Oh the wonders of the redwood forests! 🌲🍄‍🟫🍄🌿

Interested in all things mushroom? Check our blog (🔗 in bio) and story for Your Guide to the Mushroom World of Santa Cruz County! There’s loads of information about one of Santa Cruz’s cherished wonders – the mushroom! The blog includes info on:

🥾 Fungi-forward hikes!
🥘 Restaurants who spotlight mushroom dishes.
🍄 Mushroom & Fungi Events (like the upcoming Santa Cruz Mountain Mushroom Festival hosted by @farwestfungi and @roaringcamp on May 3-4)
🛍️ Mushroom goods and places to shop for fungi fun – like @friendsofscstateparks and @santacruzfarmersmkts.

Cheers to finding awe all around us – from high up in the redwood canopy, to down on the forest floor.

Mushroom Blog 💻 | @shbynation
Video Clips 📹 | @dgsc + @visitsantacruz

#mushrooms #redwoods #santacruzcounty #santacruzmountains #santacruz #visitsantacruz #mushroomforaging #mushroomhunting #mushroom #fungiphotography #mushroomfestival

One taste and you’ll fall in love with @bittersweetbistro! Located in Aptos, this restaurant has been a local favorite for over three decades. See some highlights below and be sure to add Bittersweet Bistro to your must-try list for an unforgettable meal!

Special Highlights:
▪️Dog-friendly + gorgeous spacious patio! There’s lots of foliage, koi fish and fountains, and they even have dog bones and a dog menu for your pup! 🐶
▪️From Asparagus Fries to an incredible Pear Salad, delicious Truffle Gnocchi to fresh caught Halibut en Papillote, and fan-favorite Shrimp Dynamite to Fillet Mignon, the appetizer, happy hour, and dinner menus are bursting with fresh flavors!
▪️Dessert Martinis… Oh, wow… these are next level for dessert/martini fans! With creations like Strawberry-Rhubarb Dreamsicle, Tiramisu, Cookies-N-Cream, Affogato Martini, Café Chocomil Martini (made with tequila and Mexican chocolate) and many more, you’ll definitely find a few new favorites! And fun fact: many of these dessert martinis feature house-made vanilla cream. 🍸
▪️Desserts 💯: Bittersweet has a long-standing reputation for some of the BEST desserts in the county and it’s with good reason. House-made everything, deliciousness galore, and the presentation is perfection. The Banana Bread Pudding (and the house-made chocolate Jack Daniel’s ice cream) is incredible – plus, it has a super fun presentation! 🐒 The Lemon Napoleon and Brownie Sundae are as tasty as they are gorgeous, and a true must-try is the Cookies and Cream Ricotta Cheesecake – cheesecake lovers will really appreciate this one. 🍰

Bittersweet’s dedication to freshness, and attention to detail and deliciousness is seen in every dish and every cocktail. Cheers to this Aptos gem!

Bittersweet Bistro
787 Rio Del Mar Blvd, Aptos
Open: Tuesday – Sunday, 3pm-9pm

#aptos #bittersweetbistro #desserts #dessertmartini #patiodining #aptosrestaurant #santacruz #santacruzcounty #visitsantacruz

To visit Davenport is to love Davenport… Tell us your favorite memory on this little slice of California Coast. 🩵

Yet to discover this gorgeous stretch of Santa Cruz County? Tag a friend you want to explore with! 🌊🐄🌼🍓🥧🦀🌲🥾

Video 📹 | @beningramvisuals / @hellobeningram

#davenport #californiacoast #santacruz #santacruzcounty #visitsantacruz #coast #centralcoasting #pieceofpeace

Here are 3️⃣ must-visit spots PLUS 3️⃣ must-try items you don’t want to miss on East Lake in Watsonville!

