Santa Cruz County Travel Guide

California

On the way up to Año Nuevo State Reserve, we stopped in at this cove. It's a bit north of Santa Cruz, in the town of Davenport.
On the way up to Año Nuevo State Reserve, we stopped in at this cove. It's a bit north of Santa Cruz, in the town of Davenport.
Not only is the beach beautiful but there is a refugee for wintering monarch butterflies! This was also where I saw my first sea lion when I moved here! #beachbound
Walk through cave!
The Long exposure resulted i Milky Waters of the shore #BvSWater

Popular cities in Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz showing rocky coastline, a sandy beach and general coastal views
Santa Cruz
Known for Walking, Beaches and Sea
This Californian city attracts visitors looking for sun and sand, and has one of the strongest surfing cultures in the country.

Reasons to visit

  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  • Natural Bridges State Park
  • Mystery Spot
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Aptos
Known for Beaches, Dining and Family-friendly
Experience the beaches, seaside and camping in Aptos!

Reasons to visit

  • Rio Del Mar Beach
  • Seacliff State Beach
  • New Brighton State Beach
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You'll be hard pressed to find an uncrowded #beach in the Santa Cruz/Capitola area but New Brighton is a must visit anyway. Beautiful sandy beach, sail boats, parasailing, volleyball, camping and a #lighthouse ! You just can't beat it.
Capitola
Known for Beaches, Dining and Shopping
Experience quaint Capitola: its beaches, oceanfront, entertainment and more!

Reasons to visit

  • Capitola Beach
  • Hooper Beach
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Los Gatos Beach in Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Los Gatos
Known for Dining, Shopping and Family-friendly
Los Gatos is calling! Discover its dining, hiking, wineries and more.

Reasons to visit

  • Vasona Lake County Park
  • Regale Winery and Vineyards
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Mama you didn’t tell me that that’s what artichokes look like
Watsonville
Known for Beaches, Sports and Biking
Trip time! Discover the baseball, beaches and entertainment in Watsonville.

Reasons to visit

  • La Selva Beach
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Nice, quiet park in Ben lamond. Excellent place to walk your dog, swim by creek or have a picnic.
Ben Lomond
Known for Mountains, Forests and Dining
Love hiking, forests and dining? Get away to Ben Lomond!
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