International VISITORS

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. 🌲 🎣 🛶

FAQs for visiting:

▪️Loch Lomond is seasonal: Operating from March through mid-October; closed on Wednesdays.
▪️Vehicle Fee $10, Season Pass $100.
▪️Arrive early to snag one of the limited parking spaces closest to the lake.
▪️No swimming allowed.
▪️There are 12 miles of hiking trails to explore around the loch.
▪️Rent an electric motorboat or a rowboat from the Park Store, or call ahead to reserve your boat: 831-335-7424
▪️Fishing is welcome, and licenses can be obtained from the Park Store.
▪️Picnicking is available at many parts of the park. Bring your own charcoal if you plan to BBQ.
▪️Free 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.  First come, first served.
▪️Loch 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.
▪️Check out the “Loch Walks” that are hosted by a variety of ornithologists, botanists, and more. Discover dates and more information here.  
▪️Please respect this natural space and keep it natural for years to come. Pack your trash, carpool, and leave it better than you found it. 

Video 🎥 | @dgsc
Photos 📷 | @beningramvisuals / @hellobeningram

#lochlomond #boating #fishing #lochlomondrecreationarea #sanlorenzovalley #slv #santacruzmountains #felton #benlomond #visitsantacruz #santacruz #santacruzcounty

More than a top-ranked California golf course! ⛳️ 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:

🧇🥗🌮 @thegrilleatdelaveaga has an incredible chef who’s creating an innovative and FRESH menu – like farmer’s market fresh, own DeLa garden fresh, and fresh ideas.

🍹🍺🥂 @thegrilleatdelaveaga also has a full bar and they’re known for their great cocktails, local wine, and beers!

🏌️‍♂️⛳️🏌🏼‍♀️ 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 can’t beat the setting!

🌲🥾🌿 Take a hike! There’s trails up and around this gorgeous hilltop setting. Roam through redwoods, get to “Top of the World” bench for optimal vistas, and work up an appetite for some bites and drinks at The Grille.

⭕️⛓️‍💥⛳️ 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, DeLaveaga’s disc golf course attracts pros and casual players alike.

🌳🌊🌅 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.

🎭🌲🧺 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

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, there’s roaming cattle too! 🐄) 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. It’s 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. 🌿🌊☀️🦭🌅🍻

Agree?

Top Locations Featured in this Reel:
📍 Panther Beach / Davenport 🥾
📍 Quail Hollow 🐦
📍 Shadowbrook / @shadowbrook_restaurant
📍 Capitol Village / @capitolavillage 🩵
📍 Natural Bridges State Beach 🌅
📍 Wilder Ranch State Park 🦭
📍 Beer Mule / @thebeermule 🍺
📍 Santa Maria’s Beach 🌊

#visitsantacruz #santacruz #santacruxcounty #may #spring #vacations #nature #santacruzbucketlist

@kinderwood_farms has entered the chat…

Want to experience the magic of the homesteading lifestyle? Check out the many offerings from the sweet folks at Kinderwood Farms in Aptos! Have some playtime with the animals 🐐, book a Field to Table Cheese Making 🧀 or Sourdough Bread Making 🥖 workshop, or attend goat yoga at @beerthirtysantacruz! 🧘‍♂️ This place is a little slice of farm life heaven! Check the @kinderwood_farms website for details, offerings, and to book!

#kinderwoodfarms #goats #babyanimals #hiddengem #homesteading #farmlife #santacruz #santacruzcounty #aptos #visitsantacruz

If nature brings you peace, we’ve got a spot for you. 🫶

Discover peace in Santa Cruz County at:
📍 Wilder Ranch State Park 🌾
📍 Bonny Doon Beach and Davenport Bluffs 🌊
📍 Natural Bridges State Park 🦌
📍 Glenwood Open Space Preserve 🐄
📍 La Selva Beach 🌸
📍 Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell 🌲
📍 Loch Lomond 🛶

Where do you find your peace in nature?

