International VISITORS
Rustic forests, pristine California coastline, agricultural fields carpeted in green, and public art displays crafted by a passionate creative community: these are the ways in which Santa Cruz County tells its story to visitors. Heritage old growth redwood trees are nourished by restorative marine fog absorbed through its pine needles. Marine mammals, fish and invertebrates thrive in Monterey Bayโs nutrient-rich waters, once critical to survival for the native Ohlone people.
The regionโs 29 miles of coastline and acres of redwood forests are testimony to its enduring heritage of preservation and conservation, ripe for exploration and experiences.
A rich history of surfing โ Californiaโs official sport โ began in 1885, when three Hawaiian princes tested the swells adjacent to what is now Main Beach on boards crafted from redwood trees, and surfing was born on the mainland. Only two decades later, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk welcomed visitors as โthe Coney Island of the West Coastโ with two national historic landmarks guests still enjoy today.
Things to do seem endless here: discover a forested trail through a lush riparian corridor under a canopy of redwood trees; take a breezy sail on the majestic Monterey Bay; or experience the rush of a 17-mile mountain bike ride on a downhill single track.
If farm to table is your thing, youโll feel right at home The roots of the organic farming movement are literally in the soil at the Center for Agroecology at U.C. Santa Cruz, where researchers found gentler, alternative ways to grow and harvest fresh produce in concert with natural elements. Weekly farmerโs markets showcase local produce, which are sourced by chefs around the county.
These natural surroundings provide inspiration to an eclectic array of consciously creative artists, modern but mindful. An abundance of live music, theater and fine arts accompany local festivals, celebrations and performances – all inspired by the county’s continuous, artistic energy.
Santa Cruz County cordially invites you to explore the region with the fervor, passion, and open-mindedness that defines the destination. Welcome!
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Travel to Santa Cruz County by car from San Francisco via scenic Highway 17 or iconic Highway 1 along the coastline, which will take approximately 90 minutes and is approximately 60 miles/96 km south. Driving from southern California, Santa Cruz County is approximately 349 miles/562 km north of Los Angeles and 30 minutes north of Monterey.
Santa Cruz County
Destinations
70 miles south of San Francisco, 35 miles north of Monterey, and unabashedly left of center, youโll find great surf, sandy beaches, redwood-covered mountains, laid-back towns organic farms, and a burgeoning beer and wine scene. Itโs impossible to pick one place to visit in Santa Cruz County. Take a quick cruz of them all!
Picture Yourself Here
Get inspired and start planning your next visit to Santa Cruz County. #VisitSantaCruz
Whatโs your favorite thing about the Santa Cruz @beachboardwalk? The Giant Dipper๐ข? The Dream Wheel ๐ก? The Looff Carousel ๐ ? The games ๐? The treats ๐ฆ๐ฌ๐ญ and eats ๐ฅ๐๐?
Tell us below! โฌ๏ธ
#visitsantacruz #santacruz #summerinsantacruz #beachboardwalk #santacruzbeachboardwalk #summer #summerclassics #boardwalk
Are you answering?
#santacruz #santacruzcounty #visitsantacruz #oceancalling #centralcoasting
Sunday summer scenes from Henry Cowellโฆ ๐๏ธ๐ค๏ธ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ด๐ฟ๏ธ Whatโs your favorite view?
๐ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
๐ฅพ River Trail โก๏ธ Eagle Creek โก๏ธ Pipeline โก๏ธ Redwood Grove Loop Trail
#henrycowell #henrycowellredwoodsstatepark #redwoods #hiking #hikes #getoutside #sundaymoodโ๏ธ #sunday #sanlorenzoriver #santacruzmountains #santacruz #summerinsantacruz #summer #visitsantacruz
Summer in Santa Cruz >>>
Beach days ๐๏ธ , events ๐บ๐ธ, outdoor live music ๐ถ , cold beers ๐บ, huge cones ๐ฆ, river and forest hangs and hikes ๐ฒ, and the best Santa Cruz summer vibe – itโs time to get here!
Whatโs your favorite summer view in Santa Cruz County?
