VISIT SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

The color Santa Cruz is obviously our fave – and good news, it looks good on everyone.😏

Hope to see you soon! ✌🏽

#visitsantacruz #santacruz #santacruzcounty #californiacoast #california

We could use a little more time… Be sure to add @capitolavillage to your Santa Cruz vacation bucket list!

Here are a few must-sees/dos:

1. Beach time 🏖️ 🏄: surf lessons and rentals are available at @capitolabeach!

2. Stroll the palm tree lined streets and shop at the coastal shops! 🌴🛍️ Places like @lumengallery_capitola, @katalinasbythesea, @clementine_andco, @sundropcapitola, @ethossantacruz, and many more are bursting with seaside finds!

3. Discover amazing restaurants and eateries!🍹🦪 From grab and go treats at @capitola.boba.tea to oysters on the patio at @petescapitola, there’s something for everyone in the village.

4. Oceanside events are primo here! 🌅🎶 Every Wednesday from June 3 – August 19, Capitola hosts free Twilight Concerts!

5. Take in the seaside beauty around every corner. 🪻☀️ Capitola Village is known for its colorful facades, vibrant murals, and coastal blooms.

Who’s ready for some time in the village?

#visitsantacruz #capitola #capitolavillage #santacruz #visitcalifornia

Coastal pace means slowing it down and taking it in. Do you get recharged after some time on the coast? 🌊

#visitsantacruz #santacruz #capitola #centralcoast #californiacoast

Rain, clouds, fog… we say, bring on the drama… 🤌

These April showers are brining some pretty epic views. Forest greens are brighter, the morning clouds seem magnified, and the coast is getting a spring refresh. 🌧️

For anyone missing the sun, it’ll be back this week, so no worries. 😉

Video Clips 📹 | @dgsc

#visitsantacruz #santacruz #aprilshowers #spring #santacruzcounty

Welcome to @thealleyoop! 🍸🖤🎼🥃
This brand new speakeasy-style cocktail lounge is creating quite a buzz in Santa Cruz and it’s not hard to why. Cocktails, spirits, wine, and champagne lead the experience, with appetizers and small bites complimenting the stellar beverage menu. The inky, moody, and stylish vibe is adding to the ambiance and is truly like no other spot in the county.

Have you been to Alley Oop yet? Tell us below!

Photos 📸 | @thecuratedfeast / @wolfpeachcreative

#santacruz #visitsantacruz #downtownsantacruz #cocktaillounge #alleyoop

Just some of our classics… ☀️🌊🌴🌮🍹

Locations Featured:
📍 @santacruzwharf 🌊
📍 @capitolavillage 🌴
📍 @lupulosc 🌮
📍 @labahiahotelandspa 🍹

#visitsantacruz #santacruz #capitola #pacificcoast #centralcoast

Green time is really so much better… What’s your favorite spring spot right now in Santa Cruz County? 🌿🌲🪻🌸🌊

📍 Featured Locations: Glenwood Preserve, Fall Creek, and Davenport

#santacruz #visitsantacruz #spring #santacruzcounty visitcalifornia

The perfect remedy: a slow day on the coast. Who’s due for a dose? ☀️🌊

#visitsantacruz #santacruz #capitola #californiacoast #vitaminsea

Monday chill, dawn patrol edition. Here’s a memorable look back at a gorgeous February morning from The Hook.

Clips 📹 | @impactcreative

#visitsantacruz #surfing #dawnpatrol #thehook #santacruz

Take time to notice… We can’t get enough of these purple color pops in the @capitolavillage right now! 💜🪻💟

Video Clips 📹 | @dgsc

#visitsantacruz #capitola #capitolavillage #purple #thecolorpurple

Santa Cruz mornings like this… pretty much the usual. 👌

📍 West Cliff Drive near Swift Street
🕖 7:30am today

#santacruz #westcliff #visitsantacruz #spring #goodmorning

You can say it’s in our DNA 🧬 … Did you know that Santa Cruz is the birthplace of mainland U.S. surfing? Whether you’re in the water or watching the waves, surfing in Santa Cruz is always a must. 🏄

Video Clips 📹 | @impactcreative

#surfing #santacruz #visitsantacruz #surf #santacruzsurf

As if it wasn’t clear enough this week… see ya, winter! 👋
Who’s ready for spring in Santa Cruz? ☀️🏖️🌼

Video Clips 📹 | @dgsc

#santacruz #visitsantacruz #spring #santacruzcounty #springbreak

3 coffee shops that are clearly passing the vibe ✅: @11thhourcoffee, @catcloudcoffee + @honeyluxcoffee. These three are a must-try in our book, and not only have great drinks and bites, they also bring a great vibe.

🕚 At 11th Hour, we tried the Tiramisu Latte with Mascarpone Cold Foam and a Ladyfinger and we kinda never want this one to go away! It’s so unique and so good! We also highly recommend any of their bakery items… you literally can’t go wrong! 🍪
Downtown and Westside locations.

