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
We like simple pleasures. Like watching the sunset over the Pacific. 🫶 Santa Cruz County.
Video 📹 | @dgsc
📍 Seascape Beach in Aptos
#visitsantacruz #santacruz #santacruzcalifornia #santacruzcounty #aptos #seascape #seascapebeach
The streams are flowing, the leaves are falling, and the forest is calling. Who’s in? 🤚
This autumn hike is brought to you by yesterday’s stroll at the Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. To get these views yourself, park in the lot off Felton Empire Road, take the Bennett Creek Trail ➡️ Fall Creek Trail (keep left at fork) ➡️ South Fork Trail. That’s your route for all this fall beauty. 🍁🌲🌿
Please note, no dogs, no bikes, and as always, pack your trash.
#fallhikes #autumnhikes #hiking #fallcreek #henrycowell #santacruzcounty #felton #visitsantacruz #santacruz
Cheers to a weekend full of pumpkin patches, trick-or-treating, and loads of Halloween & October fun! See what events are happening today – Halloween on our blog! See 🔗 in our story and in our bio!
Here are just a few of the events you want on your radar this weekend:
Roaring Camp Railroads: Thomas and Percy’s Halloween Party
October 25 – 26, 2025
13 Days of Halloween on the Wharf
October 19 – 31, 2025
Scotts Valley Performing Arts Center: Nightmare Before The Nutcracker
October 23-25, 2025; Various Times
Skypark: Halloween Food Trucks
October 24, 2025; 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Chaminade Resort & Spa: Vampire Ball
October 24, 2025
County Sheriff’s Office: Trunk or Treat
October 24, 2025; 5pm – 8pm
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Chili Cook-Off
October 25, 2025
West Cliff Drive: Day of the Dead Outdoor Market
October 25, 2025; 10:00am – 5:00pm
Santa Cruz Harbor: Trick-Or-Treat
October 25, 2025; 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Natural History Museum: Macabre Halloween Party
October 25, 2025; 6pm – 9pm
Witches Ball at the Brookdale Lodge
October 25, 2025
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Trick-Or-Treating
October 26, 2025; 12:00pm – 7:00pm
Santa Cruz MAH: Dia De Los Muertos
October 26, 2025; 1pm – 4pm
Downtown Watsonville: Candy Crawl
October 26, 2025; 2pm – 6pm
Check our blog for details on these events and more!
Photo 📷 | @desireexc
#pumpkinpatches #halloween #santacruz #santacruzcounty #davenport
“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” – Jacques Cousteau
Today marks National Marine Sanctuary Day which celebrates the sanctuaries’ role in conserving marine ecosystems and cultural heritage, as well as promoting public access, recreation, education, and stewardship.
Here in Santa Cruz County, we want to shine a spotlight on our treasured Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Our landscape, our livelihoods, and our joy would not be the same without this beloved and beautiful bay.
Learn more about the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and how you can enjoy it, protect it, and ignite your sense of wonder by checking our story or visiting: https://www.santacruz.org/blog/beyond-your-wildest-dreams-monterey-bay/
Photo 📷 | @beningramvisuals / @hellobeningram
#montereybaynationalmarinesanctuary #montereybay #santacruz #santacruzcounty
How many of these hidden gem restaurants have you tried yet? Any favorites? Who’s missing? Tell us below! ⤵️
Our (non-comprehensive) list includes:
🎣 @troutfarminn in Felton
🗣️ @foodtalk_santacruz in Downtown Santa Cruz
🍝 @lago_di_como_ristorante in Santa Cruz
🍕 @ozzyspizzeriawatsonville in Watsonville
🦆 @the_emerald_mallard in Felton
🍹 @thegrilleatdelaveaga in Santa Cruz
🍸 @bittersweetbistro in Aptos
🍓 @emozionipasticceria in Soquel
Want more on the restaurants listed above? Check our story for details!
Photos 📷 + Blog 💻 | @santacruzbucketlist
#santacruz #visitsantacruz #santacruzrestaurants #letseat #foodinsantacruz #hiddengemrestaurants
Fall sunset walk in Santa Cruz County: predictable, but anything but ordinary. 🌅
Have you ever seen a fall sunset on the coast?
#santacruzcounty #santacruz #aptos #fallsunset #fall #fallinsantacruz #aptos #seascape #seascapebeachresort #seascapebeach #sunset
Fall sunset walk in Santa Cruz County: predictable, but anything but ordinary. 🌅
Have you seen a fall sunset on the coast this year yet? How many and from where?
#santacruzcounty #santacruz #aptos #fallsunset #fall #fallinsantacruz #aptos #seascape #seascapebeachresort #seascapebeach #sunset
What do you rate Santa Cruz County fall sunsets? 🌅
📍 Seascape / @seascapebeachresort
Videographer 📹 | @dgsc
#fall #fallsunset #sunsets #sunset #sunsetseason #santacruzcounty #aptos #santacruz #visitsantacruz #sunsetchasers
Have you been back to Big Basin Redwoods State Park since the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex fires? Five years later, the park continues to heal, grow, and flourish. 🌱 The fires burned over 97% of the state park, yet so many of the resilient redwoods remain and are ready to be explored! 🌲
Want to visit the park? Check the @friendsofscstateparks website for reservations and to see what trails are open – and there are quite a few trails and fire roads open! Most recently, an additional 7.5 miles of trails, reconnecting Big Basin Redwoods State Park to Castle Rock State Park and the regional trail network are now open. This includes segments of Skyline to the Sea Trail from the park’s Main Day-use Area to China Grade Road and beyond to Castle Rock. Also, along Opal Creek the Hihn Hammond connector trail can now be accessed via a newly restored bridge on Redwood Loop Trail.
For more information on the extraordinarily resilient redwoods, check our story link! 🌲
Videos + Photo 📷 | @jennday77
#visitsantacruz #bigbasinredwoodsstatepark #bigbasin #redwoods #redwood #czulightningcomplex #czulightningcomplexfire #bouldercreek #trails #hiking #hike
How many of these Santa Cruz Fall Bucket List items have you done yet?
1. Take a hike 🥾🍁
2. Visited a pumpkin patch 🎃🌾
3. Had a fall treat 🥧☕️
4. Witnessed a fall sunset on the coast 🌅✨
There’s plenty more fall favorites happening now and coming soon! Check our bio 🔗 and story for our complete Santa Cruz County Fall Bucket List! 🍂
Photos 📷 | @desireexc
#santacruz #fall #fallinsantacruz #october #autumn #visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty
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
