Family Fun - Visit Santa Cruz County

Family Fun

Travel Blog

Kid-Friendly Hotels in Santa Cruz County!

By Garrick Ramirez

With kid-friendly attractions such as the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Roaring Camp Railroads plus miles of sandy beaches, it’s little wonder Santa Cruz County is favorite destination for families. And while all hotels welcome kiddos, some go the extra mile to delight the smallest members of your party. We’re talking big perks for little people. Offering everything from giant bouncy platforms to s’mores parties on the beach, here are the top kid-friendly hotels in Santa Cruz County.

BY Garrick Ramirez

Top 5 Kid-Friendly Hikes in Santa Cruz County

It’s a gorgeous Saturday morning and you’re craving a vigorous mountaintop trek, but the kiddos only want to stroll a virtual landscape of pixelated zombies. Sound familiar? We’ve got the solution: easy, scenic hikes with fun surprises and engaging activities that your kids will love. With quality time outdoors and away from the screens, these five outings are your new weekend ace in the hole.

BY Garrick Ramirez

Get Spooked with these Halloween Events in Santa Cruz County

Halloween is here and Santa Cruz County has all the spooky fun! Trick-or-Treating on the Wharf, a Halloween Parade in the Capitola Village, a Monster Masquerade, and so much more! Check out some of the best Halloween celebrations throughout the county!

BY Rachel Endsley

Your Off-Season (& Rainy Day) Guide to the Boardwalk

With a sunny beachfront locale, open-air thrill rides, and an endless parade of frozen treats, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is the very definition of summer. But that doesn’t mean the fun ends with the first bell of the school year. The Boardwalk is open year-round, and quieter months mean more deals and less crowds. Don’t stash those My Boardwalk cards just yet. Below, you’ll see why the off-season-and even a rainy day-is a great time to enjoy the Boardwalk.

BY Garrick Ramirez

Coastal Farms & Pumpkin Patches

By Garrick Ramirez

Just north of Santa Cruz, roughly 15 minutes from downtown, you’ll find a string of colorful coastal farms stands. During fall, sunny blue skies and lush green fields are complemented by stacks of yellow hay bales and rows of bright orange pumpkins. Trust us: your photos will bring your Instagram followers to their knees. Take a peek at our photo tour below and see why these scenic stops make the perfect fall outing:

BY Garrick Ramirez