Set steps from the rippling surf of Cowell Beach, the new Jack O’Neill Restaurant & Lounge serves up big waterfront views, fresh coastal cuisine, and heaps of local surf culture. Taking its name and inspiration from the late Jack O’Neill, the wetsuit pioneer and founder of Santa Cruz’s first surf shop, the signature restaurant inside
Zipping past the verdant agricultural fields along Highway 1 in southern Santa Cruz County, you might not guess that a stunning waterfront gem sits moments away. Just six minutes from the highway-and worlds away from modern-day bustle-you’ll discover Pajaro Dunes Resort, a hidden, coastal nirvana with a pristine white sand beach, seagrass-shrouded dunes, and more animated wildlife than a Disney cartoon. The secluded vacation home community offers guests a taste of exceptional coastal living, even if just for a weekend. Check out what makes it a special destination along the Monterey Bay, and enter our Let’s Cruz Vacation Giveaway to win your own coastal getaway!
Spring is in the air and Visit Santa Cruz County would like to celebrate the season with a fabulous vacation giveaway! That’s right, you can enter now to WIN a stay in Santa Cruz! But this is not your average vacation giveaway package; this one is completely CUSTOMIZABLE! Submit your entry and you could win a Grand
Visiting Santa Cruz County is more affordable than ever. This season, there are plenty of free activities and events to enjoy that won’t cost a penny. Santa Cruz County may be known as a Nuclear-Free and Hate-Free Zone, but that’s not all that’s free! Here’s what you need to know for this spring and summer.
Not every local treasure ends up at the gift shop. We recently shared some of our favorite Santa Cruz hidden gems and invited you to experience what made them so special. If you’ve already checked those off your list, we’ve assembled even more memorable, lesser-known spots for you to discover. From a secret beach to a rare