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 Bay’s nutrient-rich waters, once critical to survival for the native Ohlone people.
The region’s 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 – California’s official sport – 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 “the Coney Island of the West Coast” 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, you’ll 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 farmer’s 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, you’ll find great surf, sandy beaches, redwood-covered mountains, laid-back towns organic farms, and a burgeoning beer and wine scene. It’s 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
Fall colors mean fall menus… ‘tis the season! Here are just a handful of spots that make fall in Santa Cruz County something to behold!
🍁 Leaf peeping and beautiful historic Victorians on Walnut Avenue in @downtownsantacruz.
🍸 @shadowbrook_restaurant with their incredible seasonal menu and award winning favorites.
🌅 West Cliff Drive for autumn sunsets in wide screen.
🍝 @lapostarestaurantsc’s seasonal menu that leans into their “farmer partners,” this neighborhood restaurant in Seabright is a true gem in any season!
What are your fall go-to restaurants and local spots? 🍂
#fallinsantacruz #fallcolors #fallmenus #autumn #santacruz #santacruzcounty #visitsantacruz
We’ve got ‘em and we couldn’t be more thankful. 🌲🙏 And to think, these beautiful redwoods are just a few minutes from the coast! 🌊
Did you know…
The coastal redwood tree, known as Sequoia sempervirens, is the world’s tallest tree, reaching heights of over 300 feet (equivalent to a 30-floor skyscraper) with widths of roughly 20 feet. Not only is the coastal redwood the tallest tree species, but it can live to be over 2,000 years old!
Here are just some of the places to hike, stroll, or ride through the redwoods in Santa Cruz County:
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton
The Forest of Nisene Marks, Aptos
Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Boulder Creek
Byrne-Milliron Forest, Corralitos
Wilder Ranch State Park, Santa Cruz
San Vicente Redwoods, Santa Cruz (between Bonny Doon and Davenport)
Miller Property County Park, Boulder Creek
Land of Medicine Buddha, Soquel
Enjoy! 🌲
Videos 🎥 | @beningramvisuals / @hellobeningram
#redwoods #redwood #forest #redwoodforest #santacruzmountains #sanlorenzovalley #sanlorenzoriver #felton #henrycowellredwoodsstatepark #henrycowell #santacruz #santacruzcounty #visitsantacruz
The October switch has been flipped. 🎃
October is full of fun & spooky Halloween events! Check our bio 🔗 and story for a list of all the Halloween happenings in Santa Cruz County!
Photo 📷 | @jennday77
#halloween #october #santacruz #visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty #happyhalloween #jackolantern #surferstatue #westcliffdrive #westcliff
Do you like long walks on the beach? With miles of sand to explore in the southern coast Santa Cruz County, you need to add Watsonville beaches to your must-visit list!
📍 Pajaro Dunes Beach at Palm State Beach in Watsonville (also connects to Sunset State Beach, Manresa State Beach, La Selva, Seascape, Rio Del Mar State Beach, Seacliff State Beach – and sometimes more beaches in Capitola at low tide!)
Photos 📷 | @jamiehallmedia
#watsonville #beach #pajarodunes #palmstatebeach santacruzcounty #santacruz #visitsantacruz #beachwalks
Open Studios Art Tour is almost here! Mark your calendars for the first 3 weekends of October for art tours around Santa Cruz County!
Open Studios is a free annual event that allows visitors and locals alike the unique opportunity to see artists at work in their own spaces and buy directly from the source. From murals to mosaics, ceramics to glass, assemblage to woodworking, and everything in between, there’s plenty of amazing artistic creations to go around!
If you’ve never experienced this phenomenal event, check our bio link or story for a Guide to Open Studios. Be sure to check the @artscouncilsc website for artist directory, locations, and more!
Open Studios Art Tour 2025:
▪️October 4 & 5: South County artists – from the Yacht Harbor and South
▪️October 11 & 12: North County artists – from the Yacht Harbor and North
▪️October 18 & 19: All County
Video + Photo on this post: @impactcreative, @beningramvisuals, @__michaelbaba, @thecuratedfeast
Artist featured on this post: @most_funky_click, @ercilia_art, @charlesprentiss, @tombhala, @rhiahurt
#openstudios #openstudiosarttour #santacruzarts #santacruz #visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty #artscene #santacruzartists #santacruzopenstudios #arts #supportthearts
Just a slice of heaven on the California Coast. This is Santa Cruz County. 🫶
Video 📹 | @dgsc
#santacruz #aptos #seascape #santacruzcounty #beach #california #visitsantacruz #centralcoast #visitcalifornia #cinematic #widescreen #sliceofheaven
Clouds >>>>>
Looking forward to more days like this. 🫶
Photos 📷 | @beningramvisuals / @hellobeningram
#santacruz #westcliff #davenport #aptos #visitsantacruz #clouds #fallinsantacruz #fall
First day of fall and we hope you can make it. Fall is a great time to get into the forest, enjoy the warm weather, see the wildlife, sip wine al fresco, catch seasonal events, and watch the sunsets get better and better…
What’s your favorite sites, scenes, events, and things of fall in Santa Cruz County?
