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Places to Stay

Places to Eat

Restaurants

Coffee, Tea + Sweets

Wineries Taps and Tastings

Things to Do

Arts & Culture

Beach Boardwalk

Beachs & Parks

Outdoor & Wildlife

Request Wildlife Guide

View Wildlife Guide Online

Dog-Friendly

Upcoming Events

Plan Your Trip

Contact Us

Getting to Santa Cruz

Request a Travel Guide

View Travel Guide Online

View Map Online

Travel Itineraries

Frequently Asked Questions

Lifestyle

Blog

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Aptos

Capitola/Soquel

Davenport

Pleasure Point

San Lorenzo Valley

Santa Cruz

Scotts Valley

Watsonville

Monterey Bay

Meetings

Film

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Press Room

About Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz History

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  • Find Your Awe in Santa Cruz County

    Find Your Awe in Santa Cruz County

    Striking us with a sense of wonder that both thrills and inspires, the feeling of awe transcends emotion in a way that is a challenge to put into words. Awe can be found all around us, if we keep an eye out for it: watching as the sun sets the sky ablaze with color, reflected in the gleaming ocean; spotting the electrifying yellow of a banana slug contrasted against the dark forest floor; discovering the vibrant taste of fresh produce at the farmers’ market; or admiring the stunning brushstrokes of a local artist’s mural. Finding everyday awe comes with ease when exploring the community, nature, and beauty to be found throughout Santa Cruz County.  

    Essential to our well-being, the feeling of awe can be elicited by experiences that amplify curiosity and build our sense of wonder, provoking the mind to expand our perspective. Awe is often thought of in tandem with the vastness of the world: the breathtaking view of a sweeping vista atop a mountain, or the majestic glitter of the sun shining on the blue sea. However, Dr. Dacher Keltner, a psychologist at U.C. Berkeley, shares that awe can also be found in the day-to-day moments, especially in the simplicity of human kindness. In Santa Cruz County, a place that celebrates and cares deeply for its community, there are ample opportunities to witness this awe-inspiring goodness for yourself.  

    Sea Anemone at Santa Maria’s Beach | Liz Birnbaum, The Curated Feast

    Cultivate that sense of wonder by giving yourself the time to slow down and witness the spectacular world around you. Behold the brilliant color and sweet smell of a ripe strawberry, freshly picked. Keep your eyes peeled in the tide pools for the delicate purple rays of the ochre sea star, a lucky find. Soak in the dappled light of a eucalyptus grove as magnificent monarchs flutter and soar overhead. Notice how delicate wisps come together to form marine fog, transforming the landscape as it gently wraps the coast in its soft, dewy blanket. As you set into motion this feeling of wonder, it becomes increasingly clear that each glorious moment of awe experienced is just part of an incredibly intricate, connected world.  

    Santa Cruz Mountains | Liz Birnbaum, The Curated Feast

    Reflecting on the context and connection of the wonders of the world sets the stage for finding even more awe. Santa Cruz County, with its majestic redwoods, stunning coastline, magical marine layer, and wondrous terrains, is a whole world within one county. When our sense of awe is activated, so too is our motivation to do our part to preserve and protect these majestic places for the global community and for generations to come.  

    Become a curious observer of the world around you, taking interest in everything from the simple to the splendid, and awe will find you. Feel your sense of wonder grow as you find your awe in Santa Cruz County!  

    Caryn Hewlett

    March 9, 2023
    Uncategorized
  • Santa Cruz County Farmer’s Markets

    Santa Cruz County’s rich sandy soil combined with warm sunny days and cool foggy nights create one of the most distinctive geographical areas in California for fruits and vegetables.  And there’s no better place to see it all at once than at a weekly farmers market, where fruits and vegetables are the stars of the show.

    Look For

    The 14 different flavors of almonds at Stackhouse Brothers Orchards at the Scotts Valley Farmer’s Market, May through November.