🐈 At Cat & Cloud, we tried one of their seasonal drinks: Raspberry Cold Foam Matcha and it was a winner! Get it while it’s here and also grab their Avocado Toast – it’s made with @manresabread and has a citrus cucumber avocado mash with pepitas and arugula – so good! 🥑
Pleasure Point, Westside, Aptos, and Abbott Square locations.

🍯 At Honeylux Coffee, we had the Bloom – their raspberry syrup matcha – and it hits like all the rest at Honeylux! You might call them matcha specialists but they’ve got a bunch more, including their incredible Avocado Toast with watermelon radishes, cherry tomatoes, chives and more. It might get the prize for the best in show for avo toast! 🫜
Watsonville Hangar location.

These three are just the tip of the good vibe iceberg here in Santa Cruz County! What other coffee shops do you love to linger? ☕️

#visitsantacruz #santacruz #santacruzcounty

Endless options for nature’s therapy here. 🌊🌾 What’s your go-to spot in Santa Cruz County or on the Central Coast?

Video + Cover Photo 📷 | @dgsc

#visitsantacruz #davenport #santacruz #centralcoast #naturetherapy

Forecast is sunny and 70s all weekend and 80s into next week. Consider this your sign to take your first dip of the season – if you haven’t already! 🌊 When was the last time you were in the Monterey Bay? 🏄 🏊 💦

Video 📹 | @dgsc

#visitsantacruz #santacruz #capitola #capitolavillage #spring

Current views from Manresa State Beach… 🤌

This Central Coast treasure in Watsonville has scenic shore breaks 🏄, rolling sand dunes, spring flowers 🌸, and expansive beaches 🐚 waiting to be explored!

Have you been to Manresa yet? 🏖️

Here’s some info about the sand dollars that are often found at Manresa:

🐚 Live vs. Dead: Live sand dollars are dark purple, brown, or grey, often covered in small, moving spines. Dead shells are white or light beige.

📍Location Matters: Much of the Monterey Bay shoreline is part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, where collecting, even shells, can be restricted.

✅ Best Practice: The best practice is to take photos and leave all sand dollars in place to support the ecosystem.

Photos 📸 | @desireexc

#visitsantacruz #santacruz #manresa #centralcoast #watsonville

Spring is more than just a glimmer here… she’s shining bright! 🌼🌊🌸

Check our story and bio link for your Santa Cruz Spring Bucket List that highlights all the not-to-miss activities of the season!

Videos 📹 | @dgsc + @visitsantacruz

#visitsantacruz #santacruz #santacruzcounty #spring #visitcalifornia

Anyone else absolutely SHOCKED every single year at how pretty spring is in Santa Cruz County? Never. Gets. Old. 🌸🌊🌼

Video 📹 | @dgsc
Photos 📷 | @desireexc

#spring #santacruz #visitsantacruz #davenport #california

3 food truck recs from 3 of our FAVORITE foodies: @santacruzbucketlist, @doublemeatplease, and @eatwithtanika! We asked the experts and they delivered with some amazing food truck bites you don’t want to miss! What have you tried and what are you adding to your list?

Stop 1, recommended by @santacruzbucketlist: the fish tacos and shrimp tacos from @tacoselchuy! Fresh, delicious and highly recommend ordering their chips and guac too – might be the best guacamole around! 🌮
📍 Swift Street Courtyard, 402 Ingalls St, Santa Cruz

Stop 2, recommended by @doublemeatplease: crunch wrap with flamin’ Cheeto dust and the barria pizza from @chubby_tacos! If you want big bold flavors and food that’s fun, you’ve gotta add this county spot to your list. 🤤
📍 1960 Freedom Blvd, Watsonville

Stop 3, recommended by @eatwithtanika: flautas from @s.c._eatery are off the charts! Crispy, 100% gluten-free, and seed-oil-free, these flautas are an easy new favorite. Pro tip: get a sample of sauces with your order to see what ones you love! 🥑
📍 Locations vary, check their Instagram for location announcements

Ready to try some new food truck bites? Tell us below! And big thanks to our local foodie influencers for putting in the work to find the best bites around the county. 🫡

#visitsantacruz #santacruz #santacruzfood #foodtrucks #santacruzfoodie

Spring has sprung on the coast of Santa Cruz County. 🌸🌾🌼 Want to see our top picks for wildflowers this season? Check our bio 🔗 and story!

Video Clips 📹 | @dgsc

#spring #californiacoast #visitsantacruz #santacruz #wildflowers

Can we get an amen? Capitola is the springiest little beach town on the California coast! The @capitolavillage is always a kaleidoscope of color with its palette of pastel buildings and vibrant murals, but come spring, the coastal blooms burst with even more springtime hues! 🌸🪻🌊🌼🌺

Be sure to visit Capitola this spring for a pop of color and a total mood boost!

Video 📹 | @dgsc

#capitola #santacruz #visitsantacruz #spring #californiacoast