#summer #santacruz #santacruzcounty #happysummer #vacationmode #summerinsantacruz #visitsantacruz
How many of these summer favorites have you been to in the Santa Cruz Mountains? ๐ฒ
1) @roaringcamp Railroads: Ride a train through the redwoods to the @beachboardwalk! ๐ข You can also walk and picnic on the beautiful grounds. ๐ฆ Leashed dogs welcome. Call ahead if you plan to bring your pup on the train.
2) Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Hike for miles or cool off in the river, the parkโs towering redwoods and cool waters are perfect for summer heatwaves. ๐ฒ Leashed dogs allowed on certain trails and fire roads.
3) Loch Lomond Reservoir: This seasonal treasure is open all summer long (minus Wednesdays). Rent a paddle boat or a motor boat! Fish, picnic, hike and hang with a gorgeous Santa Cruz Mountain backdrop. (No swimming or contact with water allowed here. If you want to get in the water, go to Henry Cowell) ๐ Leashed dogs allowed.
Where are you headed this summer in Santa Cruz County?
Content ๐ท | @beningramvisuals / @desireexc / @impactcreative
#santacruzmountains #santacruz #visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty #roaringcamp #henrycowellredwoodsstatepark #henrycowell #lochlomondreservoir #felton #benlomond #sanlorenzovalley #redwoods
All before noon todayโฆ Pleasure Point summer days are simply perfection! ๐๐ผ๐ถ๐ฏ And best believe they always lead to burritos from @thepointmarket!
Whatโs your favorite beach for summers in Santa Cruz County? ๐๏ธ
#pleasurepoint #santacruz #vacation #summer #centralcoast #goodmorning #montereybay #pointmarket #burrito #thebarrel
Summer weather in Santa Cruz = weโll sit outside. โ๏ธ Whatโs your favorite restaurant to dine al fresco? The @crowsnestsantacruz clearly has it dialed with views + great food and drinks! โต๏ธ
Photos ๐ท | @thecuratedfeast / @wolfpeachcreative
#dinealfresco #patiodining #patiolife #santacruzharbor #crowsnest #santacruz #visitsantacruz #harbor #crowsnestsantacruz
Add this to your summer bucket list in Santa Cruz County: a bucket of u-pick roses at @birdsongorchards in Watsonville! Literally slow down and smell the roses as you walk through the flower fields and pick your perfect bouquet. Be sure to say hi to the farmโs emus, llamas, goats, and chickens too! Reservations are required! Check below for more details:
๐ป Reservations are required and can be done on the Birdsong website.
โ๏ธ $50 per ๐ชฃ of ๐น. Each bucket will fit 25-30 stems of 12-18 inches. Birdsong provides a bucket with water for you to keep.
๐น Potted roses are also available for purchase.
๐ฆ Say hello through the fence to the llamas, emus, chickens and goats!
๐ This farm has an astonishing number of fruits (plus, walnuts and avocados)! From apples to citrus, stone fruit to figs, and loquats to persimmons, the orchard is always working on delicious produce. The farmโs bounty serves many restaurants in Santa Cruz, Carmel, Monterey, San Francisco and beyond. During the summer and fall, they also have an open fruit and flower stand at the farm on Sundays 10 am – 2 pm. U-pick fruit is also a seasonal possibility, so be sure to ask!
Whoโd ready for a fun summer outing at Birdsong Orchards?
Video + Photos ๐ท | @dgsc
#birdsongorchards #upick #youpick #upickroses #youpickroses #rosegarden #roses #flowerfarm #rosefarm #watsonville #santacruz #visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty #santacruzbucketlist
Pro tip: Grab an @umetea and skyrocket your beach day vibe. ๐๐ง๐๏ธ
From Brown Sugar Boba, Coco Mango Slushies, Matcha Melon Coco, Crรจme Brรปlรฉe Thai Tea, and dozens of other refreshing creations, youโre sure to find something youโll love at Ume Tea.
The little pink storefront is located at 46 Front Street, right by the @santacruzwharf roundabout, behind Las Palmas Taco Bar.
Have you been yet? Stop in and tell us what you think!
