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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

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View Map Online

Travel Itineraries

Frequently Asked Questions

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Aptos

Capitola/Soquel

Davenport

Pleasure Point

San Lorenzo Valley

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Scotts Valley

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Monterey Bay

Meetings

Film

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Press Room

About Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz History

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  • The Hub: DeLaveaga

    Santa Cruz’s Hidden Gem for Food, Views, Theater, and Outdoor Fun

    Welcome to The Hub, where we spotlight compact pockets of adventure and experience. This time, we’re taking you to one of Santa Cruz’s most unexpectedly rich corners: DeLaveaga.

    Most people know DeLaveaga as the home of Santa Cruz’s beloved golf course, but spend a little time in this tucked-away corner of town and you’ll discover that DeLaveaga is truly a hidden gem area with so much to offer. Perched just above town in the sun-dappled foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, DeLaveaga is where ocean views meet winding trails, and one of the top-ranked golf courses in the state sits alongside an award-winning restaurant, a cocktail bar, and miles of striking natural beauty. From outdoor Shakespeare plays to a world-class disc golf course, this Hub location has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re a foodie, a theater lover, a hiker, or just someone looking for a great sunset spot, the DeLaveaga area is a mini destination in itself—with enough to fill an entire day without ever having to leave.

    An array of entrees from The Grille at DeLaveaga

    Eat & Drink: The Grille at DeLaveaga

    At the heart of the DeLaveaga hub, The Grille is more than just a place to grab a bite—it’s the perfect start-and-finish line for your Santa Cruz adventure. Perched above the rolling green hills of the golf course, this hidden gem offers some of the best panoramic views in the county and a food and drink menu that rivals top restaurants in town. Whether you’re fueling up before a disc golf round, enjoying a casual brunch with friends, or grabbing lunch after a hike in the surrounding trails, The Grille delivers. Their standout brunch menu features favorites like Nashville Hot Chicken and Waffles, buttery croissant benedicts, and other elevated comfort food classics, while their bar serves up hand-crafted cocktails, local beers, and California wines that make lingering on the patio an easy choice. With its welcoming vibe, unbeatable views, and seriously good food, The Grille isn’t just a pit stop—it’s the centerpiece of the DeLaveaga experience.

    A Santa Cruz Shakespeare performance

    Experience: Santa Cruz Shakespeare

    There’s nothing quite like live theatre in the redwoods—and Santa Cruz Shakespeare makes it a magical summer tradition. Performing at the Audrey Stanley Grove in DeLaveaga Park, this beloved company continues a 40-year legacy of bold, imaginative productions that bring Shakespeare’s works—and those of other great playwrights—to life under an open sky. Come early and soak up the full outdoor theatre experience. Pack a picnic basket, bring your favorite wine or beer, and enjoy dinner with a view from the scenic picnic bluff overlooking the treetops. Or enjoy pre-show drinks and bar bites just down the road at The Grille! There are also onsite concessions where you can grab a bite or drink before settling into your seat among the towering trees. More than just a performance, Santa Cruz Shakespeare is a celebration of storytelling and community. With a mission inspired by the Bard himself, SCS brings people together to explore what it means to be human—through laughter, drama, and a touch of midsummer magic.

    Hiking the “Top of the World”

    Explore: Hiking + “Top of the World” Views

    The trails that snake through DeLaveaga Park are a local favorite for good reason. There’s something almost enchanted about wandering under the canopy of oaks and pines—especially when you reach the legendary Top of the World bench. This scenic perch offers a jaw-dropping view over Santa Cruz, and it’s the perfect place to catch your breath, snap a photo, or just sit and soak it all in. This spot is also one of the best places in the county for star gazing without having to drive to remote areas of the Santa Cruz Mountains! So whether you’re going for a casual daytime hike or enjoying a night of stargazing, the natural scenery in DeLaveaga Park is wonderful.

    Golfing at Delaveaga Golf Course

    Get Active: Golf & Disc Golf with a View

    Whether you’re tossing a disc or teeing off with a driver, DeLaveaga is a dream for players of all kinds. For traditional golfers, this top-ranked public golf course is more than just a pretty backdrop—it’s a challenge. Thoughtfully designed with narrow landing zones, short layouts, and panoramic ocean and mountain views, this par-70 course is as demanding as it is beautiful. Heads up: Hole #10 was voted one of the toughest in Northern California! You don’t have to be a world-class golfer to enjoy a golfing experience here; people of all levels, or even those just looking for a unique family outing or date idea, can try their hand at hitting a few balls at the driving range. The driving range is open from 7 am to 6 pm and is a great way to try something new or get in some extra practice!

    Disc Golf at DeLaveaga Disc Golf Course

    Not a golfer? No problem. The world-renowned 27-hole Disc Golf Course is open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset, winding through scenic forest terrain that’s just as rewarding as the game itself. Known worldwide for its technical difficulty and epic views, DeLaveaga Disc Golf attracts pros and casual players alike. Whether you’re swinging clubs or flinging discs, playing here is about more than just the score—it’s about soaking in the surroundings and enjoying one of the most iconic outdoor recreation spots in Santa Cruz.

    DeLaveaga is more than just a golf course—it’s a mini-retreat nestled right in the heart of Santa Cruz. Whether you’re fueling up at The Grille, catching a live show under the trees, playing a round of golf, throwing a disc, or watching the stars come out from the top of the world, this is one hub that packs it all in.

    Monica Multer

    May 12, 2025
    Food & Drink, Things to Do, Uncategorized
  • 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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