#visitsantacruz #santacruz #santacruzcounty #fallinsantacruz #firstdayoffall #fall #sunset
Good ‘til the last drop! ☀️ Second summer is here and the sunsets just keep getting better. Who loves fall in Santa Cruz County? 🤚
PS, the 10-day forecast is all sun and 70s! Hello, fall! 🍁
#secondsummer #fallinsantacruz #fall@#santacruz #santacruzcounty #sunsetseason
September and October bring a slowdown worth savoring. Let the weather, nature’s rhythm, and beauty of the coast take your attention. Enjoy the fall moments in Santa Cruz County before they pass us by. 🫶
#slowdown #santacruz #santacruzcounty #visitsantacruz #bestolacetofall #fall #fallinsantacruz #fallvacation #visitca
What’s your Monday mood? 🦭
1) Tired but making those calls 📞
2) Still waking up
3) Coming in hot? 😤
4) Still coming off the weekend 😵💫
5) Feeling confident and ready to take on the week 🤘
Happy Monday from all of us 🦭 in Santa Cruz County. 🫶
Photos by 📷 | @desireexc | @jennday77 | Val Guzman | Lisa Sheridan | @thecuratedfeast
#mondaze #mondaymood #monday #santacruz #visitsantacruz #sealion #seals #harborseal #mondaymotivation
Fall bucket list must = apple picking! 🍎🍏 This weekend, September 13, enjoy apple picking at Gizdich Ranch, @liveearthfarm, and @clearvieworchards ! Check below for details!
🥧 Gizdich Ranch
U-pick apples open on weekends beginning Saturday, September 13! Pick apples, visit their farm stand and shop, bring a picnic or grab a sandwich from the deli, and be sure to get pie!
📍 55 Peckham Rd, Watsonville
🕘 Open daily 9am-5pm but weekends only for apple picking. No reservations needed.
💳 Cards only! No cash! Apples will be approximately $2.30/pound.
🍎 Live Earth Farm
U-pick fields and organic produce farm stand are open! No reservations needed.
📍 1275 Green Valley Rd, Watsonville
🕙 Open weekends only from 10am – 3pm
💳 $2/pound – bring your own container or purchase one for a small fee.
🍏 Clearview Orchards
U-pick or visit the Apple Barn at this family farm in Watsonville. Reservations are required and you are able to preorder apple turnovers during the reservation process! 😋
📍 646 Trabing Rd, Watsonville
🕙 Reservations can be made between 10am and 3pm on weekends. Visit their website to book your time: clearvieworchards.com.
💳 Family Pass (carload up to 7 people) $7 each.
Video Clips 📹 | @dgsc
#fallbucketlist #santacruzbucketlist #applepicking #upickapples #gizdichranch #liveearthfarm #clearvieworchards #watsonville
Is your favorite part of the @santacruzcountyfair in this reel? 👀 The 2025 Santa Cruz County Fair is this Wednesday, September 10 – Sunday, September 14! Everything from adorable animals to tasty fair foods, live entertainment to local art, drone shows to horse shows, carnival games to a Taylor Swift tribute band… there truly is something for everyone! What are you looking forward to seeing (or eating) at the fair this year?
Need more info? Check below!
⏰ FAIR HOURS:
▪️Wednesday – Friday, Noon to 11:00 PM
▪️Saturday 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
▪️Sunday 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
📍LOCATION, PARKING & GETTING HERE
▪️2601 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville
▪️Parking is $15 for the main lot, $40 for valet. Five persons or more per car PARK FOR FREE!
▪️Free Fare to the Santa Cruz County Fair with @santacruzmtd! Ride for free with METRO on Route 79F (daily) & 79 (weekends only). Riders who take METRO to the fair will receive a discount on fair tickets. (Please request voucher from operator upon arrival of the fairgrounds.)
🎟️ DAILY ADMISSION
▪️Adults 13 to 61: $22.00
▪️Children 6 to 12: $11.00 (Free on Kid’s Day, 9/11 only)
▪️Under 5: Free
▪️Seniors 62 and better: $14.00 ($10.00 at the gate on Wednesday, 9/10 only)
▪️Active Duty Military: Free with ID all days
▪️All Veterans: Free on opening day, Wednesday, September 10 only
See you at the fair!
