Scott Creek Beach Drone View

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.

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!

Get inspired and start planning your next visit to Santa Cruz County.  #VisitSantaCruz

Have you walked West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz? This 2+ mile coastal path is the perfect spot to take in the beauty of the Monterey Bay. 

Here are a few fun landmarks you’ll want to see:
1. The Surfer Statue: Take a pic of this iconic statue; 547 West Cliff Drive 🏄‍♂️ 
2. Steamer Lane: Watch surfers at this world-class surf break; 700 West Cliff Drive 🌊 
3. Surfing Museum: Located in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, 701 West Cliff Drive 🏄‍♀️ 
4. Lighthouse Field State Beach/aka Its Beach: Watch happy dogs live their best life on the beach; 740 West Cliff Drive 🐶
5. Beach Houses: Swoon over the gorgeous beach houses along the coastal drive 🏠🌴
6. Wildlife: Keep your eyes on the ocean and you just might see dolphins, otters, seals, and whales 🐬🦦🦭🐋
7. Mitchell’s Cove: At low tide, head down the stairs and go to the right for some fun low tide explorations; Near West Cliff Drive x Almar Avenue 🦀 
8. Blow Hole: At high tide or during big surf, the “Blow Hole” near Chico Avenue is a sight to see with water shooting up into the sky; West Cliff Drive x Chico Avenue 💦 
9. Natural Bridges State Beach: This iconic beach has tide pooling, monarch butterflies in the winter, picnic areas, and more; 2531 West Cliff Drive 🏖️ 
10. Need some fuel along the way? @shrinecoffee and @steamerlanesupply are great spots to visit; Shrine Coffee: 544 West Cliff Drive; Steamer Lane Supply: 644-670 West Cliff Drive ☕️

Happy coastal exploring! 🫶 

Photos 📷 | @dgsc 

#westcliffdrive #westcliff #santacruz #visitsantacruz #santacruzcalifornia #california #montereybay
We’ve got the 🌧️, just waiting on that 🌈!

Rain isn’t so bad in Santa Cruz County when you realize it means: rainbows 🌈, wildflowers 🌸, banana slugs 🍌🐌, newts 🦎, waterfalls 💦, happy forests 🌲, and cozy meals 🥘! 

Agree? 

Video + Cover Photo | @dgsc 

@dollyparton original quote: “If you want the rainbow, you gotta put your with the rain.” ☔️ 

#santacruz #visitsantacruz #rainyday #rain #rainbow #surf
We’ve got some low tides coming! 

Saturday, February 8 @ 2:06pm (-0.9 ft)
Sunday, February 9 @ 2:52pm (-1.1 ft)
Monday, February 10 @ 3:32pm (-1.1 ft)
Tuesday, February 11 @ 4:08pm (-0.9 ft)

Please explore responsibly. Leave creatures alone, watch your step, and leave no trace. Check out bio 🔗 or story for more info including top tide pool spots. 

Photo + Video 📷 | @beningram / @hellobeningram

Location 📍| Pleasure Point 

#santacruz #lowtide #tidepooling #tidepools #pleasurepoint #visitsantacruz
Clam chowder with a bread bowl or nah? Get ready for some great chowders at the annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off at the @beachboardwalk, February 22-23! Tasting Kits are $15 and include 6 taste tickets, spoon, cup, and a People’s Choice ballot! Admission is free and 100% of Tasting Kit sales benefit @santacruzparksrec! 

Want more chowder? Check out @stagnarobrothers, @jackoneillrestaurant, @rivafishhouse, and @firefishsantacruz for some great clam chowders in Santa Cruz! But that’s just the beginning! More spots we love are @woodiessantacruz, @idealbarsantacruz, @johnnysharborside, @crowsnestsantacruz, @eastsideeaterysc, and @baylivingculinary. 

Check our bio 🔗 and story for details on these top spots for amazing clam chowder! 

