From a hotel on the beach, to a quaint inn or bed and breakfast, to a vacation rental for the family or a rustic campground, you can rest easy in Santa Cruz County. Opt for a hip boutique property or a classic resort with a view. And don’t forget your dog: many properties are pet-friendly!
Santa Cruz County
Destinations
70 miles south of San Francisco, 35 miles north of Monterey, and unabashedly left of center, you’ll find great surf, sandy beaches, redwood-covered mountains, laid-back towns, organic farms, and a burgeoning beer and wine scene. It’s impossible to pick one place to visit in Santa Cruz County. Take a quick cruz of them all!
Picture Yourself Here
Get inspired and start planning your next visit to Santa Cruz County. #VisitSantaCruz
NOW OPEN! Loch Lomond Recreation Area is now open for the season! Hiking, boating, or fishing, this peaceful reservoir is a great destination in the Santa Cruz Mountains. 🌲 🎣 🛶 Check below for operating hours:
March: 7 AM – 7 PM (Friday – Monday)
April: 7 AM – 7:30 PM (Thursday – Tuesday)
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.
▪️Vehicle Fee $10, Season Pass $100.
▪️Arrive early to snag one of the limited parking spaces closest to the lake.
▪️NO swimming or contact with water is allowed.
▪️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. Discover dates and more information here.
▪️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.
Video 🎥 | @dgsc
#lochlomondrecreationarea #lochlomond #santacruz #santacruzmountains #visitsantacruz
February, you’ve been the sweetest. 💜
What’s your favorite season in Santa Cruz? February “winter” sure made an impression on us this year! 😍
Photos 📸 | @thecuratedfeast / @wolfpeachcreative
#february #winter #santacruz #visitsantacruz #postcards
Feels like spring! 🌊🌼 Who’s ready for spring in Santa Cruz? ☀️🏖️🎢🎠
Video with @impactcreative
#visitsantacruz #santacruz #davenport #spring #california
First lupine found and the hills popping with green… wildflower season is loading, friends.
Here’s a peek at the east side trails of Glenwood Preserve in Scotts Valley right now.
#visitsantacruz #santacruz #scottsvalley #glenwoodpreserve #springloading
Santa Cruz 👀… What’s your favorite scene? 🌊🌲🌅
Video Clips 📹 | @dgsc
#visitsantacruz #santacruz #santacruzcounty #californiacoast coast
No Sunday scaries here! Where would you spend the day if you could pick between:
A. Hiking in the redwood forest, finding mushrooms and banana slugs. 🌲🍄🟫
B. Playing around at the Boardwalk riding the Giant Dipper and eating taffy. 🎢🍬
C. Perching on the edge of the earth and discovering secluded beaches in north county. 🌊🐚
D. Gliding on the water on a kayak, watching the wildlife and seeing the coast from a new perspective. 🛶🐋
Photos 📸 | @desireexc
#santacruz #visitsantacruz #sundayscaries #sunday #santacruzcounty
The Davenport Coast is a magical part of Santa Cruz. 🌊🪨🐚
Have you explored here?
#visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty #davenport #visitcalifornia #californiacoast
Sometimes the little things are the best things. 🫶
Take in the moment. Notice the light through the trees. Feel the rhythm of the waves. Marvel at the creatures. Find Your Awe in Santa Cruz County.
Video Clips 📹 | @dgsc + @visitsantacruz
#visitsantacruz #santacruz #santacruzcounty #findyourawe #littlethings
A little 🌧️ now to bring on the spring 🌸🪻🌼! Where’s your favorite spot to see spring blooms in Santa Cruz County?
Check our story for a Guide to Wildflowers in our area!
📍 Places featured in this reel:
1. Wilder Ranch State Park
2. Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell
3. La Selva Beach
#visitsantacruz #santacruz #wildflowers #spring #wildflowers
A moment worth memorializing. 🌈
Along with our coastline, the Santa Cruz Mountains are such a treasure in our county. 🌲⛰️ Enjoy this view from the San Lorenzo Valley area during a break in the storm. 🌧️
Video 📹 | @beningramvisuals / @hellobeningram
#visitsantacruz #santacruz #santacruzmountains #rainbow #sanlorenzovalley
That look though. 😍
#santacruz #santacruzwharf #valentine #visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty
In case you’re missing Santa Cruz, this one’s for you.
This morning’s 🌅 from West Cliff Drive.
#visitsantacruz #santacruz #winter #sunrise #westcliff
How many have you tried? 🐟🌮 Check our bio link for a list of the Best Fish Tacos in Santa Cruz County! Did your fave make the list?
