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

Bringing that spring energy! ✨🌊☀️🌲🎢 What are looking forward to this season in Santa Cruz County? Beach days, seaside strolls, banana slug hikes, Giant Dipper rides with a side of cotton candy? Tell us below!

And shoutout to our locals featured! Can you spot anyone you recognize? 👀

Video Production 🎥 | @impactcreative

#visitsantacruz #findyourawe #santacruz #santacruzcounty #spring

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

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

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