#santacruzcountyfair #santacruz #watsonville #santacruzcounty #fair #fairfood #familyfun
Welcome to the Cotoni-Coast Dairies! 🌲🥾🌊🚲
North of Davenport, where the Pacific Ocean meets rolling coastal grasslands, lies a place with stories as deep as its redwood roots: Cotoni-Coast Dairies (pronounced Chuh-toe-knee). Part of the 5,800-acre on-shore unit of the California Coastal National Monument, Cotoni-Coast Dairies is both a wild refuge and living history.
For visitors, hikers, bikers, and nature lovers alike, Cotoni-Coast Dairies offers an opportunity to experience the wild beauty of the California Central Coast.
TRAILS:
With over 8 miles of trails lovingly built by Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship, a local non-profit, the Cotoni Coast-Dairies are waiting to be discovered! One trailhead leads from the parking lot to all other paths, which are organized as a stack of loops, each feeding into the next. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or riding horseback (permit required), each path offers its own distinctive encounter with the land. Two of the pathways are dog-friendly, just be sure to keep your furry friends on leash.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
⏰ Cotoni-Coast Dairies is open seven days a week, sunrise to sunset. You’ll find the trailhead at:
📍1 Cement Plant Rd, Davenport, CA 95017
🚙 Parking: 62 spaces available
🚽 Restrooms: Located near the trailhead
🚱 Water: There is none on-site – bring your own, and plenty of it!
☀️ Essentials: Sunscreen, snacks, and good shoes
🐄 Wildlife: Cattle graze across the property – share the space with respect to the animals!
🗺️ Be prepared and download trail maps ahead of time
Want more info on this brand new park? Check our story and bio link!
Cotoni-Coast Spotlight Article 💻 | @carynhewlett
Videos 🎥 | @beningramvisuals / @hellobeningram
#cotonicoast #cotonicoastdairies #davenport #santacruz #visitsantacruz #cotonicoastdairiesnationalmonument
The hype is real… @deathbox_sc, located at 155 Walnut Ave, is causing a buzz in @downtownsantacruz. Maybe it’s the name, maybe it’s the killer food – you decide. Chefs Lance Ebert (@s.c.bread_boy + @the_emerald_mallard) and Mikey Adams (Alderwood) are collabing at @deathbox_sc to bring incredible flavor to Downtown Santa Cruz. The Short Rib Melt with sweet fig jam, fresh arugula, fiscalini cheddar, and @s.c.bread_boy’s country sourdough is a total hit – Veggie Melt also available. The cannolis are also fan favorites with flavored like Nutella, Pistachio, Chocolate and Fruity Pebbles. 😍
This Friday is Ramen Night, and who knows what Sunday brunch will bring!
If you’re a foodie on a mission to find the best bites and be “in the know” on what’s buzzing, give Death Box a try and tell us what you think! ☠️📦
⏰ This pop-up flavor explosion is open:
Wednesdays from noon – 3pm; Fridays from 6pm – 9pm; and Sundays from 10am – 2pm.
📍 155 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz
#santacruz #visitsantacruz #downtownsantacruz #santacruzfood
Did you know there are still 3 weeks of summer left? Santa Cruz clearly knows! 🌊☀️🏖️ Hope everyone’s enjoying this HOT Labor Day Weekend!
Photo 📷 | @thecuratedfeast / @wolfpeachcreative
#santacruz #labordayweekend #laborday #summer #summerheat #heatwaves #visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty #cowells #cowellbeach
SNEAK PEEK at the jaw-dropping beauty of @labahiahotelandspa – Santa Cruz’s first luxury beachfront hotel and spa! La Bahia is set to officially open to guests later in September but the community is buzzing with excitement for this crown jewel of the coast. Enjoy this sneak peek and follow @labahiahotelandspa as they begin to unfold the wonderment of this Santa Cruz stunner.
Reservations can already be made online for mid-September and beyond! Plan your stay and be one of the first to experience the La Bahia magic! 🌴🌺🏖️🌿
#visitsantacruz #santacruz #labahia #labahiahotelandspa #newhotel #luxuryhotel #luxurylifestyle #sneakpeek #santacruzhotel
Lovers of flowers, sunshine, and joy, look no further than @beeline_blooms in Ben Lomond! 🌸🐝🌼
U-pick season is open now through mid-October on Tuesdays from 5pm-7pm, Thursdays from 10am-noon, and with weekend times being posted weekly. This dahlia oasis and honeybee haven is a treasure in the Santa Cruz Mountains and a late summer/early fall visit is an absolutely bucket list must!
Know before you go:
💐 Harvesting your own dahlia bouquet experience is $30 and includes cutting tutorial, gorgeous flowers & jar.
