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 donโt forget your dog: many properties are pet-friendly!
Santa Cruz County
Destinations
70 miles south of San Francisco, 35 miles north of Monterey, and unabashedly left of center, youโll find great surf, sandy beaches, redwood-covered mountains, laid-back towns, organic farms, and a burgeoning beer and wine scene. Itโs 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
Can we get an amen? Capitola is the springiest little beach town on the California coast! The @capitolavillage is always a kaleidoscope of color with its palette of pastel buildings and vibrant murals, but come spring, the coastal blooms burst with even more springtime hues! ๐ธ๐ชป๐๐ผ๐บ
Be sure to visit Capitola this spring for a pop of color and a total mood boost!
Video ๐น | @dgsc
#capitola #santacruz #visitsantacruz #spring #californiacoast
Bringing that spring energy! โจ๐โ๏ธ๐ฒ๐ข What are looking forward to this season in Santa Cruz County? Beach days, seaside strolls, banana slug hikes, Giant Dipper rides with a side of cotton candy? Tell us below!
And shoutout to our locals featured! Can you spot anyone you recognize? ๐
Video Production ๐ฅ | @impactcreative
#visitsantacruz #findyourawe #santacruz #santacruzcounty #spring
NOW OPEN! Loch Lomond Recreation Area is now open for the season! Hiking, boating, or fishing, this peaceful reservoir is a great destination in the Santa Cruz Mountains. ๐ฒ ๐ฃ ๐ถ Check below for operating hours:
March: 7 AM – 7 PM (Friday – Monday)
April: 7 AM – 7:30 PM (Thursday – Tuesday)
May: 7 AM – 8 PM (Thursday – Tuesday)
June: 7 AM – 8:30 PM (Thursday – Tuesday)
July: 7 AM – 8:30 PM (Thursday – Tuesday)
August โ Labor Day: 7 AM – 8 PM (Thursday – Tuesday)
Labor Day โ Second Weekend of October: 7 AM – 6 PM (Saturday and Sunday Only)
FAQs for visiting:
โช๏ธLoch Lomond is seasonal: Operating from March through mid-October; see above for exact days and times.
โช๏ธVehicle Fee $10, Season Pass $100.
โช๏ธArrive early to snag one of the limited parking spaces closest to the lake.
โช๏ธNO swimming or contact with water is allowed.
โช๏ธThere are 12 miles of hiking trails to explore around the loch.
โช๏ธRent an electric motorboat or a rowboat from the Park Store, or call ahead to reserve your boat: 831-335-7424
โช๏ธFishing is welcome, and licenses can be obtained from the Park Store.
โช๏ธPicnicking is available at many parts of the park. Bring your own charcoal if you plan to BBQ.
โช๏ธFree boat tours of Loch Lomond on the Newell Jewell are offered during the second weekend of each month, Saturday and Sunday, 11 AM-noon. Tours can accommodate 25 people, and you can sign up at the Park Store. First come, first served.
โช๏ธLoch Lomond Recreation Area is dog-friendly, so bring your pup along! Leashes are required, and make sure they stay on trail and out of the water! And of course, clean up after your pooch.
โช๏ธCheck out the โLoch Walksโ that are hosted by a variety of ornithologists, botanists, and more. Discover dates and more information here.
โช๏ธPlease respect this natural space and keep it natural for years to come. Pack your trash, carpool, and leave it better than you found it.
โช๏ธThe road up is narrow and through neighborhoods. Please respect the residents and drive with caution.
Video ๐ฅ | @dgsc
#lochlomondrecreationarea #lochlomond #santacruz #santacruzmountains #visitsantacruz
February, youโve been the sweetest. ๐
Whatโs your favorite season in Santa Cruz? February โwinterโ sure made an impression on us this year! ๐
Photos ๐ธ | @thecuratedfeast / @wolfpeachcreative
#february #winter #santacruz #visitsantacruz #postcards
Feels like spring! ๐๐ผ Whoโs ready for spring in Santa Cruz? โ๏ธ๐๏ธ๐ข๐
Video with @impactcreative
#visitsantacruz #santacruz #davenport #spring #california
First lupine found and the hills popping with greenโฆ wildflower season is loading, friends.
Hereโs a peek at the east side trails of Glenwood Preserve in Scotts Valley right now.
#visitsantacruz #santacruz #scottsvalley #glenwoodpreserve #springloading
Santa Cruz ๐โฆ Whatโs your favorite scene? ๐๐ฒ๐
Video Clips ๐น | @dgsc
#visitsantacruz #santacruz #santacruzcounty #californiacoast coast
No Sunday scaries here! Where would you spend the day if you could pick between:
A. Hiking in the redwood forest, finding mushrooms and banana slugs. ๐ฒ๐โ๐ซ
B. Playing around at the Boardwalk riding the Giant Dipper and eating taffy. ๐ข๐ฌ
C. Perching on the edge of the earth and discovering secluded beaches in north county. ๐๐
D. Gliding on the water on a kayak, watching the wildlife and seeing the coast from a new perspective. ๐ถ๐
Photos ๐ธ | @desireexc
#santacruz #visitsantacruz #sundayscaries #sunday #santacruzcounty
The Davenport Coast is a magical part of Santa Cruz. ๐๐ชจ๐
Have you explored here?
#visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty #davenport #visitcalifornia #californiacoast
Sometimes the little things are the best things. ๐ซถ
Take in the moment. Notice the light through the trees. Feel the rhythm of the waves. Marvel at the creatures. Find Your Awe in Santa Cruz County.