Where do you go for your favorite cup or bowl? 🥣🥖 

Cover Photo 📷 | @jennday77 
Blog 💻 | @tarafatemiwalker 

#clamchowdercookoff #clamchowder #santacruz #visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty #santacruzwharf #bestclamchowder #clamchowdercookoff #beachboardwalk
Yellow sunrise on West Cliff + egg sando at @mad_yolks + banana slug forest hike at Henry Cowell = perfect chill Santa Cruz morning. 🌅🍳🍌🐌

One of our favorite things about our area is that you can be on the coast enjoying the ocean breeze, and in less than 20 minutes, hiking through the redwoods. 

Here’s one way to do it:

📍 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz ➡️ 
📍 Mad Yolks, 1411 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz ➡️
📍 Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton

Cover Photo 📷 | @beningramvisuals / @hellobeningram 

#santacruz #goodmorning #morningideas #sunrise #westcliffdrive #westcliff #redwoods #henrycowellredwoodsstatepark #henrycowell #travelideas #santacruzcounty #visitsantacruz
Romantic Restaurants: How many have you tried on this list? 

Looking for a romantic spot for your next date night in Santa Cruz County - or just for some really, really good food? Check out a few faves:

📍 Gabriella Café / @gabriellacafe_santacruz 
910 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz

📍 Cavalletta / @cavalletta.restaurant 
9067 Soquel Drive, Aptos

📍 Shadowbrook Restaurant / @shadowbrook_restaurant 
1750 Wharf Road, Capitola

📍 Avanti Restaurant / @avanti.santacruz / @avanti_santacruz 
1917 Mission Street, Santa Cruz

📍 HOME Soquel / @homesoquel 
3101 N Main Street, Soquel

📍 Trestles Restaurant / @trestles_capitola 
316 Capitola Avenue, Capitola 

📍 Lago di Como / @lago_di_como_ristorante 
21490 E Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz

Want even more top-notch romantic restaurants? Check our bio 🔗 or story for Your Guide to Romantic Restaurants in Santa Cruz County! 

#romanticrestaurants #datenight #romanticdinner #santacruz #santacruzcounty #visitsantacruz #valentinesday #dateideas
Is that too much to ask? 😉 How do you like this weekend combo:
 
Morning Hike 🥾: Wilder Ranch’s Old Cove Loop is a real treat. Seals 🦭, ocean views 🌊, and Fern Grotto Beach 🌿 are just a few of the treasures along the coastal path. 

Pastries 🥐: this is @adorablefrenchbakery in Scotts Valley but others to love are @manresabread, @companionbakeshop, @whalecitybakery, @thegrovefelton, @butterybakery, @gaylesbakery, and @emozionipasticceria to name a few!

Accidentally Wes Anderson: Adventures in Santa Cruz Exhibit 🎡: This fun exhibit is now open at the @santacruzmah! Stop in and see the quirky art with lots of @beachboardwalk and Santa Cruz County features. 

Clam Chowder 🥣: Cozy up this weekend with a bowl of clam chowder! The Santa Cruz Wharf has great chowders at @stagnarobrothers, @rivafishhouse, @firefishgrill, @woodiessantacruz, plus nearby at @jackoneillrestaurant and @idealbarsantacruz. Check our blog 🔗 in our bio for a whole list of spots for great clam chowder!

What are your plans for the weekend? 

Cover Photo 📷 | @dgsc 

#santacruz #weekend #happyweekend #santacruzcounty #visitsantacruz #tgif #weekendplans
Have you hiked Glenwood Open Space Preserve in Scotts Valley? If not, save and add to your hiking list! 

More info:
Situated in Scotts Valley, the West and East sides of the Glenwood Preserve unveil over seven miles of trails. Managed by the @landtrustscc, the 170-acre property brims with diverse habitats such as redwood groves, lush wetlands, and evergreen forests.
The Eastside trails (seen in this video) offer four-plus miles of rolling hills, sweeping views, a variety of treed areas, wildflower fields, plus a picturesque fishing pond. Due to the presence of cattle brought in to graze—making land more conducive to the preserve’s endangered species—dogs and bikes are not allowed on Eastside trails.
The Westside trails are organized into five loops that span a collective three miles, and can accommodate hikers, bikers, and dogs on leash. 

