VISITANTES INTERNACIONALES
La historia del condado de Santa Cruz se cuenta en sus rústicos bosques, la prístina costa californiana, los campos agrícolas tapizados de verde y las muestras de arte público de su apasionada comunidad creativa. Las antiguas e históricas secuoyas se nutren con la reparadora bruma marina que absorben sus agujas. Los mamíferos marinos, los peces y los invertebrados se desarrollan en las aguas ricas en nutrientes de la bahía de Monterey, que hace tiempo fueron esenciales para la subsistencia de los nativos Ohlone.
Las 29 millas (27 km) de litoral y las hectáreas de bosques de secuoyas dan testimonio de un legado de preservación y conservación, perfecto para la exploración y las experiencias.
La interesante historia del surf, el deporte oficial de California, se inició en 1885, cuando tres príncipes hawaianos probaron el oleaje cercano a lo que hoy es Main Beach, en tablas elaboradas con secuoyas: así nació el surf en el continente. Solo dos décadas más tarde, la costanera de la playa Santa Cruz comenzó a florecer turísticamente como “la Coney Island de la costa oeste”, con dos lugares importantes en la historia nacional que aún se disfrutan.
Aquí, las alternativas de actividades parecen infinitas: descubra un sendero a través del frondoso corredor ribereño bajo un dosel de secuoyas, navegue junto a la brisa en la majestuosa bahía de Monterey o experimente la emoción de recorrer 17 km montaña abajo en una bicicleta todo terreno.
Si lo suyo es de la granja a la mesa, se sentirá como en casa. Las raíces del movimiento de agricultura orgánica están literalmente en el suelo del Centro de Agroecología de la Universidad de California en Santa Cruz, donde los investigadores han encontrado formas más amables y alternativas de cultivar y cosechar frutas y verduras en comunión con los elementos naturales. En las ferias agrícolas semanales pueden adquirirse productos locales que chefs de todo el condado suelen aprovechar.
Estos entornos naturales inspiran a un conjunto ecléctico de artistas creativos y modernos, pero conscientes. La abundancia de música en vivo, teatros y bellas artes acompaña los festivales locales, las celebraciones y las representaciones, que se fundan en la continua energía artística del condado.
Santa Cruz le invita cordialmente a explorar la región con el fervor, la pasión y la apertura mental que define a este destino. ¡Le damos la bienvenida!
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Viaje al condado de Santa Cruz en automóvil desde San Francisco por la panorámica ruta 17 o la emblemática ruta 1 junto a la costa. El trayecto de aproximadamente 60 millas/96 km hacia el sur se recorre en unos 90 minutos. Desde el sur de California, el condado de Santa Cruz se encuentra a unas 349 millas/562 km en automóvil al norte de los Ángeles y 30 minutos al norte de Monterey.
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
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
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
A little design inspo from the tide pools… TEXTURE!
The tide pools always inspire wonder and awe. Patience is key as you watch the tiny creatures curiously curate their little water abodes. Always watch your step, have a hands off approach, and be inspired by the little wonders of the deep. 🌊✨
Photos 📷 | @thecuratedfeast / @wolfpeachcreative
#santacruz #tidepooling #tidepools #tides #starfish #seastar #visitsantacruz
Peaceful POV found on the Santa Cruz County coast. 🫶
Content 📷 | @beningramvisuals / @hellobeningram
#santacruz #davenport #santacruzcalifornia #visitsantacruz
Have you walked West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz? This 2+ mile coastal path is the perfect spot to take in the beauty of the Monterey Bay.
Here are a few fun landmarks you’ll want to see:
1. The Surfer Statue: Take a pic of this iconic statue; 547 West Cliff Drive 🏄♂️
2. Steamer Lane: Watch surfers at this world-class surf break; 700 West Cliff Drive 🌊
3. Surfing Museum: Located in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, 701 West Cliff Drive 🏄♀️
4. Lighthouse Field State Beach/aka Its Beach: Watch happy dogs live their best life on the beach; 740 West Cliff Drive 🐶
5. Beach Houses: Swoon over the gorgeous beach houses along the coastal drive 🏠🌴
6. Wildlife: Keep your eyes on the ocean and you just might see dolphins, otters, seals, and whales 🐬🦦🦭🐋
7. Mitchell’s Cove: At low tide, head down the stairs and go to the right for some fun low tide explorations; Near West Cliff Drive x Almar Avenue 🦀
8. Blow Hole: At high tide or during big surf, the “Blow Hole” near Chico Avenue is a sight to see with water shooting up into the sky; West Cliff Drive x Chico Avenue 💦
9. Natural Bridges State Beach: This iconic beach has tide pooling, monarch butterflies in the winter, picnic areas, and more; 2531 West Cliff Drive 🏖️
10. Need some fuel along the way? @shrinecoffee and @steamerlanesupply are great spots to visit; Shrine Coffee: 544 West Cliff Drive; Steamer Lane Supply: 644-670 West Cliff Drive ☕️
Happy coastal exploring! 🫶
Photos 📷 | @dgsc
#westcliffdrive #westcliff #santacruz #visitsantacruz #santacruzcalifornia #california #montereybay
We’ve got the 🌧️, just waiting on that 🌈!
Rain isn’t so bad in Santa Cruz County when you realize it means: rainbows 🌈, wildflowers 🌸, banana slugs 🍌🐌, newts 🦎, waterfalls 💦, happy forests 🌲, and cozy meals 🥘!
Agree?
Video + Cover Photo | @dgsc
@dollyparton original quote: “If you want the rainbow, you gotta put your with the rain.” ☔️
#santacruz #visitsantacruz #rainyday #rain #rainbow #surf
We’ve got some low tides coming!
Saturday, February 8 @ 2:06pm (-0.9 ft)
Sunday, February 9 @ 2:52pm (-1.1 ft)
Monday, February 10 @ 3:32pm (-1.1 ft)
Tuesday, February 11 @ 4:08pm (-0.9 ft)
Please explore responsibly. Leave creatures alone, watch your step, and leave no trace. Check out bio 🔗 or story for more info including top tide pool spots.
Photo + Video 📷 | @beningram / @hellobeningram
Location 📍| Pleasure Point
#santacruz #lowtide #tidepooling #tidepools #pleasurepoint #visitsantacruz
