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 includes 6 state parks and 6 state beaches. 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
Our 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!

Population
264,125

Incorporated Cities
City	Population	Area (miles2)
Capitola	9,960	2.00
Santa Cruz	57,553	12.00
Scotts Valley	11,615	5.00
Watsonville	51,258	5.75

Population in unincorporated areas: 133,739

Industries:
Tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and high-tech.

Visitor Information: Santa Cruz County Conference and Visitors Council
(831) 425-1234 or (800) 833-3494
Open Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm, Sunday 11am to 3pm.

For International Visitors:
Foreign Language Assistance (888) US-1-INFO provides free access to emergency services and travel assistance in more than 140 languages.