

VISITEURS INTERNATIONAUX
Forêts préservées, littoral immaculé, terres agricoles verdoyantes et expositions d’art public réalisées par une communauté d’artistes passionnés : c’est par eux que le comté de Santa Cruz raconte son histoire aux visiteurs. Les vieux séquoias classés sont nourris par la brume marine réparatrice que leurs aiguilles de pin absorbent. Les mammifères marins, les poissons et les invertébrés prospèrent dans les eaux riches en nutriments de la baie de Monterey, autrefois essentielles à la survie du peuple autochtone Ohlone.
Les 47 km de côte et les hectares de forêts de séquoias de la région témoignent de pratiques durables de préservation, propices à l’exploration et aux expériences.
La riche histoire du surf, le sport officiel de la Californie, a commencé en 1885, au moment où trois princes hawaïens ont entrepris de tester la houle sur des planches en séquoia à proximité d’un lieu aujourd’hui nommé Main Beach; c’est ainsi que le surf est né sur le continent. À peine deux décennies plus tard, la promenade de Santa Cruz Beach, alors appelée la « Coney Island de la côte ouest », accueillait les visiteurs avec deux monuments historiques nationaux, lesquels sont toujours présents aujourd’hui.
Ici, les possibilités d’activités semblent infinies : découvrez un sentier forestier sillonnant un corridor riverain luxuriant sous la canopée des séquoias; naviguez dans la majestueuse baie de Monterey; ou dévalez un sentier de vélo de montagne de 27 km.
Si vous appréciez les produits de la ferme, vous vous sentirez comme chez vous. Les racines de l’agriculture biologique se trouvent littéralement dans le sol au Centre d’agroécologie de l’université de Santa Cruz, où les chercheurs ont trouvé des moyens différents et plus naturels de cultiver et de récolter les végétaux. Les marchés fermiers hebdomadaires mettent à l’honneur les produits locaux qui font le bonheur des chefs cuisiniers du comté.
Ce cadre naturel offre une source d’inspiration à de nombreux artistes à la fois créatifs, modernes et soucieux. Les festivals, célébrations et spectacles locaux présentent une foule de concerts de musique, de pièces de théâtre et d’expositions artistiques, tous inspirés de l’énergie artistique débordante qui caractérise le comté.
Le comté de Santa Cruz vous invite chaleureusement à explorer la région afin de découvrir la ferveur, la passion et l’ouverture d’esprit qui définissent la destination. Bienvenue!
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Le comté de Santa Cruz est accessible en voiture depuis San Francisco par l’autoroute panoramique Highway 17 ou l’autoroute emblématique Highway 1 le long de la côte. D’une longueur d’environ 96 km en direction sud, le trajet dure environ 90 minutes. Depuis le sud de la Californie, le comté de Santa Cruz se trouve à environ 562 km au nord de Los Angeles et à 30 minutes au nord de Monterey.
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
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

Sunday summer scenes from Henry Cowell… 🏞️🛤️🌲🌿🐴🐿️ What’s your favorite view?
📍 Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
🥾 River Trail ➡️ Eagle Creek ➡️ Pipeline ➡️ Redwood Grove Loop Trail
#henrycowell #henrycowellredwoodsstatepark #redwoods #hiking #hikes #getoutside #sundaymood☀️ #sunday #sanlorenzoriver #santacruzmountains #santacruz #summerinsantacruz #summer #visitsantacruz

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

All before noon today… Pleasure Point summer days are simply perfection! 🌊🌼🐶🌯 And best believe they always lead to burritos from @thepointmarket!
What’s your favorite beach for summers in Santa Cruz County? 🏖️
#pleasurepoint #santacruz #vacation #summer #centralcoast #goodmorning #montereybay #pointmarket #burrito #thebarrel

Summer weather in Santa Cruz = we’ll sit outside. ☀️ What’s your favorite restaurant to dine al fresco? The @crowsnestsantacruz clearly has it dialed with views + great food and drinks! ⛵️
Photos 📷 | @thecuratedfeast / @wolfpeachcreative
#dinealfresco #patiodining #patiolife #santacruzharbor #crowsnest #santacruz #visitsantacruz #harbor #crowsnestsantacruz

Add this to your summer bucket list in Santa Cruz County: a bucket of u-pick roses at @birdsongorchards in Watsonville! Literally slow down and smell the roses as you walk through the flower fields and pick your perfect bouquet. Be sure to say hi to the farm’s emus, llamas, goats, and chickens too! Reservations are required! Check below for more details:
💻 Reservations are required and can be done on the Birdsong website.
✂️ $50 per 🪣 of 🌹. Each bucket will fit 25-30 stems of 12-18 inches. Birdsong provides a bucket with water for you to keep.
🌹 Potted roses are also available for purchase.
🦙 Say hello through the fence to the llamas, emus, chickens and goats!
🍑 This farm has an astonishing number of fruits (plus, walnuts and avocados)! From apples to citrus, stone fruit to figs, and loquats to persimmons, the orchard is always working on delicious produce. The farm’s bounty serves many restaurants in Santa Cruz, Carmel, Monterey, San Francisco and beyond. During the summer and fall, they also have an open fruit and flower stand at the farm on Sundays 10 am – 2 pm. U-pick fruit is also a seasonal possibility, so be sure to ask!
Who’d ready for a fun summer outing at Birdsong Orchards?
Video + Photos 📷 | @dgsc
#birdsongorchards #upick #youpick #upickroses #youpickroses #rosegarden #roses #flowerfarm #rosefarm #watsonville #santacruz #visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty #santacruzbucketlist

