· US

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California, United States

Escape to Santa Cruz: Where the Redwoods Meet the Sea Nestled on the breathtaking central California coast, Santa Cruz is a vibrant tapestry of natural beauty, bohemian spirit, and classic California cool. Whether you cr…

#Beach town#Surfing destination#Boardwalk#University town#Coastal city

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Santa Cruz.

Top Hotels in Santa Cruz

Top Flights to Santa Cruz

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Santa Cruz.

Tours

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

A classic seaside amusement park with rides, games, and attractions. Perfect for family fun.

Natural Bridges State Beach

Famous for its natural rock bridge and as a habitat for monarch butterflies.

Mystery Spot

A gravitational anomaly where the laws of physics seem to be defied.

West Cliff Drive

A scenic drive offering breathtaking views of the ocean and a perfect spot for walking or biking.

Roaring Camp Railroads

Experience a historic steam train ride through the redwoods.

Shopping

Downtown Santa Cruz Shopping

A vibrant shopping district with a wide variety of stores, from boutiques to big-name retailers.

Capitola Village

A quaint seaside village offering shopping, dining, and beautiful beaches.

Outdoor

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Explore the majestic redwoods and enjoy hiking and nature trails.

Santa Cruz Surfing

Catch the waves at some of California's best surfing spots.

Santa Cruz Mountain Wineries

Explore the beautiful vineyards and taste exquisite local wines.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Santa Cruz.

Currency

$ | USD | US Dollar

Population

Information not available.

Languages

English, Spanish, English

Average weather

Santa Cruz

Jan

26°17°

Feb

26°17°

Mar

26°17°

Apr

25°16°

May

23°14°

Jun

21°12°

Jul

21°11°

Aug

22°12°

Sep

23°13°

Oct

24°14°

Nov

25°15°

Dec

26°16°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Santa Cruz.

What people love

Santa Cruz, located in California, United States, offers a variety of attractions and activities that make it a popular destination for travelers. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Santa Cruz:

Beaches: Santa Cruz is known for its beautiful beaches, including the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and various water sports along the coastline.
Outdoor activities: The area surrounding Santa Cruz offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring the redwood forests of the nearby state parks. Nature lovers will appreciate the diverse landscapes and wildlife in the region.
Santa Cruz Wharf: The historic Santa Cruz Wharf is a popular spot for visitors to stroll, shop, dine, and enjoy views of the ocean. It also offers fishing and boat tours for those looking for a maritime experience.
Wine tasting: Santa Cruz is home to several wineries and vineyards, offering wine enthusiasts the chance to sample local wines and enjoy the scenic countryside.
Cultural attractions: Santa Cruz has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with galleries, museums, and theaters showcasing local talent and diverse artistic expressions.
Food scene: The city boasts a variety of restaurants, cafes, and food trucks serving up delicious cuisine ranging from fresh seafood to farm-to-table dishes.
Shopping: Visitors can explore the unique shops and boutiques in downtown Santa Cruz, offering everything from handmade crafts to designer goods.

Overall, Santa Cruz offers a mix of natural beauty, outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and culinary delights, making it a great destination for travelers looking for a diverse and memorable vacation experience.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Santa Cruz, California, can include:

Crowds: Santa Cruz is a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months, which can lead to crowded beaches, restaurants, and attractions.
Traffic: Like many California cities, Santa Cruz can experience heavy traffic congestion, particularly on weekends and during peak travel times.
Cost: Santa Cruz can be an expensive destination, with high prices for accommodations, dining, and activities compared to other areas.
Weather: While Santa Cruz generally enjoys mild and pleasant weather, it can also experience foggy conditions, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Limited public transportation: Santa Cruz's public transportation system may not be as extensive or convenient as in larger cities, making it more challenging to get around without a car.

It's important to note that these potential cons may vary depending on the time of year, individual preferences, and travel circumstances.

Santa Cruz, California, is a city with a rich and diverse history, known for its beautiful coastal location and vibrant cultural scene.

Early History

Indigenous Peoples: The area now known as Santa Cruz was originally inhabited by the Ohlone Native Americans. They lived in the region for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans, relying on the abundant natural resources of the area.

Spanish and Mexican Periods

Mission Era: In 1791, the Spanish founded Mission Santa Cruz as part of their mission system to convert the native populations to Christianity. The mission was part of a string of 21 missions established along the California coast.
Secularization: By 1834, the Mexican government secularized the missions, and the land was divided into large ranchos. This era saw the arrival of Mexican settlers and the decline of the native way of life.

American Period

Statehood and Growth: After California became part of the United States in 1848 and achieved statehood in 1850, Santa Cruz began to grow as an agricultural and logging community. The city was incorporated in 1866.
Economic Development: The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century connected Santa Cruz with larger markets and facilitated trade and tourism. The city's natural beauty and coastal location made it a popular destination for visitors.

20th Century

Tourism and the Boardwalk: In 1907, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk opened, becoming a significant attraction. It is one of the oldest amusement parks in California and continues to draw visitors today.
University of California, Santa Cruz: In 1965, the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) was established. The university has become a major educational and cultural influence in the area.
Counterculture Movement: During the 1960s and 1970s, Santa Cruz became known for its countercultural and progressive movements, attracting artists, musicians, and activists.

Recent History

1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake: The earthquake caused significant damage to Santa Cruz, particularly in the downtown area. The city has since rebuilt and revitalized these areas.

Important Landmarks

Mission Santa Cruz: Although the original mission buildings are no longer standing, a replica of the mission church and the original mission site are significant historical landmarks.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: This historic seaside amusement park is a major tourist attraction, featuring classic rides and entertainment.
Natural Bridges State Beach: Known for its natural rock arch and monarch butterfly migrations, this state park is a popular spot for nature lovers.
UCSC Campus: The university's campus is noted for its scenic location overlooking the Monterey Bay, as well as its innovative architecture and redwood forest setting.

Notable Figures

Isaac Graham: A colorful figure in early Santa Cruz history, Graham was a fur trader and land owner who played a significant role in the region's development during the Mexican period.
Lillian Collins: A key figure in preserving the redwood forests in the area, her efforts helped establish Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

Santa Cruz remains a vibrant city known for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and historical significance, making it a unique and appealing place to visit or live.