1. @strawberrypatch_cafe has a delicious breakfast burrito made with scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, avocado, mushrooms, caramelized onions, organic spinach – and in this one – bacon! They’ve got an incredible matcha, boba tea, coffee, and smoothie menu too. There are so many breakfast and lunch options but it was love at first bite with this Patch Burrito.
📍 734 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville

2. @ozzyspizzeriawatsonville is killing it with those pies! The Date with a Hot Pig has cayenne and candied Corralitos bacon, dates, olive oil and shaved garlic and it’s an easy 10/10. Ozzy’s Mama is another pizzeria favorite with house made Italian sausage, olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan. It’s finished with burrata, habanero jelly and orange zest – this pie is bursting with flavor! There are so many more creative and classic pizzas we can’t wait to try at Ozzy’s!
📍 1036 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville

3. @fruitionbrewing is serving incredible beers (and wowing with their sour menu too!) but their kitchen menu takes this brewery to the next level. Try their Deluxe Grilled Cheese with jack & cheddar and garlic aioli jalapeño jam on rosemary sourdough and tell us it’s not the best grilled cheese you ever had… we’ll wait. 😊
📍 918 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville

Have you tried any of these Watsonville spots? If not, it’s time for a visit!

#watsonville #eastlakewatsonville #goodeats #fruition #strawberrypatchcafe #ozzyspizzeria #visitwatsonville #santacruzcounty #santacruz #visitsantacruz

Boardwalk Spring Break Mode: ✅
The sun is shining, the rides are twirling and swirling, the cones are dipped, and the @beachboardwalk is in full spring break mode! Who’s ready for a ride? 🎢🎠🎡

#springbreak #santacruz #beachboardwalk #santacruzbeachboardwalk #visitsantacruz #boardwalk #giantdipper

Send this to your patio dining pals! ☀️ Anyone else excited about dining al fresco this spring? What’s your go-to restaurant with a great patio in Santa Cruz County?

📍 @homesoquel
👨‍🍳 @chef_briske
🍴 @danieljwestfitness @doublemeatplease @thecuratedfeast @abimustapha @beningramvisuals @shnooz @k_weezie @marcustrawick_
📹 @impactcreative

#spring #patiodining #alfresco #santacruz #soquel #visitsantacruz #homesoquel

Facts: Hikes + Bites > Hikes + No Bites. Here are a few of our favorite sweet and savory bites in the San Lorenzo Valley – perfect for that post-morning hike! Where do you love to eat before or after a hike in the redwoods?

🌲 Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell
🍋 The Grove Bakery’s Lemon Loaf (@thegrovefelton)
🥯 House-made bagel sandos from Coffee Nine (@coffee_nine_)
🤤 Bomboloni aka, Italian donuts from La Placa Family Bakery – pro tip: the Bombolini are available around noon!

Be sure to explore the forest of the valley – and don’t miss out on their tasty bites too!

#sanlorenzovalley #felton #benlomond #santacruz #visitsantacruz #fallcreek #hiking #hike

Spring country roads that lead to: 🌼🎋🍷🥧🍻

Stop 1: @bamboogiantnurseryandgardens – come for a tranquil walk through bamboo groves. A great spot for a picnic! 🧺
📍 5601 Freedom Blvd, Aptos
🕰️ Open Tuesday-Saturday: 10am-3pm

Stop 2: Corralitos Wine Trail wineries and vineyards – @alfarofamilyvineyards, @elvaquerowinery, @lesterestatewines, @nicholson.vineyards, @storrswine, and @windy_oaks_estate are all part of this idyllic countryside wine experience. 🍇 (locations and wine tasting hours vary)

Stop 3: @corralitosbrewery – stop by for handcrafted ales and lagers plus, delicious rotating food pop-ups and warm local vibes. 🍺
📍 2536 Freedom Blvd, Watsonville
🕰️ Tap Room is Open: Thursday-Friday: 5pm-8pm; Saturday – Sunday: 2pm-8pm)

Stop 4: Gizdich Ranch – it’s always time for pie at Gizdich! Stop by year-round for fresh pies, deli items and picnic lunches to enjoy on the farm. And with seasonal u-picks of apples, strawberries, olallie berries and boysenberries, Gizdich should be on your radar throughout the seasons. 🍎
📍 55 Peckham Rd, Watsonville
🕰️ Open everyday: 9am-5pm

From Aptos to Corralitos to Watsonville, the southern part of Santa Cruz County has all kinds of hidden treasures! Here are just a few on the countryside of town – what are your favorite spots?

