About Santa Cruz County

About Santa Cruz County

LOCATION

Santa Cruz County is located on California’s Central Coast, 65 miles south of San Francisco and 35 miles north of Monterey. Situated on the northern side of Monterey Bay and hugged by redwood forested mountains, Santa Cruz County has 29 miles of beaches and an extraordinary number of state parks and beaches – 14 in all – and each offers a unique experience for visitors. The nearest airport is in San Jose, 30 miles northeast of Santa Cruz.

CLIMATE

Mild, with summer temperatures in the mid-70s and winter temperatures in the mid-50s. The sun shines 300 days a year and the humidity is low for a coastal city. Average rainfall is 31 inches per year, with most of the rainfall occurring between November and April. Occasional fog due to changing Pacific currents.

HISTORY

Santa Cruz County received its first visitors about 12,000 years ago, according to extensive archaeological research. Since then, from the Ohlone Indians to Gold Rush settlers and now you, people have come to find that the beaches are truly just the beginning in Santa Cruz County. Our community’s architecture, natural resources, agricultural industry, arts and culture, and social diversity originate from a scintillating history worth learning more about!

TOTAL POPULATION

276,603

Incorporated CitiesPopulationSquare Miles
Capitola9,9381.6
Santa Cruz62,95612.0
Scotts Valley12,2244.6
Watsonville52,5905.9

POPULATION IN UNINCORPORATED AREAS

136,086

INDUSTRIES

Tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and high-tech.

VISITOR INFORMATION

Visit Santa Cruz County
(831) 425-1234 or (800) 833-3494

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SPOTLIGHT FEATURE

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Stories not only reveal the richness of a place and its connection to its community but bring us together. With accents of its natural surroundings enveloping playful weekly events, there are stories to be shared. Hotel Guests not only soak in the sunny California climate but bask in the rich history of its town. Designed by nature, inspired by Santa Cruz.

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