Welcome to Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz
The diversity and quality of Santa Cruz parks, beaches and open space is truly impressive. Stand in wonder at the breathtaking views from Pogonip or watch world-class surfing from iconic Lighthouse Field. The disc golf course at DeLaveaga is one-of-a-kind. Get air at our skate parks and pump tracks. Play bocce or ping pong at a neighborhood park. Visit premier beach destinations Main and Cowell beach after a stroll on the historic Santa Cruz Wharf. If you haven’t explored Santa Cruz parks, beaches and open spaces, we encourage you to take time to embark on an adventure. Santa Cruz is known for its moderate climate, natural environment, coastline, redwood forests, alternative community lifestyles, and socially liberal leanings. It is also home to the University of California, Santa Cruz, a premier research institution and educational hub, as well as the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, an oceanfront amusement park operating continuously since 1907. Santa Cruz is also well known for watersports such as sailing, diving, swimming, stand up paddle boarding, paddling, and is regarded as one of the best spots in the world for surfing. Enjoy the slower space of this beach town life while still being accessible to the major city.
Capitola
The City of Capitola sits on the shores of the Pacific Ocean along Monterey Bay. Located just 35 miles southwest of San Jose and less than two hours’ drive from San Francisco, “Camp Capitola” began as a popular beachfront tourist destination. Today the City maintains those roots and has added a vibrant commercial district and several distinct residential neighborhoods. Nearly 10,000 people call Capitola home, and countless more visit to enjoy both its natural beauty and other attractions. Named one of Sunset magazine’s best beach towns, Capitola has fishing and boating services and a popular surf break. Capitola has an array of restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Capitola Village faces a wide beach, with a breathtaking view of Monterey Bay adjacent to the mouth of Soquel Creek. The Village has welcomed visitors for nearly 150 years and is home to numerous boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Concerts fill Esplanade Park and the beach with music throughout the summer. Each Labor Day weekend, the Begonia Festival brings flower-draped floats to the creek and a sand castle contest to the beach, along with other family-friendly activities. Each fall the Village also hosts the Capitola Art & Wine Festival, which features more than 200 artists and nearly two dozen area wineries. The wharf and Capitola Historical Museum offer year-round diversions.
Aptos
Aptos is an unincorporated town in Santa Cruz County, California. The town includes several small communities with a combined population of approx 24,000. Combining the redwoods and the sea into one idyllic setting, Aptos is a quaint town that serves as home to the forested Nisene Marks State Park, perfect for mountain biking and hiking. Historic Aptos Village features antique shops, restaurants and boutiques. For the perfect spot to picnic, barbecue, or take a seaside stroll, head to Seacliff State beach and walk to the end of the pier.
