As part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, sea life is abundant in and around Santa Cruz County. Throughout the year it is possible to see sightings of common porpoises, humpback whales, sea lions, seals, and the ever-present sea otters. Seen from the deck of a sailboat, in the seat of a kayak, on
Though we’re never quite ready to bid adieu to summer, we’re always eager to welcome fall. The magical season sees life’s pace begin to slow, the air turn crisp, and sunlight bathe everything in golden hues. We love scouring pumpkin patches for the perfect jack-o-lantern, and watching masked, pint-sized ghouls wander streets with trick-or-treat bags held wide open. A noticeable uptick in baked goods doesn’t hurt either. Below we share some ideas for how to celebrate autumn in Santa Cruz County with plenty of frights, food, and fall color to last the season.
Want to know where locals go for some of the best hikes with striking views in Santa Cruz? From peeks of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on clear days to large open vistas of the Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz boasts a multitude of short hikes with Instagram-worthy vistas. These routes can be completed in a
By Visit Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County delivers added value once summer ends, when mild temperatures, fewer crowds and lower hotel rates help make travel more affordable. This season, there are plenty of free activities and events that won’t cost a penny. Find details below on the top 12 free things to do and see in Santa Cruz County this fall and winter.
Santa Cruz County has the perfect recipe for fun and tasty picnics: a spectrum of fabulous restaurants that do great takeout food and countless spots with unbeatable scenery. Here are a few matchups to explore. Davenport Picnic with Pier View Whale City Bakery on the coast has lots of high-quality to-go options. Since you won’t