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

270,861

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

POPULATION IN UNINCORPORATED AREAS

133,153

INDUSTRIES

Tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and high-tech.

VISITOR INFORMATION

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

SPOTLIGHT FEATURE

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Experience Santa Cruz like a local at Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection, ideally located for downtown shopping, dining and nightlife in the artsy mid-town district. Enjoy casual poolside dining, poolside cabanas and fire pit. Partake in an elevated culinary experience with modern forest-inspired design at Solaire Restaurant + Bar.

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