Video Clips ๐น | @dgsc + @visitsantacruz
#visitsantacruz #santacruz #santacruzcounty #findyourawe #littlethings
A little ๐ง๏ธ now to bring on the spring ๐ธ๐ชป๐ผ! Whereโs your favorite spot to see spring blooms in Santa Cruz County?
Check our story for a Guide to Wildflowers in our area!
๐ Places featured in this reel:
1. Wilder Ranch State Park
2. Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell
3. La Selva Beach
#visitsantacruz #santacruz #wildflowers #spring #wildflowers
A moment worth memorializing. ๐
Along with our coastline, the Santa Cruz Mountains are such a treasure in our county. ๐ฒโฐ๏ธ Enjoy this view from the San Lorenzo Valley area during a break in the storm. ๐ง๏ธ
Video ๐น | @beningramvisuals / @hellobeningram
#visitsantacruz #santacruz #santacruzmountains #rainbow #sanlorenzovalley
That look though. ๐
#santacruz #santacruzwharf #valentine #visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty
In case youโre missing Santa Cruz, this oneโs for you.
This morningโs ๐
from West Cliff Drive.
#visitsantacruz #santacruz #winter #sunrise #westcliff
How many have you tried? ๐๐ฎ Check our bio link for a list of the Best Fish Tacos in Santa Cruz County! Did your fave make the list?
Here are just 4 out of the 8 spots we have featured in the blog!
1. @michesandceviches: 743 41st Avenue, Santa Cruz
2. @tacoselchuy: 402 Ingalls Street, Santa Cruz (food truck)
3. @ranch_milk: 1 S Green Valley Road, Freedom
4. @tacos_alfuego831: 45 Aviation Way, Watsonville
Who else do you think should make the list?
Blog ๐ป | @santacruzbucketlist
#visitsantacruz #santacruz #fishtacos #santacruzcounty #santacruzfood
Might as well make some of them Santa Cruzโฆ ๐
Video Clips ๐ฅ | @dgsc
#santacruz #santacruzwaves #waves #visitsantacruz #santacruzbeach
Immediate thoughts when rainโs in the forecast = itโs time to go for a hike!๐ฒ๐ฅพ๐ง
Check our story and bio ๐ for the best hikes for waterfalls and stream-side trails!
#visitsantacruz #santacruz #santacruzcounty #santacruzmountains #hiking
See anything you wouldnโt expect on a hike in the forest? Some places just begged to be exploredโฆ you can say that about our trails! Whatโs your favorite hike in Santa Cruz County? ๐ฒ๐ฅพ๐ฟ๐โ๐ซ
๐ Pogonip Open Space
Photos ๐ท | @thecuratedfeast / @wolfpeachcreative
#santacruz #visitsantacruz #hiking #hike #pogonip
๐ Thereโs just something about that fog through the forestโฆ agree? ๐ซ๏ธ๐ฒ
Drone videos ๐น | @dgsc
#redwoods #fog #santacruz #visitsantacruz #santacruzmountains
Get ready for some great chowders at the annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off at the Santa Cruz @beachboardwalk, February 21 & 22! Tasting Kits are $18 and include 6 taste tickets, spoon, cup, and a Peopleโs Choice ballot! Admission is free and 100% of tasting kit sales benefit @santacruzparksrec!
Cook-Off Schedule:
Saturday, February 21, 2026 โข AMATEUR TEAMS
10am: Tasting Kits go on sale
10am-11am: Preparation period (no heat)
11am-1pm: Cooking period
1pm: Public tasting begins
4pm: Amateur Division winners announced at the Pirate Ship Stage
Sunday, February 22, 2026 โข PROFESSIONAL TEAMS
10am: Tasting Kits go on sale
10am-11am: Preparation period (no heat)
11am-1pm: Cooking period
1pm: Public tasting begins
4pm: Professional Division winners announced at the Pirate Ship Stage
Want more chowder? Check out @stagnarobrothers, @jackoneillrestaurant, @rivafishhouse, and @firefishsantacruz for some great clam chowders in Santa Cruz! But thatโs just the beginning! More spots we love are @woodiessantacruz, @idealbarsantacruz, @johnnysharborside, @crowsnestsantacruz, @eastsideeaterysc, and @baylivingculinary.
Check our bio ๐ and story for details on these top spots for amazing clam chowder!
Where do you go for your favorite cup or bowl? ๐ฅฃ๐ฅ
#clamchowdercookoff #clamchowder #santacruz #visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty
Always trying to help us outโฆ
๐ฏ from @catcloudcoffee on Swift Street
๐ from West Cliff Drive
#goodmorning #santacruz #visitsantacruz #seagull #breakfastburrito
So much to see. So much to taste! Watsonville is a never-ending exploration of mutuals, art, culture, and amazing food finds. Whatโs your favorite spots in Watsonville?
A few stops here:
๐จ๐ Murals around every corner
๐ฎ ๐โ๐ฉ Great and affordable eats at @ranch_milk
๐ผ๏ธ๐๏ธ Incredible art exhibits at @pajarovalleyarts
๐๐ดThe best cinnamon rolls at @sliceprojectpizza
Watsonville adventures should be added to your #santacruzbucketlist!
#watsonville #santacruzcounty #santacruz #visitsantacruz
Winter diaries from Santa Cruz County. ๐๐ธ๐
#santacruz #visitsantacruz #winterinsantacruz #winter
Hope part of lifeโs adventures bring you here.
โค๏ธ Santa Cruz County
#visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty #santacruz #visitcalifornia