#santacruz #umetea #santacruzumetea #beachday #beachboardwalk #santacruzwharf #visitsantacruz
There are TWO car shows you donโt want to miss this month! The Capitola Rod and Custom Car Show on June 14 and Woodies on the Wharf on June 21! Read below for more details and be sure to add these classic car shows by the beach to your June calendar!
๐ Capitola Rod and Custom Car Show
๐ Saturday, June 14, 9am – 5pm
๐ @capitolavillage
๐ด Featuring Hot Rods, Muscle Cars, Coupes, Roadsters, Customs and Classics โ vintage to 1987 โ Vendor Booths, Music, Raffle, Trophies, and more.
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ฟ๏ธ Beach and Village Parking Lot 2 (Lower) located behind City Hall at 420 Capitola Avenue. This lot has over 220 spaces and offers a free summer shuttle to the Village.
๐ Woodies on the Wharf
๐ Saturday, June 21, 10am – 3:30pm
๐ @santacruzwharf
๐ Come see the more than 200 โWoodiesโ, gorgeous, pre-1950s cars that feature wood bodies, line the Santa Cruz Wharf. Stroll the Wharf and enjoy dozens of shops and restaurants and stellar coastal views while you soak up the sun and beauty of Northern Californiaโs premier โWoodieโ show. At 3:30pm, be sure to take part in the Woodies Send-Off Parade!
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ฟ๏ธ Alternative transportation available to the wharf including free bike valet and @the_santacruzer Beach and Downtown Shuttle ($1)
Hope to see you in Capitola and on the Santa Cruz Wharf this June! ๐๐ด๐๏ธโ๏ธ๐
Video Clips ๐น | @jennday77
#visitsantacruz #santacruz #capitolacarshow #capitola #capitolavillage #santacruzwharf #woodiesonthewharf #santacruzcalifornia #juneinsantacruz #carshows #classiccarahows #woodies #oldcars
Doesnโt take much to keep us happy! How about you? โ๏ธ๐๐ฌ๏ธ Whatโs your favorite beach for a little coastal summer sun?
Video Clips ๐ฅ | @dgsc
#visitsantacruz #summerbeachdays #beachdays #summer #californiacoast #visitcalifornia #montereybay #laselvabeach #wilderranch #capitolabeach #westcliffdrive #naturalbridges
Free concerts by the beach, music in the park, and more, are waiting to take a spot on your summer schedule in Santa Cruz County! Check our blog ๐ in our bio or story for the full concert lineup and dates PLUS, free movies too!
โช๏ธTuesday Night Live Summer Wharf Concert Series: May 13, June 10, June 24, July 8, August 12, August 26, September 9
โช๏ธThursday Night Beach Parties at the Crowโs Nest: May 22 โ August 28
โช๏ธMidtown Fridays Summer Block Party: May 30 – August 29
โช๏ธEvenings on the Colonnade at the @Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: June 19 โ August 7
โช๏ธCapitola Twilight Concert Series in the @capitolavillage: June 11 โ August 27
โช๏ธCapitola Sunday Art & Music at the Beach: June 22, July 20, August 3, and August 17
โช๏ธMusic in the Plaza โ Watsonville: June 20, July 4, July 18, August 1, August 15, September 5
โช๏ธBargetto Wineryโs Thursday Night Music in the Courtyard: May โ September
โช๏ธJunction Park in Boulder Creek: June 18, June 25, July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30
โช๏ธMusic at Skypark in Scotts Valley: August 24 and September 28
Know of more? Drop them in the comments below!
