VISIT SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Have you visited Loch Lomond Recreation Area yet? Hiking, boating, or fishing, this peaceful reservoir is a great destination in the Santa Cruz Mountains. 🌲 🎣 🛶 Check below for operating hours and helpful FAQs for planning your visit!

May: 7 AM – 8 PM (Thursday – Tuesday)
June: 7 AM – 8:30 PM (Thursday – Tuesday)
July: 7 AM – 8:30 PM (Thursday – Tuesday)
August – Labor Day: 7 AM – 8 PM (Thursday – Tuesday)
Labor Day – Second Weekend of October: 7 AM – 6 PM (Saturday and Sunday Only)

FAQs for visiting:

▪️Loch Lomond is seasonal: Operating from March through mid-October; see above for exact days and times.
▪️Loch Lomond Reservoir is the City of Santa Cruz’s primary source of drinking water!
▪️NO swimming or contact with water is allowed.
▪️Vehicle Fee $10, Season Pass $100.
▪️Arrive early to snag one of the limited parking spaces closest to the lake.
▪️There are 12 miles of hiking trails to explore around the loch.
▪️Rent an electric motorboat or a rowboat from the Park Store, or call ahead to reserve your boat: 831-335-7424
▪️Fishing is welcome, and licenses can be obtained from the Park Store.
▪️Picnicking is available at many parts of the park. Bring your own charcoal if you plan to BBQ.
▪️Free boat tours of Loch Lomond on the Newell Jewell are offered during the second weekend of each month, Saturday and Sunday, 11 AM-noon. Tours can accommodate 25 people, and you can sign up at the Park Store. First come, first served.
▪️Loch Lomond Recreation Area is dog-friendly, so bring your pup along! Leashes are required, and make sure they stay on trail and out of the water! And of course, clean up after your pooch.
▪️Check out the “Loch Walks” that are hosted by a variety of ornithologists, botanists, and more.
▪️Please respect this natural space and keep it natural for years to come. Pack your trash, carpool, and leave it better than you found it.
▪️The road up is narrow and through neighborhoods. Please respect the residents and drive with caution.

Wishing you all a beautiful Memorial Day from Santa Cruz County. ❤️🤍💙 We are forever grateful for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. 🙏🇺🇸

Video 📹 | @dgsc

Summer peeks from the @capitolavillage! 🌴🌞🌸🍦
Any day spent in the Capitola Village is a day well spent, but here are 3 spots you need to add to your next Village outing:

1. @sundropcapitola: make your own necklace, bracelet, keychain, or bag chain with the cutest assortment of charms! Super fun activity, and sure to make your Capitola outing a memorable one! ✨

2. @castagnola_deli_cafe: great sandwiches and great prices! The Chicken Apple Brie was a tasty take! 🍏

3. @polarbearsantacruz: two words: Dirty Paws. This flavor is a must-try: caramel ice cream, Oreos, and fudge. 👌

Let the summer fun begin!

Did you hear??? FIFA World Cup 26™ SF Bay Area is coming to the @beachboardwalk! On Thursday, June 25, watch USA vs Türkiye @ 7pm on the sand at Main Beach in front of the Colonnade.

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is the place to be for the biggest watch party of the week, right on the sand with a 22’ LED screen! There will be a designated beer garden on the beach in front of the Colonnade, plus all your favorite Boardwalk bites and sips. Arrive early, grab your spot, and enjoy every moment of the action! ⚽️🏖️

Santa Cruz is a FIFA World Cup 26™ SF Bay Area Fan Zone, so there are even more soccer events, watch parties, and hype happening around the county! Check kickoffsantacruz.org for details.

Summer 2026: more of this.
🌊🩴🐚🌼👙>>>> 💻📊👔🗄️👚
Does your summer mean more adventures in Santa Cruz County? We hope so.

Trust us. You need to explore Downtown Watsonville. Here are the spots we stopped:

1. @rebecaspanaderiaymas – This Mexican bakery has sweet breads, pastries, cookies and more that will have you picking out a platter of treats, tasting them in your car, and then going back in for more! True story! 😋

2. @craft_bakeshop – This place was hopping and a few items ordered, you’ll see why. Specialty drinks like Cookie Butter Latte (‼️), insane breakfast burritos with cheesy Bavarian sausage from @freedommeatlocker, and an extensive menu of breakfast items, house-made bakery treats, and more – this place is a must-try! ☕️

3. Creative Corners – Murals, mosaics, art galleries and artist hubs like @pajarovalleyarts and @watsonvillecenterarts infuse a creative and cultural touch on every part of the historic downtown. 🎨