Photos 📷 | @thecuratedfeast / @wolfpeachcreative, @jennday77 and @dgsc

#corralitos #aptos #watsonville #santacruz #santacruzcounty #visitsantacruz

We’ve got 3 new spots you’ve gotta add to your weekend eats!

1. @thechocolatestudiosantacruz: serving @mutarichocolate delights, delicious baked goods from @daniobakeshop, and starting this weekend, wine, beer and charcuterie! There’s lots on the horizon for this spot and you won’t want to miss a bite!
912 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz

2. @tortillashack1: fresh tortillas that you can watch being made! Plus, a great variety of fresh ingredients for your favorite mex-style creations. The salsas and fresh tortillas are major highlights! Great for a weekend on the go.
1505 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz

3. @greenpapayathaiaptos: in the mood for some great Thai food? This can be your new go-to spot! The green curry paired with the Thai iced tea was perfection to cool down the curry’s kick! And the fresh spring rolls and peanut sauce? 💯
8042 Soquel Drive, Aptos

Have you tried any of these new spots? What are you adding to your list for new eateries to visit?

#santacruz #aptos #newrestaurants #downtownsantacruz #aptos #visitsantacruz

It’s so unpredictable! 😏🌊

#surfing #visitsantacruz #santacruz #visitcalifornia #traffic

Never ever underestimate the power of time in the forest. We 💚 our redwoods and Fall Creek is a magical spot to unplug and connect with nature. 🌲

Here are a few spots we love for time in the forest:

1. Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Great for little or big hikers! Travel along the creek, see historical lime kilns, or opt for some steep uphill climbs! This video is all from Fall Creek. No dogs allowed. 🥾

2. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Lots of options here! Strenuous treks or easy strolls, Henry Cowell is a must-hike state park with old-growth redwoods. The Old Growth Loop Trail is stroller and wheel chair accessible and is a perfect near-mile loop to see the towering redwoods. Some dog trails and equestrian trails are also at this park! 🐶🐴

3. The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park: Located in Aptos, Nisene is a hiker and mountain biker paradise! Another spot with lots of options including an 8ish mile hike to Maple Falls – a 30ft waterfall. 💦

4. Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Visit Big Basin in Boulder Creek and witness the resilience of the coastal redwoods. Surviving the 2020 CZU Fires, the park is almost 5 years into its recovery and the towering redwoods continue to grow, heal, and flourish. 🌱

What’s your favorite forest escape to connect with nature? 🌲

Videos and Photos 📷 | @dgsc

#forest #hikesantacruz #santacruzhikes #hikinginsantacruz #fallcreek #henrycowell #bigbasin #nisenemarks #santacruzcounty #felton #visitsantacruz #santacruz #hiking

Flowers by the ocean are always a quick mood booster! Where’s your favorite spot on the California Coast to take in the 🌼🌊🌸 views?

Here are a few spots featured here from Santa Cruz County:
📍 Main Beach / Boardwalk
📍 Mitchell’s Cove Beach
📍 Pleasure Point
📍 Capitola Village
📍 West Cliff Drive
📍 La Selva Beach
📍 Coast Dairies
📍 Wilder Ranch State Park

Shoutout to the talented photographers: @dgsc, @beningramvisuals, @thecuratedfeast, and @thegarrickramirez! 👏

#visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty #santacruz #pleasurepoint #westcliff #capitola #davenport #wilderranch #coastdairies #laselvabeach #beachboardwalk

What do you love about the @santacruzwharf? There’s plenty of great food 🍤 and treats 🍬, endless sea lion entertainment 🦭, loads of fun shops 🛍️, and of course, the best sunset 🌅 spot around!

More daylight = more time enjoying the Santa Cruz Wharf! 🫶

#santacruzwharf #santacruz #wharf #maincharacterenergy #visitsantacruz

Peaceful moments in nature are everywhere here. How many of these peaceful spots have you explored in Santa Cruz County?

