

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!
Santa Cruz County
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!
Picture Yourself Here
Get inspired and start planning your next visit to Santa Cruz County. #VisitSantaCruz
Have you walked West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz? This 2+ mile coastal path is the perfect spot to take in the beauty of the Monterey Bay.
Here are a few fun landmarks you’ll want to see:
1. The Surfer Statue: Take a pic of this iconic statue; 547 West Cliff Drive 🏄♂️
2. Steamer Lane: Watch surfers at this world-class surf break; 700 West Cliff Drive 🌊
3. Surfing Museum: Located in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, 701 West Cliff Drive 🏄♀️
4. Lighthouse Field State Beach/aka Its Beach: Watch happy dogs live their best life on the beach; 740 West Cliff Drive 🐶
5. Beach Houses: Swoon over the gorgeous beach houses along the coastal drive 🏠🌴
6. Wildlife: Keep your eyes on the ocean and you just might see dolphins, otters, seals, and whales 🐬🦦🦭🐋
7. Mitchell’s Cove: At low tide, head down the stairs and go to the right for some fun low tide explorations; Near West Cliff Drive x Almar Avenue 🦀
8. Blow Hole: At high tide or during big surf, the “Blow Hole” near Chico Avenue is a sight to see with water shooting up into the sky; West Cliff Drive x Chico Avenue 💦
9. Natural Bridges State Beach: This iconic beach has tide pooling, monarch butterflies in the winter, picnic areas, and more; 2531 West Cliff Drive 🏖️
10. Need some fuel along the way? @shrinecoffee and @steamerlanesupply are great spots to visit; Shrine Coffee: 544 West Cliff Drive; Steamer Lane Supply: 644-670 West Cliff Drive ☕️
Happy coastal exploring! 🫶
Photos 📷 | @dgsc
#westcliffdrive #westcliff #santacruz #visitsantacruz #santacruzcalifornia #california #montereybay

We’ve got the 🌧️, just waiting on that 🌈!
Rain isn’t so bad in Santa Cruz County when you realize it means: rainbows 🌈, wildflowers 🌸, banana slugs 🍌🐌, newts 🦎, waterfalls 💦, happy forests 🌲, and cozy meals 🥘!
Agree?
Video + Cover Photo | @dgsc
@dollyparton original quote: “If you want the rainbow, you gotta put your with the rain.” ☔️
#santacruz #visitsantacruz #rainyday #rain #rainbow #surf

We’ve got some low tides coming!
Saturday, February 8 @ 2:06pm (-0.9 ft)
Sunday, February 9 @ 2:52pm (-1.1 ft)
Monday, February 10 @ 3:32pm (-1.1 ft)
Tuesday, February 11 @ 4:08pm (-0.9 ft)
Please explore responsibly. Leave creatures alone, watch your step, and leave no trace. Check out bio 🔗 or story for more info including top tide pool spots.
Photo + Video 📷 | @beningram / @hellobeningram
Location 📍| Pleasure Point
#santacruz #lowtide #tidepooling #tidepools #pleasurepoint #visitsantacruz

Clam chowder with a bread bowl or nah? Get ready for some great chowders at the annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off at the @beachboardwalk, February 22-23! Tasting Kits are $15 and include 6 taste tickets, spoon, cup, and a People’s Choice ballot! Admission is free and 100% of Tasting Kit sales benefit @santacruzparksrec!
Want more chowder? Check out @stagnarobrothers, @jackoneillrestaurant, @rivafishhouse, and @firefishsantacruz for some great clam chowders in Santa Cruz! But that’s just the beginning! More spots we love are @woodiessantacruz, @idealbarsantacruz, @johnnysharborside, @crowsnestsantacruz, @eastsideeaterysc, and @baylivingculinary.
Check our bio 🔗 and story for details on these top spots for amazing clam chowder!
Where do you go for your favorite cup or bowl? 🥣🥖
Cover Photo 📷 | @jennday77
Blog 💻 | @tarafatemiwalker
#clamchowdercookoff #clamchowder #santacruz #visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty #santacruzwharf #bestclamchowder #clamchowdercookoff #beachboardwalk