🚶Just want to visit and walk through the rows of blooms? Adult entrance fee is $10 per person for those not buying a bouquet and kids are free.
⏰ Open Tuesdays 5pm-7pm and Thursdays 10am-noon. Watch @beeline_blooms on social for weekend hours and events.
📅 Season is expected to end on October 12, 2025.
💵 Cash preferred but also accept Venmo, PayPal & credit cards with sales tax applied.
🚫 No dogs allowed. But you’ll meet an adorable kitty named, Pepita! 🐈
Enjoy! And be sure to say hi to Karla for us! 👋
#visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty #santacruz #santacruzmountains #benlomond #beelineblooms #upickdahlias #dahliafarm #dahlia #dahlias #santacruzbucketlist
Tonight proves that August sunsets are magic here. As the day fades, nature shares one last burst of beauty. The moment feels both timeless and fleeting, and you’re just happy you got to be there. Hope to see you this fall for more of the magic. 🌅
Video 📹 | @dgsc
#capitola #visitsantacruz #visitcapitola #augustsunsets #august #sunsets #capitolavenetian #capitolavillage #visitcalifornia
Have you discovered the magic of @santacruzshakes? Santa Cruz Shakespeare performs among the redwoods in The Audrey Stanley Grove at DeLaveaga Park. With incredible performances like “Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Into the Woods,” “Pericles,” and “”Master Harold”… and the boys,” all happening now, you don’t want to miss this quintessential summer outing in Santa Cruz!
Come early and enjoy the full outdoor theatre experience. “Line 38” is Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s new food and drink offering at the Grove, featuring an elevated menu using fresh local ingredients for you and your guests! 🫒🍓🫐🧀 Come enjoy a variety of tasty bites and classic favorites. 🥨🍿 Sip on your favorite glass of local wine or a refreshing specialty cocktail. “Line 38” opens 2 hours before evening performances and 1 hour before matinees.
You can also bring your own picnic basket, wine & beer, and see the wonderful views from the picnic bluff dining area while you enjoy a relaxed pre-show dinner.
Now is the perfect time to experience @santacruzshakes! See their website for performances, dates & times, and to purchase your tickets! 🎟️ santacruzshakespeare.org
Photos 📷 | @thecuratedfeast / @wolfpeachcreative
#shakespeare #santacruzshakes #santacruzshakespeare #santacruz #visitsantacruz #summerinsantacruz #williamshakespeare #delaveagapark #audreystanleygrove
Our Best Burger list is live! 🍔 See who made the list and tell us your faves. And if you know us, we’re always open to updating our list for more tasty bites. Case in point: update coming soon with @foodtalk_santacruz’s burger because we hear it’s 💯!
Here’s our go-to Burger list so far:
1. @the_emerald_mallard
2. @thegrilleatdelaveaga
3. @oswaldrestaurant
4. @bellygoatburger
5. @eastendgastropub
6. @parishpubsc / @parishpubaptos
7. @bettyburgers
8. Jack’s Hamburgers @downtownsantacruz
Alright, let’s hear it! Who are you loving on our list? Who’s missing? We’ll gladly do some more research. 😋
Check our blog for the complete list, locations, and what we suggest to order – link in bio and on our story!
Photos 📷 + Blog 💻 | @santacruzbucketlist
#santacruzburgers #bestburgers #burgers #santacruz #visitsantacruz #santacruzfood
If you could only choose one today, what would it be?
A. Breakfast Burritos (featuring @thepointmarket & @busybeescafecatering)
B. Breakfast Sando (featuring @mad_yolks)
C. Chicken & Waffles (featuring @thegrilleatdelaveaga)
D. Avocado Toast (featuring @honeyluxcoffee)
E. Coffee & Pastries (featuring @11thhourcoffee)
#visitsantacruz #santacruz #breakfast #brunch #santacruzfood #weekendbrunch
Is this your happy place too? 🌲 Anytime of year, the redwood forests and miles of trails are always our happy place. 😌 What’s your favorite hike or trail to escape to?
Videos 🎥 | @dgsc at Fall Creek
#hike #hiking #fallcreek #redwoods #redwoodforest #visitsantacruz #santacruzmountains #santacruz #felton #peaceful #peace #beyondthebeach #santacruzcalifornia
Mesmerized. 🌊 What is the ocean to you? Your playground? Your joy? Your peace? We’re thankful for these waves that wash over our shores and the beauty they bring. 🙏
Videos 🎥 | @hellobeningram / @beningramvisuals
#waves #visitsantacruz #santacruz #santacruzcounty #santacruzwaves #peaceful #mesmerized #peace #oceantherapy #montereybay