📍 Glenwood Preserve 🐄
📍 Pajaro Dunes 🌊
📍 Natural Bridges State Park 🦢
📍 Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 🐝
📍 Wilder Ranch State Park 🦦
📍 Quail Hollow Ranch 🦌

#nature #santacruz #santacruzcounty #visitsantacruz #peaceful #peacefulmoments #getoutside

How many of these 7 hot spots have your tried in Santa Cruz County? Tell us in the comments! And if you haven’t tried all 7, check them out below and plan a visit soon! 🙌🏽

🍹@ibizasantacruz: 1541 Pacific Avenue B, Santa Cruz
🌮 @tacos_alfuego831: 45 Aviation Way, Watsonville
🥗 @thegrovefelton: 6249 CA-9, Felton
🍳 @avenuecafe__: 427 Capitola Ave, Capitola
🌯 @busybeescafecatering: 1200 41st Ave, Capitola
🍕 @venus_pie_trap: 113 Esplanade, Aptos
🥐 @adorablefrenchbakery: 4402 Scotts Valley Dr, Scotts Valley

#santacruz #santacruzfood #visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty

Santa Cruz essential vitamins…☀️🌊 Who’s ready for spring’s daily dose? ✋🏽

#spring #sunshine #santacruzcounty #santacruz #visitsantacruz #vitaminsea

What’s your favorite California drive? Highway 1 might be our vote… agree? 🌊🚙

Video 📹 | @beningramvisuals / @hellobeningram

#highway1 #californiacoast #californialove #californiaroadtrip #visitsantacruz #davenport #santacruz

Spring is around the corner and not only does that bring coastal wildflowers, perfect hiking conditions, and great weather for dining al fresco, it also means more daylight to explore the beauty of Santa Cruz!

Love spring in Santa Cruz County? Tell us what you love below! 🌸☀️🌊🌿🍹

#santacruz #santacruzcounty #spring #springvacation #springbreak #springflowers #california

A quick ode to our furry besties! Beaches to redwoods, bakeries to farms, we’re pretty sure your dog will love Santa Cruz County!

Happy #NationalLoveYourPetDay!

#santacruz #visitsantacruz

The Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off is coming to the Santa Cruz @beachboardwalk this weekend, February 22nd & 23rd!

Take part as amateur and professional chefs prepare their best clam chowder recipes along the Boardwalk.

Purchase a Tasting Kit to sample the clammy concoctions. Tasting Kits are $15 and include 6 taste tickets, spoon, cup, and a People’s Choice ballot. Boardwalk admission is free!

Pre-purchase your tasting kits & merchandise! (supplies are limited)

#visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty #santacruz #beachboardwalk #santacruzbeachboardwalk #clamchowder #clamchowdercookoff

Easy 10/10 morning in the Santa Cruz Mountains! Fuel up at @coffee_nine_ with their incredibly delicious house-made bagels. 🥯 Meat lovers must try The Porky, stacked with egg, bacon, and sausage. Definitely add the Honey Pot to your foodie bucket list; it offers a bold mix of egg, bacon, pickled onions, honey Dijon, and arugula. Pair your bagel with their expertly brewed coffee, and you’ve got the perfect start to a day in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
📍 Coffee Nine, 9505 CA-9, Ben Lomond

Next up, a hike at one of the many trails! Big Basin, Henry Cowell, or the Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell are all great options. 🥾 For a peaceful creek-side trek, try the Fall Creek Unit’s Lime Kiln Trail shown here.
📍 Fall Creek Unit, 1101 Felton Empire Road, Felton

Have fun exploring the tucked away treasures of the Santa Cruz Mountains!

Check our story for more top bagels spots by @santacruzbucketlist!

#santacruzmountains #benlomond #felton #santacruz #visitsantacruz #sanlorenzovalley

Patiently waiting for the longer days of spring… 📆

More sun, more color, and those longer days… we can’t wait for spring in Santa Cruz County! How about you?

Videos 📷 | @dgsc

#visitsantacruz #laselvabeach #santacruz #santacruzcounty #sunset #santacruzsunset