Great video clips by @dgsc, @impactcreative, and @beningramvisuals! 👏

#santacruz #visitsantacruz #peaceful #peace #nature #santacruzcounty #getoutside #felton #laselva #davenport #scottsvalley

Oh the wonders of the redwood forests! 🌲🍄‍🟫🍄🌿

Interested in all things mushroom? Check our blog (🔗 in bio) and story for Your Guide to the Mushroom World of Santa Cruz County! There’s loads of information about one of Santa Cruz’s cherished wonders – the mushroom! The blog includes info on:

🥾 Fungi-forward hikes!
🥘 Restaurants who spotlight mushroom dishes.
🍄 Mushroom & Fungi Events (like the upcoming Santa Cruz Mountain Mushroom Festival hosted by @farwestfungi and @roaringcamp on May 3-4)
🛍️ Mushroom goods and places to shop for fungi fun – like @friendsofscstateparks and @santacruzfarmersmkts.

Cheers to finding awe all around us – from high up in the redwood canopy, to down on the forest floor.

Mushroom Blog 💻 | @shbynation
Video Clips 📹 | @dgsc + @visitsantacruz

#mushrooms #redwoods #santacruzcounty #santacruzmountains #santacruz #visitsantacruz #mushroomforaging #mushroomhunting #mushroom #fungiphotography #mushroomfestival

One taste and you’ll fall in love with @bittersweetbistro! Located in Aptos, this restaurant has been a local favorite for over three decades. See some highlights below and be sure to add Bittersweet Bistro to your must-try list for an unforgettable meal!

Special Highlights:
▪️Dog-friendly + gorgeous spacious patio! There’s lots of foliage, koi fish and fountains, and they even have dog bones and a dog menu for your pup! 🐶
▪️From Asparagus Fries to an incredible Pear Salad, delicious Truffle Gnocchi to fresh caught Halibut en Papillote, and fan-favorite Shrimp Dynamite to Fillet Mignon, the appetizer, happy hour, and dinner menus are bursting with fresh flavors!
▪️Dessert Martinis… Oh, wow… these are next level for dessert/martini fans! With creations like Strawberry-Rhubarb Dreamsicle, Tiramisu, Cookies-N-Cream, Affogato Martini, Café Chocomil Martini (made with tequila and Mexican chocolate) and many more, you’ll definitely find a few new favorites! And fun fact: many of these dessert martinis feature house-made vanilla cream. 🍸
▪️Desserts 💯: Bittersweet has a long-standing reputation for some of the BEST desserts in the county and it’s with good reason. House-made everything, deliciousness galore, and the presentation is perfection. The Banana Bread Pudding (and the house-made chocolate Jack Daniel’s ice cream) is incredible – plus, it has a super fun presentation! 🐒 The Lemon Napoleon and Brownie Sundae are as tasty as they are gorgeous, and a true must-try is the Cookies and Cream Ricotta Cheesecake – cheesecake lovers will really appreciate this one. 🍰

Bittersweet’s dedication to freshness, and attention to detail and deliciousness is seen in every dish and every cocktail. Cheers to this Aptos gem!

Bittersweet Bistro
787 Rio Del Mar Blvd, Aptos
Open: Tuesday – Sunday, 3pm-9pm

#aptos #bittersweetbistro #desserts #dessertmartini #patiodining #aptosrestaurant #santacruz #santacruzcounty #visitsantacruz

To visit Davenport is to love Davenport… Tell us your favorite memory on this little slice of California Coast. 🩵

Yet to discover this gorgeous stretch of Santa Cruz County? Tag a friend you want to explore with! 🌊🐄🌼🍓🥧🦀🌲🥾

Video 📹 | @beningramvisuals / @hellobeningram

#davenport #californiacoast #santacruz #santacruzcounty #visitsantacruz #coast #centralcoasting #pieceofpeace

Here are 3️⃣ must-visit spots PLUS 3️⃣ must-try items you don’t want to miss on East Lake in Watsonville!