Pro tip: Grab an @umetea and skyrocket your beach day vibe. 🚀🧋🏖️
From Brown Sugar Boba, Coco Mango Slushies, Matcha Melon Coco, Crème Brûlée Thai Tea, and dozens of other refreshing creations, you’re sure to find something you’ll love at Ume Tea.
The little pink storefront is located at 46 Front Street, right by the @santacruzwharf roundabout, behind Las Palmas Taco Bar.
Have you been yet? Stop in and tell us what you think!
#santacruz #umetea #santacruzumetea #beachday #beachboardwalk #santacruzwharf #visitsantacruz

There are TWO car shows you don’t want to miss this month! The Capitola Rod and Custom Car Show on June 14 and Woodies on the Wharf on June 21! Read below for more details and be sure to add these classic car shows by the beach to your June calendar!
🚗 Capitola Rod and Custom Car Show
🕘 Saturday, June 14, 9am – 5pm
📍 @capitolavillage
🌴 Featuring Hot Rods, Muscle Cars, Coupes, Roadsters, Customs and Classics – vintage to 1987 – Vendor Booths, Music, Raffle, Trophies, and more.
🅿️ Beach and Village Parking Lot 2 (Lower) located behind City Hall at 420 Capitola Avenue. This lot has over 220 spaces and offers a free summer shuttle to the Village.
🚙 Woodies on the Wharf
🕙 Saturday, June 21, 10am – 3:30pm
📍 @santacruzwharf
🌊 Come see the more than 200 “Woodies”, gorgeous, pre-1950s cars that feature wood bodies, line the Santa Cruz Wharf. Stroll the Wharf and enjoy dozens of shops and restaurants and stellar coastal views while you soak up the sun and beauty of Northern California’s premier “Woodie” show. At 3:30pm, be sure to take part in the Woodies Send-Off Parade!
🅿️ Alternative transportation available to the wharf including free bike valet and @the_santacruzer Beach and Downtown Shuttle ($1)
Hope to see you in Capitola and on the Santa Cruz Wharf this June! 🚘🌴🏖️☀️🌊
Video Clips 📹 | @jennday77
#visitsantacruz #santacruz #capitolacarshow #capitola #capitolavillage #santacruzwharf #woodiesonthewharf #santacruzcalifornia #juneinsantacruz #carshows #classiccarahows #woodies #oldcars

Doesn’t take much to keep us happy! How about you? ☀️🌊🌬️ What’s your favorite beach for a little coastal summer sun?
Video Clips 🎥 | @dgsc
#visitsantacruz #summerbeachdays #beachdays #summer #californiacoast #visitcalifornia #montereybay #laselvabeach #wilderranch #capitolabeach #westcliffdrive #naturalbridges

Free concerts by the beach, music in the park, and more, are waiting to take a spot on your summer schedule in Santa Cruz County! Check our blog 🔗 in our bio or story for the full concert lineup and dates PLUS, free movies too!
▪️Tuesday Night Live Summer Wharf Concert Series: May 13, June 10, June 24, July 8, August 12, August 26, September 9
▪️Thursday Night Beach Parties at the Crow’s Nest: May 22 – August 28
▪️Midtown Fridays Summer Block Party: May 30 – August 29
▪️Evenings on the Colonnade at the @Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: June 19 – August 7
▪️Capitola Twilight Concert Series in the @capitolavillage: June 11 – August 27
▪️Capitola Sunday Art & Music at the Beach: June 22, July 20, August 3, and August 17
▪️Music in the Plaza – Watsonville: June 20, July 4, July 18, August 1, August 15, September 5
▪️Bargetto Winery’s Thursday Night Music in the Courtyard: May – September
▪️Junction Park in Boulder Creek: June 18, June 25, July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30
▪️Music at Skypark in Scotts Valley: August 24 and September 28
Know of more? Drop them in the comments below!
#santacruz #santacruzcounty #capitola #watsonville #bouldercreek #scottsvalley freemusic #freeconcerts #summermusic #summerinsantacruz #visitsantacruz

Hello, June, and hello, coastline. 😍 What’s your favorite beach on the best coast/West Coast? 🌴🪻🌊
Busy beach days with oceanfront restaurants or coastal perches to listen to the waves, there’s the perfect spot for everyone on the Santa Cruz coast. See you soon! ✌🏼
Video Clips 📹 | @dgsc
Locations 📍: @capitolavillage, La Selva Beach, Lighthouse Field State Beach
#santacruz #visitsantacruz #capitola #laselvabeach #laselva #santacruzcounty #capitolavillage #june #bestcoast #westcoast #summervibes #summerinsantacruz #summer