Enjoy! And check our story for more on this magical place! 

📍 Glenwood Open Space Preserve, 3 Mountain Valley Road, Scotts Valley 

Video + Photo 📷 | @beningramvisuals / @hellobeningram 

#scottsvalley #glenwoodopenspacepreserve #glenwood #hike #hiking #hikersparadise #visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty
It’s National Bagel Day. You know what to do. Favorite bagel in Santa Cruz County —> go! 🥯 

Need 🥯 inspo? Check our story for our list of the top bagel spots in the county. 🫶 

Two spots featured here 📍 | @bagelcafewatsonville + House of Bagels in Scotts Valley

#nationalbagelday #bagels #bagel #santacruz #watsonville #scottsvalley #visitsantacruz #happynationalbagelday
Further proof that winter sunsets >>> 

Photo 📷 | @dgsc 

#santacruz #capitola #newbrightonstatebeach #newbrighton #sunset #wintersunset #surfer #visitsantacruz
Slowing down and appreciating all the little things... 

Little things like the artist’s brush strokes, a chef’s creative hands, the earth under your feet and in your hands. Find what moves you. Find Your Awe in Santa Cruz County. 🫶 

Creators 🤝 | @impactcreative | @thecuratedfeast | @jamiehallmedia | @abimustapha | @homesoquel 

#visitsantacruz #findyourawe #slowdown #inthemoment #santacruz #santacruzcounty
Mountain bike rides, hikes through the redwoods, or a little drive on Highway 9, the Santa Cruz Mountains are 🙌😍🫶! Agree?

Content 📹/📷 | @beningramvisuals / @hellobeningram 

#santacruzmountains #mountainbiking #mtb #bikeride #redwoods #highway9 #getoutside #mountainbikeride #santacruz #santacruzcounty #visitsantacruz
Lattes to breakfast burritos, cocktails to mocktails, dumplings to chicken sandos plus, the best vibes - and all under one roof at 1001 Center Street, #1 in @downtownsantacruz!? Yep, welcome to the community hub known as After Hours. 

You need to add After Hours to your must try list asap! Each of the local businesses, @11thhourcoffee, @afterhourssc, @chubbschickensandwiches, and @fullsteamdumpling offers something unique to its visitors from carefully crafted cocktails to the best ramen in town! Check it out soon and click our bio 🔗 for more info!

Hours:
@11thhourcoffee: Open Daily, 7am-7:30pm
@afterhourssc: Tuesday - Saturday, 5pm-9pm
@chubbschickensandwiches: Tuesday - Saturday, 5pm-9pm
@fullsteamdumpling: Wednesday - Saturday, 5pm-9pm

Blog 💻 | @santacruzbucketlist 

#afterhours #downtownsantacruz #11thhour #chubbschickensandwiches #fullsteamdumpling #thehub #santacruzbucketlist #vibecheck #eathere #drinkhere #behere
Who are you bringing to Santa Cruz this winter? 

Said it before, we’ll say it again, Santa Cruz in the winter is magic. Don’t sleep on this one! 

Videos 🎥 | @hellobeningram / @beningramvisuals 

#winter #wintermagic #winterinsantacruz #santacruz #westcliffdrive #surfers #surfsantscruz #cowellsbeach #waves #santacruzwaves #wintersurf #visitsantacruz #wintervacay #wintergetaway #wintervacation
Best winter getaway and best place to call home. 🫶 

If you live here, you know Santa Cruz County is gorgeous in the winter. For those out of the area looking to escape winter, we’ve got a good one waiting for you right here… 

What do you love about winter in Santa Cruz? 

Photos 📷 | @beningramvisuals / @thecuratedfeast / @dgsc

#santacruzwinter #wintercolors #favoritecolor #winterinsantacruz #visitsantacruz #visitsantacruzcounty #californiawinter
GIVEAWAY CLOSED: Winners have been randomly selected and contacted! 