1. @strawberrypatch_cafe has a delicious breakfast burrito made with scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, avocado, mushrooms, caramelized onions, organic spinach – and in this one – bacon! They’ve got an incredible matcha, boba tea, coffee, and smoothie menu too. There are so many breakfast and lunch options but it was love at first bite with this Patch Burrito.
📍 734 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville

2. @ozzyspizzeriawatsonville is killing it with those pies! The Date with a Hot Pig has cayenne and candied Corralitos bacon, dates, olive oil and shaved garlic and it’s an easy 10/10. Ozzy’s Mama is another pizzeria favorite with house made Italian sausage, olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan. It’s finished with burrata, habanero jelly and orange zest – this pie is bursting with flavor! There are so many more creative and classic pizzas we can’t wait to try at Ozzy’s!
📍 1036 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville

3. @fruitionbrewing is serving incredible beers (and wowing with their sour menu too!) but their kitchen menu takes this brewery to the next level. Try their Deluxe Grilled Cheese with jack & cheddar and garlic aioli jalapeño jam on rosemary sourdough and tell us it’s not the best grilled cheese you ever had… we’ll wait. 😊
📍 918 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville

Have you tried any of these Watsonville spots? If not, it’s time for a visit!

#watsonville #eastlakewatsonville #goodeats #fruition #strawberrypatchcafe #ozzyspizzeria #visitwatsonville #santacruzcounty #santacruz #visitsantacruz

Boardwalk Spring Break Mode: ✅
The sun is shining, the rides are twirling and swirling, the cones are dipped, and the @beachboardwalk is in full spring break mode! Who’s ready for a ride? 🎢🎠🎡

#springbreak #santacruz #beachboardwalk #santacruzbeachboardwalk #visitsantacruz #boardwalk #giantdipper

Send this to your patio dining pals! ☀️ Anyone else excited about dining al fresco this spring? What’s your go-to restaurant with a great patio in Santa Cruz County?

📍 @homesoquel
👨‍🍳 @chef_briske
🍴 @danieljwestfitness @doublemeatplease @thecuratedfeast @abimustapha @beningramvisuals @shnooz @k_weezie @marcustrawick_
📹 @impactcreative

#spring #patiodining #alfresco #santacruz #soquel #visitsantacruz #homesoquel

Facts: Hikes + Bites > Hikes + No Bites. Here are a few of our favorite sweet and savory bites in the San Lorenzo Valley – perfect for that post-morning hike! Where do you love to eat before or after a hike in the redwoods?

🌲 Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell
🍋 The Grove Bakery’s Lemon Loaf (@thegrovefelton)
🥯 House-made bagel sandos from Coffee Nine (@coffee_nine_)
🤤 Bomboloni aka, Italian donuts from La Placa Family Bakery – pro tip: the Bombolini are available around noon!

Be sure to explore the forest of the valley – and don’t miss out on their tasty bites too!

#sanlorenzovalley #felton #benlomond #santacruz #visitsantacruz #fallcreek #hiking #hike

Spring country roads that lead to: 🌼🎋🍷🥧🍻

Stop 1: @bamboogiantnurseryandgardens – come for a tranquil walk through bamboo groves. A great spot for a picnic! 🧺
📍 5601 Freedom Blvd, Aptos
🕰️ Open Tuesday-Saturday: 10am-3pm

Stop 2: Corralitos Wine Trail wineries and vineyards – @alfarofamilyvineyards, @elvaquerowinery, @lesterestatewines, @nicholson.vineyards, @storrswine, and @windy_oaks_estate are all part of this idyllic countryside wine experience. 🍇 (locations and wine tasting hours vary)

Stop 3: @corralitosbrewery – stop by for handcrafted ales and lagers plus, delicious rotating food pop-ups and warm local vibes. 🍺
📍 2536 Freedom Blvd, Watsonville
🕰️ Tap Room is Open: Thursday-Friday: 5pm-8pm; Saturday – Sunday: 2pm-8pm)

Stop 4: Gizdich Ranch – it’s always time for pie at Gizdich! Stop by year-round for fresh pies, deli items and picnic lunches to enjoy on the farm. And with seasonal u-picks of apples, strawberries, olallie berries and boysenberries, Gizdich should be on your radar throughout the seasons. 🍎
📍 55 Peckham Rd, Watsonville
🕰️ Open everyday: 9am-5pm

From Aptos to Corralitos to Watsonville, the southern part of Santa Cruz County has all kinds of hidden treasures! Here are just a few on the countryside of town – what are your favorite spots?

