, Pleasure Point, Seabright, and West Cliff are all featured here! What other coastal neighborhoods and nooks do you love to stroll? 

Photos 📷 | @dgsc, @thecuratedfeast, @beningramvisuals 

#visitsantacruz #santacruz #santacruzcounty #beachhouse #beachbungalow #coastalliving #coast #livingonthecoast
Who’s watching who???? 👀 What’s your favorite animal or creature to spot in Santa Cruz County? #wildlifewatching 

Here’s a few ideas:
🦭 Sea lions & seals at the Wharf or Wilder Ranch 
🦦 Sea otters everywhere in the Bay
🐋 Whales from the coast or by boat
🦌 Deer in the forests
🍌🐌 Banana slugs in the redwoods
🦋 Monarchs in the fall and winter
🦀 Crabs and creatures during low tides
🦆 Ducks, geese, and birdwatching 
🐦 Hummingbirds at the Arboretum
🦎 Newts and salamanders from the trails 

There are a bunch more too! What’s your favorite?

And of course, wildlife always gets the right of way. Keep your distance and stay on designated trails when hiking around. Let’s help keep the animals and their habitats safe! 

In this video:
Sea lion footage taken with a zoom lens from a kayak tour with @venturequestkayaks on the @santacruzwharf. Goose and deer footage taken with a zoom lens at Quail Hollow Ranch. 

#visitsantacruz #santacruz #santacruzcounty #wildlifewatching #wildlifephotography #wildlifelovers #wildlife #montereybay #wildlifeofinstagram
4 spots we can’t get out of our head… thus, you should probably all go! 

1. @11thhourcoffee for lunch! From the protein bowl and the breakfast buscuit to the matcha lemonade and cardamom rose cake - this is order perfection! And the patio seating is gold! ☀️ 

2. @oswaldrestaurant also for lunch! This is one of those, #iykyk situations… their burger is many people’s favorite Santa Cruz burger - which says a whole lot! The fried chicken and fresh salad options are next level and make even a midday meal feel like a classy affair. 🍴

3. @missionhillcreamery is such a great spot on the main drag of Pacific Avenue! In the mood for a sweet treat? Add their toasted marshmallow to your scoop(s) for over the top goodness. 🍦

4. @gabrielita_tamaleria is truly a hidden gem! Don’t miss the little kiosk selling the most delicious tamales! The toppings accompany the quality tamale and add a nice fresh pop of color and flavor! 🫔 

#visitsantacruz #santacruz #foodie #letseat #santacruzfood #foodinsantacruz #dowtownsantacruz #santacruzcounty
A summer sail = a Santa Cruz bucket list must! ⛵️ Sun, waves, views, wine, and a good time, sailing on the Bay is the perfect summer activity in Santa Cruz!

Videos 🎥 | @dgsc on @chardonnaysailing 

#visitsantacruz #santacruz #santacruzcounty #summer #chardonnaysailingcharters #santacruzharbor #beachboardwalk #santacruzwharf #pleasurepoint #sailing #montereybay
No further explanation needed. 🚫 
What’s your favorite hike to boost your mood? 🌲🥾

📍 Castle Rock State Park, Goat Rock Trail

Videos 🎥 | @dgsc 

#visitsantacruz #santacruz #santacruzmountains #hiking #hike #hikes #summer #summerhikes #goatrock
Wish you were here… Capitola Twilight Concert happening now! 🌊 🎶 🌴

Didn’t make this one? There are plenty more this summer! Check below for more summer concerts in Santa Cruz County:

🌴 WEDNESDAYS: Capitola Twilight Concerts; Wednesdays thru August 27; 6pm-8pm

🌊 THURSDAYS: Crow’s Nest Beach Parties; Thursdays thru August 28; beach BBQ begins at 5:30; band begins at 8:30 ($5 cover) 

🎵 FRIDAYS: Midtown Summer Block Parties; Fridays thru August 29; 5pm-8:30ish 

🦭 TUESDAYS: Live Summer Wharf Concert Series; August 12, August 26, and September 9; 6pm-8pm

Those are just a few faves, but there’s a whole lot more! Check out bio link and story for dates, times, and details! 📆 

Video 📹 | @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! 🏄‍♂️👙🏄‍♀️🩳🏄🩴

Drone Videos 🎥 | @impactcreative 

#santacruz #santacruzcounty #pleasurepoint #visitsantacruz #surfing #surf #surfer #pacificocean
Santa Cruz Summer Color Palette 🎨 
🩷💚🩵💙💜❤️🧡💛
🌸🌲🐬🌊🪻🍓🌅🍹
🍬🌿🐋🫐🍇🍷⛵️☀️

What are your summer favorites in Santa Cruz County? 🏖️🍹🌯🍦🥾

#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 you’re celebrating this year! Cheers! 🇺🇸

Video 📹 | @dgsc 

#happy4th #4thofjuly #capitola #visitsantacruz capitolawharf #capitolavillage july4th #santacruz #santacruzcounty
Who’s due for a north coast sunset? 🤚

From Wilder Ranch to Año Neuvo, the north county sunsets just hit a little different… 🌅

Videos 🎥 | @dgsc & @beningramvisuals 

#visitsantacruz #sunset #wilderranch #coastdairies@#summer #sunsets #sunsetgram #sunsetvibes #santacruz #davenport #santacruzcounty
Spirit animal… 🦭 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
What’s your favorite thing about the Santa Cruz @beachboardwalk? The Giant Dipper🎢? The Dream Wheel 🎡? The Looff Carousel 🎠? The games 🏀? The treats 🍦🍬🍭 and eats 🥙🍟🍗? 

Tell us below! ⬇️ 

#visitsantacruz #santacruz #summerinsantacruz #beachboardwalk #santacruzbeachboardwalk #summer #summerclassics #boardwalk
Are you answering? 

#santacruz #santacruzcounty #visitsantacruz #oceancalling #centralcoasting
Summer in Santa Cruz >>> 
Beach days 🏖️ , events 🇺🇸, outdoor live music 🎶 , cold beers 🍺, huge cones 🍦, river and forest hangs and hikes 🌲, and the best Santa Cruz summer vibe - it’s time to get here! 

What’s 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? 🌲 

1) @roaringcamp Railroads: Ride a train through the redwoods to the @beachboardwalk! 🎢 You can also walk and picnic on the beautiful grounds. 🦆 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 park’s towering redwoods and cool waters are perfect for summer heatwaves. 🌲 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) 😊 Leashed dogs allowed.

Where are you headed this summer in Santa Cruz County?

Content 📷 | @beningramvisuals / @desireexc / @impactcreative 

#santacruzmountains #santacruz #visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty #roaringcamp #henrycowellredwoodsstatepark #henrycowell #lochlomondreservoir #felton #benlomond #sanlorenzovalley #redwoods