#santacruz #santacruzcounty #capitola #watsonville #bouldercreek #scottsvalley freemusic #freeconcerts #summermusic #summerinsantacruz #visitsantacruz
Hello, June, and hello, coastline. ๐ Whatโs your favorite beach on the best coast/West Coast? ๐ด๐ชป๐
Busy beach days with oceanfront restaurants or coastal perches to listen to the waves, thereโs the perfect spot for everyone on the Santa Cruz coast. See you soon! โ๐ผ
Video Clips ๐น | @dgsc
Locations ๐: @capitolavillage, La Selva Beach, Lighthouse Field State Beach
#santacruz #visitsantacruz #capitola #laselvabeach #laselva #santacruzcounty #capitolavillage #june #bestcoast #westcoast #summervibes #summerinsantacruz #summer
Collecting moments. Summer looks good on Capitola Village. These Memorial Day Weekend moments were the perfect kick-off to the summer season. The bright blues in the sky and water, colorful flora swaying in the coastal breeze, waves crashing, the sun casting its golden glow – they all make a special moment in time. What scene do you want to step into? ๐ด
Photo ๐น | @dgsc
#capitola #cinematic #capitolavillage #santacruz #visitsantacruz #capitolalove #capitolacalifornia #visitcalifornia #moments #collectingmoments
Where awe meets exploration. ๐ค Castle Rock State Park has a way of surprising you. Impressive rock formations, incredible vistas and sunsets, serendipitous discoveries of descending rock climbers, and a deep connection with the natural world, Castle Rock leaves room for adventure and discovery. What moment is your favorite? ๐ชจ
Videos ๐ฅ | @dgsc
#castlerock #castlerockstatepark #goatrock #hiking #santacruzmountains #santacruz #visitsantacruz #rockcliming #hikesantacruz
Wishing you all a beautiful Memorial Day from Santa Cruz County. โค๏ธ๐ค๐ We are forever grateful for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. ๐๐บ๐ธ
Photo ๐ท | @beningramvisuals / @hellobeningram
#memorialday #thankyou #happymemorialday #neverforget #santacruz #waltonlighthouse #chardonnaysailing #visitsantacruz
Subtle Memorial Day Weekend hintsโฆ Send this to your beach babes and besties. ๐๏ธ
Video ๐น | @beningramvisuals / @hellobeningram
#takemetotheocean #santacruz #beach #beachdays #memorialdayweekwnd #memorialday #twinlakesbeach #twinlakes #santacruzbeaches #visitsantacruz
Santa Cruz summer loadingโฆ Donโt mind the view while we wait. ๐ผ๐
Photos ๐ท | @thecuratedfeast / @wolfpeachcreative
#summer #summerinsantacruz #westcliffdrive #surf #santacruz #visitsantacruz #summerloading
An afternoon at Loch Lomond is perfection… Have you been?
Hiking, boating, or fishing, this peaceful reservoir is a great summer destination in the Santa Cruz Mountains. ๐ฒ ๐ฃ ๐ถ
FAQs for visiting:
โช๏ธLoch Lomond is seasonal: Operating from March through mid-October; closed on Wednesdays.
โช๏ธVehicle Fee $10, Season Pass $100.
โช๏ธArrive early to snag one of the limited parking spaces closest to the lake.
โช๏ธNo swimming allowed.
โช๏ธThere are 12 miles of hiking trails to explore around the loch.
โช๏ธRent an electric motorboat or a rowboat from the Park Store, or call ahead to reserve your boat: 831-335-7424
โช๏ธFishing is welcome, and licenses can be obtained from the Park Store.
โช๏ธPicnicking is available at many parts of the park. Bring your own charcoal if you plan to BBQ.
โช๏ธFree boat tours of Loch Lomond on the Newell Jewell are offered during the second weekend of each month, Saturday and Sunday, 11 AM-noon. Tours can accommodate 25 people, and you can sign up at the Park Store.โฏ First come, first served.
โช๏ธLoch Lomond Recreation Area is dog-friendly, so bring your pup along! Leashes are required, and make sure they stay on trail and out of the water! And of course, clean up after your pooch.
โช๏ธCheck out the โLoch Walksโ that are hosted by a variety of ornithologists, botanists, and more. Discover dates and more information here.โฏโฏ
โช๏ธPlease respect this natural space and keep it natural for years to come. Pack your trash, carpool, and leave it better than you found it.โฏ
Video ๐ฅ | @dgsc
Photos ๐ท | @beningramvisuals / @hellobeningram
#lochlomond #boating #fishing #lochlomondrecreationarea #sanlorenzovalley #slv #santacruzmountains #felton #benlomond #visitsantacruz #santacruz #santacruzcounty
A Santa Cruz weekendโs callingโฆ ๐ฆญโ๏ธ๐
Photo ๐ท | @desireexc
#santacruz #visitsantacruz #wilderranch #seal #seals #weekendvibes #tgif #weekender
More than a top-ranked California golf course! โณ๏ธ DeLaveaga is one-stop hub for fun! Day date, family outing, time with friends, or even a solo mission, here are a few things DeLa has to offer:
๐ง๐ฅ๐ฎ @thegrilleatdelaveaga has an incredible chef whoโs creating an innovative and FRESH menu – like farmerโs market fresh, own DeLa garden fresh, and fresh ideas.