4. @melobread – If you haven’t tried Melo yet, get to it! Tasty sourdough loaves, Nona’s pizza slices (thanks, Nona!), cinnamon rolls, and more, this popular artisanal bakery is known for its naturally leavened, organic sourdough bread and plant-based pastries. One bite of any item and we’re convinced you’ll grab a few more to take home! 🥖

5. The Tamal Factory – A staple of Downtown Watsonville for over 20 years, Tamal Factory is a must-try for traditional Mexican tamales. 🫔

6. @jaliscos_watsonville – Ready for a sit down Mexican food experience on your Downtown Watsonville adventure? Grab a margarita, chips and salsa, and order something special at Jaliscos! Their Molcajete de Ranchero is a bubbling dish served in a volcanic stone dish… need we say more? Sit, drink, eat, and enjoy a day well spent in Watsonville! 🍹

What spots are you ready to try?

@visitsantacruz x @santacruzbucketlist

See what’s blooming in @theaptosvillage! This adorable, friendly, and walkable little village is in the heart of Aptos and has plenty to offer:

☕️ Grab a cup of coffee, matcha, avo toast, and more at @catcloudcoffee.
🍦 Stop into @thepennyicecreamery for their signature scoops and toasted marshmallow fluff. They also have ice cream bars, milkshakes, and hand-packed pints!
🧦 Find the perfect shoes, fun socks, and more at @sockshopandshoeco.
🍕 Step into @mentoneca, an Italian-riviera-inspired, Michelin-Guide restaurant whipped up by renowned restauranteur David Kinch. Don’t miss the wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and shareable plates featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients.
🍺 Enjoy great beers and delicious bites at @otherbrotheraptos.
🍷 Sip on @santewinery wines between strolls. Don’t miss their notable Pinot Noir and Chardonnay!
🧀 Browse the incredible selection of California-grown, natural, organic, and sustainable foods at @newleafcmarket. Picnics and charcuterie boards are a cinch when you curate from New Leaf!

And did you know Aptos Village has ocean views? You’re just a hop away from the beach 🌊 and a literal skip into the forest and trails of Nisene Marks. 🌲 Discover this Aptos gem and tell us what you love here!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful moms out there! 💞

Video 📹 | @desireexc at Wilder Ranch State Park Old Cove Landing Trail 🦭

Can we just: listen to the waves, eat burritos, watch the surf, taste some treats, find scenic nooks, and watch the sunset. Is that too much to ask? We say no.

Walk on the West Cliff, hallelujah.
First day of May is looking good from our POV. 🌊

We’ve got your May plans dialed. Who are you bringing?

With love. 📬 xoxo, Santa Cruz County

How many spots do you recognize?

Have you been? Mark your calendar and don’t miss the free Twilight Concerts in Capitola this summer! Happening every Wednesday from June 3 through August 19, 2026, you don’t want to miss this summertime classic! Enjoy the weather, great live tunes, the beautiful venue (aka, the beach), and all the shops and restaurants of the adorable coastal @capitolavillage!

Great vibes, good times! Hope to see you there this summer! ✌🏼

Concerts are free and happening every Wednesday from June 3 through August 19. Music starts at 6pm. Bring a blanket or low back chair; grab dinner in the @capitolavillage or pack a picnic! Super kid-friendly event!

Please note, no dogs or alcohol allowed in the park or beach.

Videos 🎥 | @dgsc

Recipe for a good weekend: wildflower walk. 🪻🌼🌾

Glenwood Preserve in Scotts Valley is currently popping! Other great spots include Wilder Ranch, Quail Hollow, Davenport Beaches, Arboretum, East Cliff, and West Cliff to name a few!

Where’s your favorite spots for wildflowers! 🌼🪻🌸

The best chapter just might be the Santa Cruz chapter. 🌊🌲

Explore Santa Cruz and feel nature’s calm wash over you. Hope your next chapter includes some time with us. ✨

Which one are you choosing right now? 🥾🌲🪻🌿🌊

1. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Redwood Grove Loop Trail (huge redwoods and flat trail that’s stroller and wheelchair-friendly) 🌲

2. Glenwood Open Space Preserve: Westside Trails (dog-friendly and lots of lupine right now)🪻

3. Quail Hollow Ranch: Woodrat Trail (wildflowers, panoramic ridge views, redwood forests, chaparral, and sand hills)

4. West Cliff Drive: path near Swift Street (ocean views, benches for sitting, and stroller and wheelchair-friendly path)

So, what’s your pick?

#visitsantacruz #santacruz #trails #santacruzcounty #spring

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