Visit Santa Cruz

01/30/2025

The trails are calling! Here are 5 of the Best Hikes in Santa Cruz County!

Santa Cruz County is home to rugged coastline, majestic redwoods, scenic trails, and secret beaches making it the premier destination for your next hiking adventure! Join us as we go

01/28/2025

Color pops & seaside shops (even in winter): Discover the quintessential California beach town of Capitola Village.

01/27/2025

Winter sunsets are the absolute best in Santa Cruz. Check our list of the top spots to catch the vibrant hues!

It's a scientific fact that sunsets are simply better in the winter. Here are the top spots to watch the Best Winter Sunsets in Santa Cruz.

01/24/2025

BRUNCH time! Here are 7 traditional brunch spots you don't want to miss in Santa Cruz County! Did your favorites make the list?

Step into the timeless charm of Santa Cruz County’s best traditional brunch spots, where comfort and classic flavors converge to create an experience that is as welcoming as it is nostalgic.

01/23/2025

Hike by the river, in the redwoods, or with ocean views - Here are the 5 Best Hikes in Santa Cruz County!

Santa Cruz County is home to rugged coastline, majestic redwoods, scenic trails, and secret beaches making it the premier destination for your next hiking adventure!

01/22/2025

Get salty with your pup at these dog-friendly beaches in Santa Cruz County:

Don’t leave your pooch behind on your next coastal getaway – check out this quick guide to some of the best beach spots for you AND your 4-legged friend.

01/21/2025

Kid-Approved: Explore these easy, scenic Santa Cruz County hikes that are packed with fun surprises for the whole family.

With quality time outdoors and away from the screens, these five (or more) outings are your new weekend ace in the hole.

01/20/2025

We have SIX buzzworthy spots you need to try on the Westside of Santa Cruz! How many have you been to?

The picturesque Westside, on the northern end of Santa Cruz, is full of beautiful parks, panoramic views of Monterey Bay, and a fantastic food scene. From bakeries to breweries, and everything in between, the Westside is filled to the brim with enticing food choices.

01/18/2025

Not your average bagel... 🥯 Add the Best Bagel Spots in Santa Cruz County to your must-try list!

Breakfast is a beloved meal, and while the East Coast is known for its bagels, Santa Cruz County has its own collection of great bagel spots! Whether you’re looking for a fully loaded bagel breakfast sandwich or a classic bagel with schmear, these top bagel spots will fulfill your breakfast cravin...

01/17/2025

Vacation mode ON in the Capitola Village! With its colorful architecture, culinary delights, whimsical boutiques, and quintessential coastal charm, Capitola Village is a must-visit destination!

Brimming with small-town charm, appetizing eateries, whimsical shops, and community connection, all situated in a stunning seaside locale, Capitola Village is the perfect place to soak in the beachside bliss!

01/15/2025

Get cozy at some of the most Romantic Restaurants in Santa Cruz County:

From dramatic coastal views to hidden havens in the lush Santa Cruz Mountains, we've got you covered for wining and dining year-round at some of the most romantic eateries in Santa Cruz County.

01/14/2025

After a bit of winter weather, the Santa Cruz Wharf is open! Uncover fresh-seafood eateries, local artisan shops, breathtaking vistas, and, of course, the charming chorus of barking sea lions.

The Santa Cruz Wharf beckons with its storied past, stunning vistas, and vibrant ambiance, promising a day of exploration and relaxation.

01/13/2025

Now is the BEST time for Wildlife Watching in Santa Cruz County! Elephant seals, whales, tide pools, and hundreds of bird species make winter the perfect time to get out and enjoy nature!

Migrating whales, wintering monarchs, extreme tides, elephant seals, and upwards of 400 species of birds make winter the best time for wildlife watching in Santa Cruz County!

01/10/2025

Waterfall Hikes: Here are 5 hikes you need to add to your 2025 Santa Cruz Travel Bucket List!

The Santa Cruz area offers a rich array of natural beauty and an endless supply of gorgeous hiking trails. From coastal trails to forest treks, some of the best hikes in Santa Cruz County are waterfall hikes!

01/08/2025

Now is the BEST time for Wildlife Watching in Santa Cruz County! Monarchs, whales, elephant seals, tide pools, and hundreds of bird species make winter the perfect time to get out and enjoy nature!

Migrating whales, wintering monarchs, extreme tides, elephant seals, and upwards of 400 species of birds make winter the best time for wildlife watching in Santa Cruz County!

01/07/2025

Have you heard of After Hours in Downtown Santa Cruz? With four standout local businesses sharing one roof, this spot offers something for everyone! From lattes to brunch, chicken sandwiches to ramen, and cocktails to mocktails, After Hours is a buzzworthy hub you need to add to your next visit to Santa Cruz!

Santa Cruz County is home to some of the most vibrant community spaces, where food, drink, and connection come together. In this first installment of our The Hub series, we’re […]

01/07/2025

Best winter getaway and best place to call home. 🫶

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

What’s your favorite part of winter in Santa Cruz?