Santa Cruz County: A Coastal Wonderland on California’s Central Coast

Main Attractions in Santa Cruz County

1. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk:

One of the most iconic attractions in Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is California’s oldest surviving amusement park, offering a nostalgic experience with rides, games, and classic seaside fun. The Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster, built in 1924, is a historic landmark and a favorite among visitors. The Boardwalk sits along the stunning shoreline, making it the perfect place for families and thrill-seekers to enjoy carnival rides, arcade games, and beachfront dining.

2. Natural Bridges State Beach:

This beautiful state beach is known for its striking rock formation, a natural bridge carved by the ocean waves. In the fall, Natural Bridges State Beach becomes a sanctuary for migrating monarch butterflies, making it one of the best places in California to witness this natural spectacle. The beach also offers tide pools, picnic areas, and stunning coastal views, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers.

3. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park:

Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is home to towering coastal redwoods, some over 1,500 years old. The park offers hiking and walking trails that meander through lush forests, with the Redwood Grove Loop Trail being one of the most popular. Visitors can marvel at the massive trees, some reaching over 270 feet in height, and explore the nearby Fall Creek Unit, which features additional trails and historical sites.

4. Mystery Spot:

A quirky and mysterious attraction located just outside of Santa Cruz, the Mystery Spot is a gravitational anomaly where the laws of physics seem to defy explanation. Visitors are baffled as they experience tilted buildings, strange angles, and optical illusions that make it appear as though gravity behaves differently in this small area. The Mystery Spot is a fun and family-friendly attraction that has intrigued guests for decades.

5. Capitola Village:

The charming seaside town of Capitola is known for its colorful, Mediterranean-style houses along the beach and a relaxed, small-town vibe. Capitola Village offers boutique shopping, art galleries, and oceanfront restaurants, making it a great spot for a leisurely day by the sea. The sandy beach is perfect for swimming, and visitors can enjoy festivals such as the annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival and Begonia Festival.

6. Big Basin Redwoods State Park:

California’s oldest state park, Big Basin Redwoods, is located just north of Santa Cruz and features ancient redwoods, scenic waterfalls, and over 80 miles of trails. The park’s most popular trail, the Berry Creek Falls Trail, takes hikers through lush forest and past several picturesque waterfalls. The park’s redwoods, some over 1,000 years old, are a breathtaking sight and offer a peaceful retreat into nature.

7. Wilder Ranch State Park:

A historic ranch turned state park, Wilder Ranch offers coastal views, rugged cliffs, and trails that wind through meadows and along the coast. The park also preserves 19th-century ranch buildings, giving visitors a glimpse into the region’s agricultural past. Wilder Ranch is ideal for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding coastal hills.

8. Roaring Camp Railroads:

Located in Felton, this historic railroad takes visitors on scenic train rides through the towering redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The Redwood Forest Steam Train offers a journey back in time, as an authentic 19th-century steam locomotive chugs through the lush forest. Visitors can also ride the Santa Cruz Beach Train, which travels from the redwoods to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, offering a fun and scenic experience for the whole family.

9. Seacliff State Beach:

Known for its iconic concrete ship, the SS Palo Alto, which rests at the end of a pier, Seacliff State Beach is a popular spot for beachgoers and photographers alike. The beach offers picnic areas, campgrounds, and fishing opportunities, with calm waters ideal for swimming. The adjacent Seacliff Village features restaurants and cafes that offer stunning ocean views.

Famous Cities in Santa Cruz County

1. Santa Cruz:

The city of Santa Cruz, the county seat, is famous for its bohemian vibe, world-class surfing, and lively arts scene. It’s a city where culture and nature blend seamlessly, with highlights such as the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Natural Bridges State Beach, and the vibrant downtown area, which is filled with independent shops, cafes, and street performers. Surfing is central to the city’s identity, with surf breaks like Steamer Lane drawing surfers from around the world. Santa Cruz is also home to the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), which sits on a hilltop overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Cruz Mountains.

2. Capitola:

One of the oldest beach resorts on the West Coast, Capitola is known for its colorful beachside cottages and laid-back atmosphere. Capitola’s downtown, known as Capitola Village, offers beachfront dining, boutique shopping, and annual events that attract visitors from near and far. The picturesque Capitola Beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and paddleboarding, while the Capitola Wharf offers fishing and scenic views of Monterey Bay.

3. Watsonville:

Located in the fertile Pajaro Valley, Watsonville is known for its agricultural heritage, particularly its strawberry and apple farms. The town is culturally diverse, with a strong Latino influence that can be seen in its vibrant community festivals, like the Watsonville Strawberry Festival. Watsonville’s nearby sloughs and wetlands, such as the Elkhorn Slough, are a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, offering opportunities to see a wide variety of wildlife.

4. Scotts Valley:

A small, family-oriented town located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Scotts Valley offers easy access to both the coast and the redwoods. The town is known for its outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and camping in nearby parks like Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Scotts Valley also has a growing tech scene, and its proximity to Silicon Valley makes it a popular residential area for commuters.

5. Aptos:

Nestled between the coast and the redwoods, Aptos is a quiet town known for its natural beauty and easygoing lifestyle. Aptos is home to Seacliff State Beach and Rio Del Mar Beach, both offering long stretches of sand and stunning ocean views. Aptos is also the gateway to The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, which features miles of hiking and mountain biking trails through lush redwood forests.