    The centrally-located space for parents to leave their young ones, who can draw, play or get their faces painted at the Felton Farmer’s Market in the San Lorenzo Valley.

    Avocados and dried fruit at the Downtown Santa Cruz Farmer’s Market.

    Bluegrass, jazz, country blues, and other types of music at the Santa Cruz Community Farmers Markets’ annual music series.  Featured at the Felton, Scotts Valley, Westside, and Live Oak Farmer’s Markets, these weekly performances keep things lively and fresh!

    Professional sharpening services for knives and gardening tools at the Aptos Farmer’s Market, named by Coastal Living Magazine as one of “The Coast’s Best Farmers Markets.”

    The FoodShed Project – an education and outreach program highlighting the work of local farmers, food artisans, and community partners through special events and educational demonstrations, and hosted at the Scotts Valley, Felton and Downtown Santa Cruz Markets.

    The Pop-Up Breakfast Series, beautiful family style meals created by regional chefs dedicated to seasonal food. These ticketed events at the Westside Farmers’ Market are indulgent, unique and sell out.

    Did You Know?

    There is virtually a farmer’s market for every day of the week:

    Aptos Farmer’s Market
    8AM – Noon
    Saturdays, year-round

    Felton Farmers’ Market
    Tuesday, 1:30-5:30pm, May-October
    120 Russell Avenue

    Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers’ Market
    Wednesday, 1-5pm year-round
    Cedar Street and Lincoln Street

    Scotts Valley Farmers’ Market

    Saturday, 9am-1pm, May-November
    5060 Scotts Valley Drive
    SV Boys and Girls Club

    Westside Farmers’ Market
    Saturday, 9am-1pm year-round
    Mission Street Extension and Western Drive

    Live Oak Farmers’ Market
    Sundays, 9am-1pm year-round
    This market is moving in May, location TBA
    Current: 15th Avenue and East Cliff Drive

    Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Certified Farmers Market
    8AM – 4PM
    Fridays, year-round

    Daryl Zape

    November 22, 2018
    Uncategorized
  • Plan Your Trip to Santa Cruz with the Free 2018 Traveler’s Guide

    Plan Your Trip to Santa Cruz with the Free 2018 Traveler’s Guide

    The Official Santa Cruz County Traveler’s Guide has a whole new look for 2018! Featuring a new design, fresh photography, and a more portable size, the guide is a true reflection of the Santa Cruz lifestyle.

    Photo by Garrick Ramirez

    New feature stories are presented in a “Meet the Makers” section, focusing on local chefs, and micro-destinations within the county like Abbott Square Market, and the new Craftbar at Annieglass Studios. Farmer’s markets, arts and culture, wildlife, beaches, state parks, and other visitor draws are also included.

    The annual publication features enhanced area maps, and dining and lodging listings highlighting the amenities offered by various restaurants, hotels, bed and breakfast inns, motels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds. So whether you’re planning a trip, or already here, the guide inspires and informs you on where you want to go, and need to be!

    Photo of Artist, September Wren / Meg Venter

    This year’s dreamy cover photo is by local artist, September Wren, and features her depiction of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s colorful Ferris wheel against a robin’s-egg blue sky.

    Ready to grab your own copy of this handy little guide? Request one now and we’ll send it right to your door! And for those who just can’t wait or prefer paperless, check out the online version here.

    abeadmin

    January 9, 2018
    Uncategorized
    2018 TG Santa Cruz, 2018 Travel Guide Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz 2018 Travel Guide, Santa Cruz COunty 2018 Travel Guide, Santa Cruz County Travels Guide, Santa Cruz Travel Guide, Santa Cruz Traveler’s Guide

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Visit Santa Cruz County is a private, non-profit corporation, serving as the official visitor marketing entity for Santa Cruz County. Visit Santa Cruz County works to enhance tourism, the visitor experience, and the area economy by positioning and promoting Santa Cruz County as a year-around visitor, conference and film destination.

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