VISIT SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Summer 2026: more of this.
🌊🩴🐚🌼👙>>>> 💻📊👔🗄️👚
Does your summer mean more adventures in Santa Cruz County? We hope so.

Trust us. You need to explore Downtown Watsonville. Here are the spots we stopped:

1. @rebecaspanaderiaymas – This Mexican bakery has sweet breads, pastries, cookies and more that will have you picking out a platter of treats, tasting them in your car, and then going back in for more! True story! 😋

2. @craft_bakeshop – This place was hopping and a few items ordered, you’ll see why. Specialty drinks like Cookie Butter Latte (‼️), insane breakfast burritos with cheesy Bavarian sausage from @freedommeatlocker, and an extensive menu of breakfast items, house-made bakery treats, and more – this place is a must-try! ☕️

3. Creative Corners – Murals, mosaics, art galleries and artist hubs like @pajarovalleyarts and @watsonvillecenterarts infuse a creative and cultural touch on every part of the historic downtown. 🎨

4. @melobread – If you haven’t tried Melo yet, get to it! Tasty sourdough loaves, Nona’s pizza slices (thanks, Nona!), cinnamon rolls, and more, this popular artisanal bakery is known for its naturally leavened, organic sourdough bread and plant-based pastries. One bite of any item and we’re convinced you’ll grab a few more to take home! 🥖

5. The Tamal Factory – A staple of Downtown Watsonville for over 20 years, Tamal Factory is a must-try for traditional Mexican tamales. 🫔

6. @jaliscos_watsonville – Ready for a sit down Mexican food experience on your Downtown Watsonville adventure? Grab a margarita, chips and salsa, and order something special at Jaliscos! Their Molcajete de Ranchero is a bubbling dish served in a volcanic stone dish… need we say more? Sit, drink, eat, and enjoy a day well spent in Watsonville! 🍹

What spots are you ready to try?

@visitsantacruz x @santacruzbucketlist

See what’s blooming in @theaptosvillage! This adorable, friendly, and walkable little village is in the heart of Aptos and has plenty to offer:

☕️ Grab a cup of coffee, matcha, avo toast, and more at @catcloudcoffee.
🍦 Stop into @thepennyicecreamery for their signature scoops and toasted marshmallow fluff. They also have ice cream bars, milkshakes, and hand-packed pints!
🧦 Find the perfect shoes, fun socks, and more at @sockshopandshoeco.
🍕 Step into @mentoneca, an Italian-riviera-inspired, Michelin-Guide restaurant whipped up by renowned restauranteur David Kinch. Don’t miss the wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and shareable plates featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients.
🍺 Enjoy great beers and delicious bites at @otherbrotheraptos.
🍷 Sip on @santewinery wines between strolls. Don’t miss their notable Pinot Noir and Chardonnay!
🧀 Browse the incredible selection of California-grown, natural, organic, and sustainable foods at @newleafcmarket. Picnics and charcuterie boards are a cinch when you curate from New Leaf!

And did you know Aptos Village has ocean views? You’re just a hop away from the beach 🌊 and a literal skip into the forest and trails of Nisene Marks. 🌲 Discover this Aptos gem and tell us what you love here!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful moms out there! 💞

Video 📹 | @desireexc at Wilder Ranch State Park Old Cove Landing Trail 🦭

Can we just: listen to the waves, eat burritos, watch the surf, taste some treats, find scenic nooks, and watch the sunset. Is that too much to ask? We say no.

Walk on the West Cliff, hallelujah.
First day of May is looking good from our POV. 🌊

We’ve got your May plans dialed. Who are you bringing?

With love. 📬 xoxo, Santa Cruz County

How many spots do you recognize?

Have you been? Mark your calendar and don’t miss the free Twilight Concerts in Capitola this summer! Happening every Wednesday from June 3 through August 19, 2026, 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 the adorable coastal @capitolavillage!

Great vibes, good times! Hope to see you there this summer! ✌🏼

Concerts are free and happening every Wednesday from June 3 through August 19. 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

Recipe for a good weekend: wildflower walk. 🪻🌼🌾

Glenwood Preserve in Scotts Valley is currently popping! Other great spots include Wilder Ranch, Quail Hollow, Davenport Beaches, Arboretum, East Cliff, and West Cliff to name a few!