Yellow sunrise on West Cliff + egg sando at @mad_yolks + banana slug forest hike at Henry Cowell = perfect chill Santa Cruz morning. 🌅🍳🍌🐌
One of our favorite things about our area is that you can be on the coast enjoying the ocean breeze, and in less than 20 minutes, hiking through the redwoods.
Here’s one way to do it:
📍 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz ➡️
📍 Mad Yolks, 1411 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz ➡️
📍 Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton
Cover Photo 📷 | @beningramvisuals / @hellobeningram
#santacruz #goodmorning #morningideas #sunrise #westcliffdrive #westcliff #redwoods #henrycowellredwoodsstatepark #henrycowell #travelideas #santacruzcounty #visitsantacruz

Romantic Restaurants: How many have you tried on this list?
Looking for a romantic spot for your next date night in Santa Cruz County – or just for some really, really good food? Check out a few faves:
📍 Gabriella Café / @gabriellacafe_santacruz
910 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz
📍 Cavalletta / @cavalletta.restaurant
9067 Soquel Drive, Aptos
📍 Shadowbrook Restaurant / @shadowbrook_restaurant
1750 Wharf Road, Capitola
📍 Avanti Restaurant / @avanti.santacruz / @avanti_santacruz
1917 Mission Street, Santa Cruz
📍 HOME Soquel / @homesoquel
3101 N Main Street, Soquel
📍 Trestles Restaurant / @trestles_capitola
316 Capitola Avenue, Capitola
📍 Lago di Como / @lago_di_como_ristorante
21490 E Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
Want even more top-notch romantic restaurants? Check our bio 🔗 or story for Your Guide to Romantic Restaurants in Santa Cruz County!
#romanticrestaurants #datenight #romanticdinner #santacruz #santacruzcounty #visitsantacruz #valentinesday #dateideas

Is that too much to ask? 😉 How do you like this weekend combo:
Morning Hike 🥾: Wilder Ranch’s Old Cove Loop is a real treat. Seals 🦭, ocean views 🌊, and Fern Grotto Beach 🌿 are just a few of the treasures along the coastal path.
Pastries 🥐: this is @adorablefrenchbakery in Scotts Valley but others to love are @manresabread, @companionbakeshop, @whalecitybakery, @thegrovefelton, @butterybakery, @gaylesbakery, and @emozionipasticceria to name a few!
Accidentally Wes Anderson: Adventures in Santa Cruz Exhibit 🎡: This fun exhibit is now open at the @santacruzmah! Stop in and see the quirky art with lots of @beachboardwalk and Santa Cruz County features.
Clam Chowder 🥣: Cozy up this weekend with a bowl of clam chowder! The Santa Cruz Wharf has great chowders at @stagnarobrothers, @rivafishhouse, @firefishgrill, @woodiessantacruz, plus nearby at @jackoneillrestaurant and @idealbarsantacruz. Check our blog 🔗 in our bio for a whole list of spots for great clam chowder!
What are your plans for the weekend?
Cover Photo 📷 | @dgsc
#santacruz #weekend #happyweekend #santacruzcounty #visitsantacruz #tgif #weekendplans

Fresh off the press (and the bar), here’s Your Guide to Mocktails in Santa Cruz County! 🍹
Ready to sip and savor some booze-free libations? Santa Cruz County’s vibrant food and beverage scene has refreshed its drink menus to include a medley of mocktails to indulge and delight in! Whether you’re living the non-alcoholic lifestyle or simply sober-curious, there is a tempting selection of mocktails to be discovered around Santa Cruz that will please any palate, a testament to the county’s dedication to inclusivity as well as to culinary creativity.
Check our story or bio 🔗 for the full read!
Features: @makai_santacruz, @venusspiritswestside / @venusspiritsbeachside, @frontandcooper, @roxa.hammock.cafe, and @afterhourssc
Blog 💻 + Photos 📷 | @carynhewlett
#mocktails #mocktail #santacruz #mocktailguide #soberlife #soberliving #fancydrinks #visitsantacruz #nonalcoholic #zeroproof