Here are just 4 out of the 8 spots we have featured in the blog!
1. @michesandceviches: 743 41st Avenue, Santa Cruz
2. @tacoselchuy: 402 Ingalls Street, Santa Cruz (food truck)
3. @ranch_milk: 1 S Green Valley Road, Freedom
4. @tacos_alfuego831: 45 Aviation Way, Watsonville
Who else do you think should make the list?
Blog 💻 | @santacruzbucketlist
#visitsantacruz #santacruz #fishtacos #santacruzcounty #santacruzfood
Might as well make some of them Santa Cruz… 🌊
Video Clips 🎥 | @dgsc
#santacruz #santacruzwaves #waves #visitsantacruz #santacruzbeach
Immediate thoughts when rain’s in the forecast = it’s time to go for a hike!🌲🥾💧
Check our story and bio 🔗 for the best hikes for waterfalls and stream-side trails!
#visitsantacruz #santacruz #santacruzcounty #santacruzmountains #hiking
See anything you wouldn’t expect on a hike in the forest? Some places just begged to be explored… you can say that about our trails! What’s your favorite hike in Santa Cruz County? 🌲🥾🌿🍄🟫
📍 Pogonip Open Space
Photos 📷 | @thecuratedfeast / @wolfpeachcreative
#santacruz #visitsantacruz #hiking #hike #pogonip
💌 There’s just something about that fog through the forest… agree? 🌫️🌲
Drone videos 📹 | @dgsc
#redwoods #fog #santacruz #visitsantacruz #santacruzmountains
Get ready for some great chowders at the annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off at the Santa Cruz @beachboardwalk, February 21 & 22! Tasting Kits are $18 and include 6 taste tickets, spoon, cup, and a People’s Choice ballot! Admission is free and 100% of tasting kit sales benefit @santacruzparksrec!
Cook-Off Schedule:
Saturday, February 21, 2026 • AMATEUR TEAMS
10am: Tasting Kits go on sale
10am-11am: Preparation period (no heat)
11am-1pm: Cooking period
1pm: Public tasting begins
4pm: Amateur Division winners announced at the Pirate Ship Stage
Sunday, February 22, 2026 • PROFESSIONAL TEAMS
10am: Tasting Kits go on sale
10am-11am: Preparation period (no heat)
11am-1pm: Cooking period
1pm: Public tasting begins
4pm: Professional Division winners announced at the Pirate Ship Stage
Want more chowder? Check out @stagnarobrothers, @jackoneillrestaurant, @rivafishhouse, and @firefishsantacruz for some great clam chowders in Santa Cruz! But that’s just the beginning! More spots we love are @woodiessantacruz, @idealbarsantacruz, @johnnysharborside, @crowsnestsantacruz, @eastsideeaterysc, and @baylivingculinary.
Check our bio 🔗 and story for details on these top spots for amazing clam chowder!
Where do you go for your favorite cup or bowl? 🥣🥖
#clamchowdercookoff #clamchowder #santacruz #visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty
Always trying to help us out…
🌯 from @catcloudcoffee on Swift Street
🌊 from West Cliff Drive
#goodmorning #santacruz #visitsantacruz #seagull #breakfastburrito
So much to see. So much to taste! Watsonville is a never-ending exploration of mutuals, art, culture, and amazing food finds. What’s your favorite spots in Watsonville?
A few stops here:
🎨🍓 Murals around every corner
🌮 🍋🟩 Great and affordable eats at @ranch_milk
🖼️👁️ Incredible art exhibits at @pajarovalleyarts
😋🍴The best cinnamon rolls at @sliceprojectpizza
Watsonville adventures should be added to your #santacruzbucketlist!
#watsonville #santacruzcounty #santacruz #visitsantacruz
Winter diaries from Santa Cruz County. 📝📸🌅
#santacruz #visitsantacruz #winterinsantacruz #winter
Hope part of life’s adventures bring you here.
❤️ Santa Cruz County
#visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty #santacruz #visitcalifornia
Too good not to share. This morning: no filter, no music – just the sound of the waves on this January morning in Santa Cruz.
#santacruz #visitsantacruz #winter #santacruzwinter
Who’s your hiking buddy? Santa Cruz County has hundreds of miles of trails. 🥾 From mystical forests to rugged coast paths, you won’t grow tired of these views. What’s your favorite trail in Santa Cruz County?
Videos 🎥 | @dgsc
#santacruz #visitsantacruz #hiking #santacruzmountains #hike
