VISIT SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Forever our favorite hour in Santa Cruz County. ✨

Have you seen golden hour from here? 📍

Videos 🎥 | @dgsc + @impactcreative

When waves are the only thing you need. 🌊

Video Clips | @dgsc

When it comes to events, we’ve got some real winners this week! Here are just a few of the top events happening around the county this week – and be sure to check our story for more info!

WEEKEND OF JUNE 11-13, 2026

1. World Cup Festivities ⚽️ 
Thursday, June 11 various times and locations
World Cup officially kicks off this Thursday, and Santa Cruz County is the premiere location to experience World Cup activities outside of the stadium itself!
📍 Various locations throughout the County of Santa Cruz

2. @beachboardwalk: Free Lost Boys Movie on the Beach 🏖️ 
Friday, June 12 from 9pm to 11pm
Watch the cult classic in the location it was filmed! Please see our Events Page for actor meetups and events before and after the movie. Stop by the visitor center at 705 Front Street for a map to Lost Boys filming locations.
📍 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz

3. Westside Farmers Market Pop-Up Breakfast 🥞 
Saturday, June 13 from 9:30am to 12pm
Chef Diego Felix once again heads up this breakfast served within the farmers’ market. Sourced with local ingredients and local talent. Expect a mix of South American flavor and a whole lot of fun!
📍 100 Western Drive, Santa Cruz

4. Capitola Rod & Custom Classic Car Show 🚘 
Saturday, June 13 from 8:30am to 5pm
Watch these classic beauties cruise the coastline from Santa Cruz to Capitola starting at 8:30am. Enjoy a day filled with awesome cars, great music, charming shops, restaurants, and family fun at the beach in the @capitolavillage!
📍 111 Esplanade, Capitola

5. Seacliff State Beach: Ocean Fest 🌊 
Saturday, June 13 from 11am to 4pm
Vendors and info booths, kids’ activities, live music, and local food trucks at beautiful Seacliff State Beach!
📍 State Park Drive, Aptos

Bonus: @seymour_center: New Exhibit Celebrations 🪼 
Sat. & Sun., June 13 & 14 from 10am to 4pm
Kid friendly activities, guided tours outside and at the new HQ Exploration Station, story time, playing with kelp, and watching sea creatures get fed!
📍 100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz

For more FIFA events, visit kickoffsantacruz.com!
For more events in SCC visit santacruz.org/upcoming-events/

Currently on mountain time… 🌲🪻🌾🌿 Lucky for us, mountain time and pacific time are just about 15 minutes apart. 😉
What’s your favorite spot for some MT?

Featured mountain spots:
Quail Hollow Ranch 🌳
Glenwood Preserve 🪷
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 🌲

Santa Cruz County = time well spent. 👊

More life in the form of beach days, redwood hikes, memorable farm-to-table dinners, seaside treats, and bonfires by the shore. 🙏

Davenport will get you every time… Have you been? 🌊🪨🌾

Video Clips | @dgsc

When the sea dogs 🦭 talk to the land dogs 🐕.

Cover Photo | @desireexc

Pretty convinced the ocean can help with this. 🌊😌

June is World Ocean Month and we’re extremely grateful for this slice of California coast with a front row seat to the Pacific! 🩵

Summer ☀️ dining >>>> From tucked away garden patios like @chocolatetherestaurant to beachside bites in the @capitolavillage, everything tastes better outside.

What’s your go-to for al fresco dining and bites?

Featured spots and bites:
1. @chocolatetherestaurant in @downtownsantacruz 🍝
2. @aldosharborrestaurantsc 🍹
3. @labahiahotelandspa 🥞
4. @leftcoastsausageworx in @capitolavillage 🌭
5. @santacruzcoffee 🧁
6. @troutfarminn 🌮
7. @thepointmarket 🌯
8. @11thhourcoffee 🥗
9. @indiagourmet1 in @abbottsquaremarket 🇮🇳
10. @palmettosuperfoods 🍓
11. @honeyluxcoffee 🥑
12. @capitola.boba.tea in @capitolavillage 🧋
13. @mariniscandies on the @santacruzwharf 🍬
14. @eastsideeaterysc 🍹
15. @gabrielita_tamaleria in @downtownsantacruz 🫔
16. @bittersweetbistro 🥗

Sometimes, it’s that simple. 🫰

📍 Davenport, Santa Cruz County
📹 @dgsc

Have you visited Loch Lomond Recreation Area yet? Hiking, boating, or fishing, this peaceful reservoir is a great destination in the Santa Cruz Mountains. 🌲 🎣 🛶 Check below for operating hours and helpful FAQs for planning your visit!

May: 7 AM – 8 PM (Thursday – Tuesday)
June: 7 AM – 8:30 PM (Thursday – Tuesday)
July: 7 AM – 8:30 PM (Thursday – Tuesday)
August – Labor Day: 7 AM – 8 PM (Thursday – Tuesday)
Labor Day – Second Weekend of October: 7 AM – 6 PM (Saturday and Sunday Only)

FAQs for visiting:

▪️Loch Lomond is seasonal: Operating from March through mid-October; see above for exact days and times.
▪️Loch Lomond Reservoir is the City of Santa Cruz’s primary source of drinking water!
▪️NO swimming or contact with water is allowed.
▪️Vehicle Fee $10, Season Pass $100.
▪️Arrive early to snag one of the limited parking spaces closest to the lake.
▪️There are 12 miles of hiking trails to explore around the loch.
▪️Rent an electric motorboat or a rowboat from the Park Store, or call ahead to reserve your boat: 831-335-7424
▪️Fishing is welcome, and licenses can be obtained from the Park Store.
▪️Picnicking is available at many parts of the park. Bring your own charcoal if you plan to BBQ.
▪️Free 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.
▪️Loch 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.
▪️Check out the “Loch Walks” that are hosted by a variety of ornithologists, botanists, and more.
▪️Please respect this natural space and keep it natural for years to come. Pack your trash, carpool, and leave it better than you found it.
▪️The road up is narrow and through neighborhoods. Please respect the residents and drive with caution.

Wishing you all a beautiful Memorial Day from Santa Cruz County. ❤️🤍💙 We are forever grateful for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. 🙏🇺🇸

Video 📹 | @dgsc

Summer peeks from the @capitolavillage! 🌴🌞🌸🍦
Any day spent in the Capitola Village is a day well spent, but here are 3 spots you need to add to your next Village outing:

1. @sundropcapitola: make your own necklace, bracelet, keychain, or bag chain with the cutest assortment of charms! Super fun activity, and sure to make your Capitola outing a memorable one! ✨

2. @castagnola_deli_cafe: great sandwiches and great prices! The Chicken Apple Brie was a tasty take! 🍏

3. @polarbearsantacruz: two words: Dirty Paws. This flavor is a must-try: caramel ice cream, Oreos, and fudge. 👌

Let the summer fun begin!

Did you hear??? FIFA World Cup 26™ SF Bay Area is coming to the @beachboardwalk! On Thursday, June 25, watch USA vs Türkiye @ 7pm on the sand at Main Beach in front of the Colonnade.

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is the place to be for the biggest watch party of the week, right on the sand with a 22’ LED screen! There will be a designated beer garden on the beach in front of the Colonnade, plus all your favorite Boardwalk bites and sips. Arrive early, grab your spot, and enjoy every moment of the action! ⚽️🏖️

Santa Cruz is a FIFA World Cup 26™ SF Bay Area Fan Zone, so there are even more soccer events, watch parties, and hype happening around the county! Check kickoffsantacruz.org for details.

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. 🌊