Have you hiked Glenwood Open Space Preserve in Scotts Valley? If not, save and add to your hiking list!
More info:
Situated in Scotts Valley, the West and East sides of the Glenwood Preserve unveil over seven miles of trails. Managed by the @landtrustscc, the 170-acre property brims with diverse habitats such as redwood groves, lush wetlands, and evergreen forests.
The Eastside trails (seen in this video) offer four-plus miles of rolling hills, sweeping views, a variety of treed areas, wildflower fields, plus a picturesque fishing pond. Due to the presence of cattle brought in to graze—making land more conducive to the preserve’s endangered species—dogs and bikes are not allowed on Eastside trails.
The Westside trails are organized into five loops that span a collective three miles, and can accommodate hikers, bikers, and dogs on leash.
Enjoy! And check our story for more on this magical place!
📍 Glenwood Open Space Preserve, 3 Mountain Valley Road, Scotts Valley
Video + Photo 📷 | @beningramvisuals / @hellobeningram
#scottsvalley #glenwoodopenspacepreserve #glenwood #hike #hiking #hikersparadise #visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty

It’s National Bagel Day. You know what to do. Favorite bagel in Santa Cruz County —> go! 🥯
Need 🥯 inspo? Check our story for our list of the top bagel spots in the county. 🫶
Two spots featured here 📍 | @bagelcafewatsonville + House of Bagels in Scotts Valley
#nationalbagelday #bagels #bagel #santacruz #watsonville #scottsvalley #visitsantacruz #happynationalbagelday

Further proof that winter sunsets >>>
Photo 📷 | @dgsc
#santacruz #capitola #newbrightonstatebeach #newbrighton #sunset #wintersunset #surfer #visitsantacruz

Slowing down and appreciating all the little things…
Little things like the artist’s brush strokes, a chef’s creative hands, the earth under your feet and in your hands. Find what moves you. Find Your Awe in Santa Cruz County. 🫶
Creators 🤝 | @impactcreative | @thecuratedfeast | @jamiehallmedia | @abimustapha | @homesoquel
#visitsantacruz #findyourawe #slowdown #inthemoment #santacruz #santacruzcounty

Mountain bike rides, hikes through the redwoods, or a little drive on Highway 9, the Santa Cruz Mountains are 🙌😍🫶! Agree?
Content 📹/📷 | @beningramvisuals / @hellobeningram
#santacruzmountains #mountainbiking #mtb #bikeride #redwoods #highway9 #getoutside #mountainbikeride #santacruz #santacruzcounty #visitsantacruz

Lattes to breakfast burritos, cocktails to mocktails, dumplings to chicken sandos plus, the best vibes – and all under one roof at 1001 Center Street, #1 in @downtownsantacruz!? Yep, welcome to the community hub known as After Hours.
You need to add After Hours to your must try list asap! Each of the local businesses, @11thhourcoffee, @afterhourssc, @chubbschickensandwiches, and @fullsteamdumpling offers something unique to its visitors from carefully crafted cocktails to the best ramen in town! Check it out soon and click our bio 🔗 for more info!
Hours:
@11thhourcoffee: Open Daily, 7am-7:30pm
@afterhourssc: Tuesday – Saturday, 5pm-9pm
@chubbschickensandwiches: Tuesday – Saturday, 5pm-9pm
@fullsteamdumpling: Wednesday – Saturday, 5pm-9pm
Blog 💻 | @santacruzbucketlist
#afterhours #downtownsantacruz #11thhour #chubbschickensandwiches #fullsteamdumpling #thehub #santacruzbucketlist #vibecheck #eathere #drinkhere #behere

Who are you bringing to Santa Cruz this winter?
Said it before, we’ll say it again, Santa Cruz in the winter is magic. Don’t sleep on this one!
Videos 🎥 | @hellobeningram / @beningramvisuals
#winter #wintermagic #winterinsantacruz #santacruz #westcliffdrive #surfers #surfsantscruz #cowellsbeach #waves #santacruzwaves #wintersurf #visitsantacruz #wintervacay #wintergetaway #wintervacation

Best winter getaway and best place to call home. 🫶
If you live here, you know Santa Cruz County is gorgeous in the winter. For those out of the area looking to escape winter, we’ve got a good one waiting for you right here…
What do you love about winter in Santa Cruz?
Photos 📷 | @beningramvisuals / @thecuratedfeast / @dgsc
#santacruzwinter #wintercolors #favoritecolor #winterinsantacruz #visitsantacruz #visitsantacruzcounty #californiawinter