Photos 📷 | @thecuratedfeast / @wolfpeachcreative, @jennday77 and @dgsc

#corralitos #aptos #watsonville #santacruz #santacruzcounty #visitsantacruz

We’ve got 3 new spots you’ve gotta add to your weekend eats!

1. @thechocolatestudiosantacruz: serving @mutarichocolate delights, delicious baked goods from @daniobakeshop, and starting this weekend, wine, beer and charcuterie! There’s lots on the horizon for this spot and you won’t want to miss a bite!
912 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz

2. @tortillashack1: fresh tortillas that you can watch being made! Plus, a great variety of fresh ingredients for your favorite mex-style creations. The salsas and fresh tortillas are major highlights! Great for a weekend on the go.
1505 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz

3. @greenpapayathaiaptos: in the mood for some great Thai food? This can be your new go-to spot! The green curry paired with the Thai iced tea was perfection to cool down the curry’s kick! And the fresh spring rolls and peanut sauce? 💯
8042 Soquel Drive, Aptos

Have you tried any of these new spots? What are you adding to your list for new eateries to visit?

#santacruz #aptos #newrestaurants #downtownsantacruz #aptos #visitsantacruz

It’s so unpredictable! 😏🌊

#surfing #visitsantacruz #santacruz #visitcalifornia #traffic

Never ever underestimate the power of time in the forest. We 💚 our redwoods and Fall Creek is a magical spot to unplug and connect with nature. 🌲

Here are a few spots we love for time in the forest:

1. Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Great for little or big hikers! Travel along the creek, see historical lime kilns, or opt for some steep uphill climbs! This video is all from Fall Creek. No dogs allowed. 🥾

2. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Lots of options here! Strenuous treks or easy strolls, Henry Cowell is a must-hike state park with old-growth redwoods. The Old Growth Loop Trail is stroller and wheel chair accessible and is a perfect near-mile loop to see the towering redwoods. Some dog trails and equestrian trails are also at this park! 🐶🐴

3. The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park: Located in Aptos, Nisene is a hiker and mountain biker paradise! Another spot with lots of options including an 8ish mile hike to Maple Falls – a 30ft waterfall. 💦

4. Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Visit Big Basin in Boulder Creek and witness the resilience of the coastal redwoods. Surviving the 2020 CZU Fires, the park is almost 5 years into its recovery and the towering redwoods continue to grow, heal, and flourish. 🌱

What’s your favorite forest escape to connect with nature? 🌲

Videos and Photos 📷 | @dgsc

#forest #hikesantacruz #santacruzhikes #hikinginsantacruz #fallcreek #henrycowell #bigbasin #nisenemarks #santacruzcounty #felton #visitsantacruz #santacruz #hiking

Flowers by the ocean are always a quick mood booster! Where’s your favorite spot on the California Coast to take in the 🌼🌊🌸 views?

Here are a few spots featured here from Santa Cruz County:
📍 Main Beach / Boardwalk
📍 Mitchell’s Cove Beach
📍 Pleasure Point
📍 Capitola Village
📍 West Cliff Drive
📍 La Selva Beach
📍 Coast Dairies
📍 Wilder Ranch State Park

Shoutout to the talented photographers: @dgsc, @beningramvisuals, @thecuratedfeast, and @thegarrickramirez! 👏

#visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty #santacruz #pleasurepoint #westcliff #capitola #davenport #wilderranch #coastdairies #laselvabeach #beachboardwalk

What do you love about the @santacruzwharf? There’s plenty of great food 🍤 and treats 🍬, endless sea lion entertainment 🦭, loads of fun shops 🛍️, and of course, the best sunset 🌅 spot around!

More daylight = more time enjoying the Santa Cruz Wharf! 🫶

#santacruzwharf #santacruz #wharf #maincharacterenergy #visitsantacruz

Peaceful moments in nature are everywhere here. How many of these peaceful spots have you explored in Santa Cruz County?

📍 Glenwood Preserve 🐄
📍 Pajaro Dunes 🌊
📍 Natural Bridges State Park 🦢
📍 Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 🐝
📍 Wilder Ranch State Park 🦦
📍 Quail Hollow Ranch 🦌

#nature #santacruz #santacruzcounty #visitsantacruz #peaceful #peacefulmoments #getoutside