ORIGINAL POST: It’s about that time - our annual Santa Cruz County Calendar Giveaway is here! We’ve got 50 of these 2025 beauties to give out, so you can swoon over Santa Cruz County all year long! 

ENTER: Tag friends you want to travel to Santa Cruz with, tell us your favorite Santa Cruz County spots, or just throw some love in the comments below! Comment as much as you want, but one entry per account. 

WINNERS: Winners will be chosen at random on or by January 8th and will be notified in the comments and by direct message. The ONLY information we will need from our winners is their name and mailing address. That’s it! Watch out for imposter accounts!

Ready, set, comment! And a happy 2025 to all our followers! 

Special shout out to the talented photographers who contributed to this year’s 2025 calendar! @dgsc, @beningramvisuals, and @thecuratedfeast! You all are the best! 🙌 

#visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty #santacruz #2025calendar
Goodbye, 2024. You were a beauty. 💕 

#newyear #goodbye2024 #hello2025 #happynewyear #yearinreview #thatsawrap #santacruz #santacruzcounty #visitsantacruz
Catching the sunset at “Pearl Hour” at @petescapitola…🦪🥂🍤

Have you stopped into Pete’s Fish House in @capitolavillage? Great dinner menu plus, their version of Happy Hour ~ Pearl Hour ~ has some great apps and drink specials to enjoy with the sunset. 🌅 

Pearl Hour is from 4pm-5pm daily. 🍹

Cover Photo 📷 | @jennday77 

#calitola #capitolavillage #petesfishhouse #seafood #sunsetview #sunset #santacruz #santacruzcounty #visitsantacruz #santacruzbucketlist
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Santa Cruz County! 

Photo 📷 | @jennday77 
Location 📍 | @beachboardwalk 

#merrychristmas #happyholidays #happyhanukkah #happychanukah #christmastree #santacruz #visitsantacruz
Not a bad view for the big guy tonight… 🛷🦌🎅

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Santa Cruz County! 

Photo 📷 | @beningramvisuals / @hellobeningram 

#merrychristmas #happyholidays #christmaseve #christmas #santacruz #santaclausiscomingtotown #westcliff #visitsantacruz
Take a break from the holiday hustle at the Monarch Butterfly Grove. 🫶

📍 Natural Bridges State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove.
🕰️ Monarchs winter in Santa Cruz until about mid-late January.
🔭 The minimum temperature a monarch needs to fly is 55 degrees. Temperatures below 55 mean you are more likely to see monarch clusters hanging like leaves off the eucalyptus trees, which can also be quite mesmerizing. But please note, when the monarchs are clustered it is easy to pass them up! Make sure you look closely!
🥾 The Monarch Grove Trail located at Natural Bridges is open for self-guided monarch tours during park hours (8am to sunset.) Parking is $10.

Video 📹 | @impactcreative 
Cover Photo 📷 | @dgsc 

#relaxing #nature #butterflies #monarchs #monarch #monarchbutterflies #fluttering #monarchbutterfly #mesmerizing #relax #santacruz #naturalbridges #naturalbridgesstatebeach #naturalbridgesstatepark #visitsantacruz
A holiday season must = Winter Wonderland at the @beachboardwalk! 🎄🎢🎅🌴🌊

From now through January 5, enjoy all the festive fun at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk! Activities Include: Photos with Santa (December 14 -24 at 12pm-2pm and 3pm-5pm); Selection of Boardwalk Rides, Games, and Arcades;
Festive Holiday Decorations and Lights (Including a 3-story tall Christmas tree!); Delicious Boardwalk Treats; Fire Pits & Holiday S’Mores; Holiday Shopping; plus, the @roaringcamp Holiday Lights Train! 🚂

Celebrate the holidays at the Boardwalk this season! 

Videos + Cover Photo 📷 | @jennday77 

#santacruz #beachboardwalk #santacruzbeachboardwalk #winterwinderland #winter #winterinsantacruz #visitsantacruz #merrychristmas #happyholidays #christmastree #amusementpark #visitcalifornia