GIVEAWAY CLOSED: Winners have been randomly selected and contacted!
ORIGINAL POST: It’s about that time – our annual Santa Cruz County Calendar Giveaway is here! We’ve got 50 of these 2025 beauties to give out, so you can swoon over Santa Cruz County all year long!
ENTER: Tag friends you want to travel to Santa Cruz with, tell us your favorite Santa Cruz County spots, or just throw some love in the comments below! Comment as much as you want, but one entry per account.
WINNERS: Winners will be chosen at random on or by January 8th and will be notified in the comments and by direct message. The ONLY information we will need from our winners is their name and mailing address. That’s it! Watch out for imposter accounts!
Ready, set, comment! And a happy 2025 to all our followers!
Special shout out to the talented photographers who contributed to this year’s 2025 calendar! @dgsc, @beningramvisuals, and @thecuratedfeast! You all are the best! 🙌
#visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty #santacruz #2025calendar

Goodbye, 2024. You were a beauty. 💕
#newyear #goodbye2024 #hello2025 #happynewyear #yearinreview #thatsawrap #santacruz #santacruzcounty #visitsantacruz

Catching the sunset at “Pearl Hour” at @petescapitola…🦪🥂🍤
Have you stopped into Pete’s Fish House in @capitolavillage? Great dinner menu plus, their version of Happy Hour ~ Pearl Hour ~ has some great apps and drink specials to enjoy with the sunset. 🌅
Pearl Hour is from 4pm-5pm daily. 🍹
Cover Photo 📷 | @jennday77
#calitola #capitolavillage #petesfishhouse #seafood #sunsetview #sunset #santacruz #santacruzcounty #visitsantacruz #santacruzbucketlist

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Santa Cruz County!
Photo 📷 | @jennday77
Location 📍 | @beachboardwalk
#merrychristmas #happyholidays #happyhanukkah #happychanukah #christmastree #santacruz #visitsantacruz

Not a bad view for the big guy tonight… 🛷🦌🎅
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Santa Cruz County!
Photo 📷 | @beningramvisuals / @hellobeningram
#merrychristmas #happyholidays #christmaseve #christmas #santacruz #santaclausiscomingtotown #westcliff #visitsantacruz

Take a break from the holiday hustle at the Monarch Butterfly Grove. 🫶
📍 Natural Bridges State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove.
🕰️ Monarchs winter in Santa Cruz until about mid-late January.
🔭 The minimum temperature a monarch needs to fly is 55 degrees. Temperatures below 55 mean you are more likely to see monarch clusters hanging like leaves off the eucalyptus trees, which can also be quite mesmerizing. But please note, when the monarchs are clustered it is easy to pass them up! Make sure you look closely!
🥾 The Monarch Grove Trail located at Natural Bridges is open for self-guided monarch tours during park hours (8am to sunset.) Parking is $10.
Video 📹 | @impactcreative
Cover Photo 📷 | @dgsc
#relaxing #nature #butterflies #monarchs #monarch #monarchbutterflies #fluttering #monarchbutterfly #mesmerizing #relax #santacruz #naturalbridges #naturalbridgesstatebeach #naturalbridgesstatepark #visitsantacruz

A holiday season must = Winter Wonderland at the @beachboardwalk! 🎄🎢🎅🌴🌊
From now through January 5, enjoy all the festive fun at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk! Activities Include: Photos with Santa (December 14 -24 at 12pm-2pm and 3pm-5pm); Selection of Boardwalk Rides, Games, and Arcades;
Festive Holiday Decorations and Lights (Including a 3-story tall Christmas tree!); Delicious Boardwalk Treats; Fire Pits & Holiday S’Mores; Holiday Shopping; plus, the @roaringcamp Holiday Lights Train! 🚂
Celebrate the holidays at the Boardwalk this season!
Videos + Cover Photo 📷 | @jennday77
#santacruz #beachboardwalk #santacruzbeachboardwalk #winterwinderland #winter #winterinsantacruz #visitsantacruz #merrychristmas #happyholidays #christmastree #amusementpark #visitcalifornia

Now that the weather has calmed, today is a great day to get out and do some holiday shopping! We have so many great local shops, makers, holiday markets, and artisan pop-ups around the county! Whether you’re still in need of a tree or looking for some gifts, shop local around Santa Cruz County this holiday season!
Do you have a favorite shop, maker, or market you’re hitting up soon? Tell us below!
Photos 📷 | @beningramvisuals / @hellobeningram
Location📍| @mountainfeedandfarm
#shoplocal #christmasshopping #christmas #holidayshopping #christmastree #santacruzcounty #benlomond #mountainfeedandfarmsupply #visitsantacruz