Where’s your favorite spots for wildflowers! 🌼🪻🌸

The best chapter just might be the Santa Cruz chapter. 🌊🌲

Explore Santa Cruz and feel nature’s calm wash over you. Hope your next chapter includes some time with us. ✨

Which one are you choosing right now? 🥾🌲🪻🌿🌊

1. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Redwood Grove Loop Trail (huge redwoods and flat trail that’s stroller and wheelchair-friendly) 🌲

2. Glenwood Open Space Preserve: Westside Trails (dog-friendly and lots of lupine right now)🪻

3. Quail Hollow Ranch: Woodrat Trail (wildflowers, panoramic ridge views, redwood forests, chaparral, and sand hills)

4. West Cliff Drive: path near Swift Street (ocean views, benches for sitting, and stroller and wheelchair-friendly path)

So, what’s your pick?

#visitsantacruz #santacruz #trails #santacruzcounty #spring

The color Santa Cruz is obviously our fave – and good news, it looks good on everyone.😏

Hope to see you soon! ✌🏽

#visitsantacruz #santacruz #santacruzcounty #californiacoast #california

We could use a little more time… Be sure to add @capitolavillage to your Santa Cruz vacation bucket list!

Here are a few must-sees/dos:

1. Beach time 🏖️ 🏄: surf lessons and rentals are available at @capitolabeach!

2. Stroll the palm tree lined streets and shop at the coastal shops! 🌴🛍️ Places like @lumengallery_capitola, @katalinasbythesea, @clementine_andco, @sundropcapitola, @ethossantacruz, and many more are bursting with seaside finds!

3. Discover amazing restaurants and eateries!🍹🦪 From grab and go treats at @capitola.boba.tea to oysters on the patio at @petescapitola, there’s something for everyone in the village.

4. Oceanside events are primo here! 🌅🎶 Every Wednesday from June 3 – August 19, Capitola hosts free Twilight Concerts!

5. Take in the seaside beauty around every corner. 🪻☀️ Capitola Village is known for its colorful facades, vibrant murals, and coastal blooms.

Who’s ready for some time in the village?

#visitsantacruz #capitola #capitolavillage #santacruz #visitcalifornia

Coastal pace means slowing it down and taking it in. Do you get recharged after some time on the coast? 🌊

#visitsantacruz #santacruz #capitola #centralcoast #californiacoast

Rain, clouds, fog… we say, bring on the drama… 🤌

These April showers are brining some pretty epic views. Forest greens are brighter, the morning clouds seem magnified, and the coast is getting a spring refresh. 🌧️

For anyone missing the sun, it’ll be back this week, so no worries. 😉

Video Clips 📹 | @dgsc

#visitsantacruz #santacruz #aprilshowers #spring #santacruzcounty

Welcome to @thealleyoop! 🍸🖤🎼🥃
This brand new speakeasy-style cocktail lounge is creating quite a buzz in Santa Cruz and it’s not hard to why. Cocktails, spirits, wine, and champagne lead the experience, with appetizers and small bites complimenting the stellar beverage menu. The inky, moody, and stylish vibe is adding to the ambiance and is truly like no other spot in the county.

Have you been to Alley Oop yet? Tell us below!

Photos 📸 | @thecuratedfeast / @wolfpeachcreative

#santacruz #visitsantacruz #downtownsantacruz #cocktaillounge #alleyoop

Just some of our classics… ☀️🌊🌴🌮🍹

Locations Featured:
📍 @santacruzwharf 🌊
📍 @capitolavillage 🌴
📍 @lupulosc 🌮
📍 @labahiahotelandspa 🍹

#visitsantacruz #santacruz #capitola #pacificcoast #centralcoast

Green time is really so much better… What’s your favorite spring spot right now in Santa Cruz County? 🌿🌲🪻🌸🌊

📍 Featured Locations: Glenwood Preserve, Fall Creek, and Davenport

#santacruz #visitsantacruz #spring #santacruzcounty visitcalifornia

The perfect remedy: a slow day on the coast. Who’s due for a dose? ☀️🌊

#visitsantacruz #santacruz #capitola #californiacoast #vitaminsea