Santa Cruz County Travel Guide

California

Capitola Village. Capitola, Santa Cruz County, California, USA.
Capitola Village. Capitola, Santa Cruz County, California, USA.
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!

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
  • Mystery Spot
  • Natural Bridges State Park
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Aerial view of Capitola Beach in California, featuring pastel Venetian cottages, a wooden pier, a bridge over an inlet, and the Pacific Ocean.
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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Scenic panoramic view of Rio Del Mar Beach near Santa Cruz California with a wooden pier stretching into water, flanked by coastal buildings and palms
Aptos
Known for Beaches, Dining and Family-friendly
Experience the beaches, seaside and local cuisine in Aptos!

Reasons to visit

  • Rio Del Mar Beach
  • Seacliff State Beach
  • Seascape Golf Club
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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
  • Castle Rock Falls
  • 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 surfing in Watsonville.

Reasons to visit

  • La Selva Beach
  • Sunset State Beach
  • Manresa State Beach
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Roaring Camp' Dixiana Shay Steam Train Crossing Redwoods in Santa Cruz Mountains
Felton
Known for Rivers, Relaxing and Forests
Come to relaxing Felton and enjoy its camping, forests and coffee.

Reasons to visit

  • Roaring Camp Railroads
  • Felton Covered Bridge Park
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