๐น๐บ๐ฅ @thegrilleatdelaveaga also has a full bar and theyโre known for their great cocktails, local wine, and beers!
๐๏ธโโ๏ธโณ๏ธ๐๐ผโโ๏ธ No experience required: hit a bucket of balls at the two story driving range! No clubs? The staff can hook you up with a couple to get acquainted with your new favorite pastime! And of course, give the 18-hole course a go! Grab a golf cart (worth it already) and enjoy this picturesque course. You canโt beat the setting!
๐ฒ๐ฅพ๐ฟ Take a hike! Thereโs trails up and around this gorgeous hilltop setting. Roam through redwoods, get to โTop of the Worldโ bench for optimal vistas, and work up an appetite for some bites and drinks at The Grille.
โญ๏ธโ๏ธโ๐ฅโณ๏ธ Try your hand at some disc golf! DeLa also happens to be home to a world-renowned 27-hole disc golf course. Known for its technical difficulty and epic views, DeLaveagaโs disc golf course attracts pros and casual players alike.
๐ณ๐๐
Views on views on views. Not only is DeLaveaga have a ton of fun, it also has epic views all around. Wildlife, ocean and forest views, and gorgeous sunsets are all the norm here.
๐ญ๐ฒ๐งบ Come summer, Santa Cruz Shakespeare (@santacruzshakes) performs at the Audrey Stanley Grove in DeLaveaga Park. Pack a picnic, or have some pre-show drinks and bar bites at The Grille. This summertime tradition is unforgettable.
Add DeLaveaga to your Santa Cruz Bucket List and tell us about your day at this hub for outdoor fun!
#delaveaga #thegrilleatdelaveaga #delaveagagolfcourse #discgolf #golfing #golf #santacruzbucketlist #santacruz #visitsantacruz
Send this gorgeous bouquet to a mom you love! ๐ Happy Motherโs Day from Santa Cruz County!
Photos ๐ธ | @dgsc, @thecuratedfeast, @beningramvisuals
#mothersday #happymothersday #momsday #loveyourmother #madre #diademadres #diadelamadre #santacruz #visitsantacruz #santacruzca #santacruzcounty
Have you been here? Egrets are flying, turtles are swimming, and the water lilies are blooming! Oh, and yes, the wildflowers are still popping! Consider this your sign to hike at Glenwood Open Space Preserve in Scotts Valley.
Know before you go:
The Eastside trails are managed by @landtrustscc and offer four-plus miles of rolling hills, sweeping views, a variety of treed areas, wildflower fields, plus this picturesque pond. No dogs or bikes are allowed on Eastside. Please stay on designated trails and leave wildlife and cattle alone (yes, thereโs roaming cattle too! ๐) And as always, pack your trash and help keep this beautiful preserve clean and pristine!
As of May 8, 2025, poppies, lupine and other wildflowers are in bloom, along with the water lilies. Itโs a great time to go explore Scotts Valley!
#scottsvalley #glenwoodpreserve #glenwoodopenspacepreserve #glenwooodtrails #pond #santacruzcounty #santacruz #visitsantacruz #hiking #bayareahikes #bayareahiking
More of this in May, please. ๐ฟ๐โ๏ธ๐ฆญ๐
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Agree?
Top Locations Featured in this Reel:
๐ Panther Beach / Davenport ๐ฅพ
๐ Quail Hollow ๐ฆ
๐ Shadowbrook / @shadowbrook_restaurant
๐ Capitol Village / @capitolavillage ๐ฉต
๐ Natural Bridges State Beach ๐
๐ Wilder Ranch State Park ๐ฆญ
๐ Beer Mule / @thebeermule ๐บ
๐ Santa Mariaโs Beach ๐
#visitsantacruz #santacruz #santacruxcounty #may #spring #vacations #nature #santacruzbucketlist
