Santa Cruz County Travel Guide

California

A row of colorful buildings along a sandy beach at sunset.
A colorful coastal town with a sandy beach and a calm body of water.
A coastal town with colorful buildings, a calm waterfront, and palm trees.
A pier extending into the ocean with waves crashing against it during sunset.
Colorful houses by a waterfront with palm trees in the background.

Popular cities in Santa Cruz County

A sandy beach with waves, a lighthouse, and rocky outcrops.
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
  • Mystery Spot
  • Natural Bridges State Park
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A coastal town with colorful houses, a pier, and a beach.
Capitola
Known for Beaches, Dining and Shopping
Experience quaint Capitola: its beaches, oceanfront, entertainment and more!

Reasons to visit

  • Capitola Beach
  • Capitola Wharf
  • Hooper Beach
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A beach with a pier, houses, and palm trees.
Aptos
Known for Beaches, Dining and Family-friendly
Experience the beaches, seaside and cafes in Aptos!

Reasons to visit

  • Rio Del Mar Beach
  • Seacliff State Beach
  • Seascape Golf Club
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A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, ocean waves, and distant mountains.
Watsonville
Known for Beaches, Sports and Biking
Trip time! Discover the baseball, beaches and art in Watsonville.

Reasons to visit

  • La Selva Beach
  • Sunset State Beach
  • Manresa State Beach
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A beach with clear water, palm trees, and a cruise ship in the background.
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
  • Castle Rock Falls
  • Regale Winery and Vineyards
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A residential area with houses surrounded by dense forest and hills in the background.
Scotts Valley
Known for Friendly people, Family-friendly and Entertainment
Located in the heart of beautiful Santa Cruz County, this small city is a scenic paradise situated between the Pacific Coast and the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Reasons to visit

  • Frontier Ranch
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Stay near popular Santa Cruz County attractions

A pier with colorful cable cars, a beach, and a sign that reads "WORLD FAMOUS."
Photo by Adri VDM Photography
Open Photo by Adri VDM Photography

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

8.8/5 (6,089 reviews)
Enjoy the exciting rides at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and see why everyone loves this theme park in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.
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