Santa Cruz County, located on the central coast of California, is known for its stunning coastline, redwood forests, and vibrant communities. The county features a diverse landscape, including sandy beaches, rugged coastline, fertile agricultural valleys, and dense redwood forests in the Santa Cruz Mountains. As of 2020, the population was 270,861. The county seat is Santa Cruz.
Windy Oaks Estate Vineyards & Winery is a family-owned and operated winery located in Corralitos, California, in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Known for its scenic location and high-quality wines, Windy Oaks offers a distinctive wine tasting experience. The winery is perched on a ridge with panoramic views of the Monterey Bay, surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards.
Lompico is a small, unincorporated community located in Santa Cruz County, California. Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Lompico is known for its serene natural surroundings, dense forests, and close-knit community. The 2010 United States census reported Lompico's population was 1,137.
Sempervirens Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Big Basin Redwoods State Park near Boulder Creek, California. The falls are about 20 feet tall, creating a serene and scenic spot amidst the towering redwoods are surrounded by ferns, moss-covered rocks, and old-growth redwoods, offering a tranquil and beautiful setting for visitors.
Located at the northern end of Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz Harbor is a haven for fishing craft and vessels. Walton Lighthouse stands 41 ½ feet tall above the level of the west jetty, and 59 ½ feet above the mean low water mark. It weighs 350,000 pounds and is built to withstand a quarter million pounds of wave energy.
Capitola State Beach is a popular urban beach located in the heart of Capitola Village, California. It's known for its sandy beach, calm waters, proximity to shops and restaurants, and the colorful Victorian houses lining the beach.
Capitola, California is a small seaside town located on the northern shores of Monterey Bay, on the Central Coast of California. It's known for its beaches, restaurants, and quaint village atmosphere. It includes 90 shops, restaurants and lodging on the beach. Fish, swim, surf, shop and dine without moving your car. The city had a population of 9,938 at the 2020 census.
Scotts Valley is a small city nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, California, about 30 miles south of San Jose and 6 miles north of Santa Cruz. Previously a stagecoach stop, Scotts Valley boasts a rich history dating back over 150 years. Today, it serves as a haven for both leisure and business travelers seeking a charming escape. The city population was 12,224 in 2020.
Manresa State Beach features a beautiful expanse of sea and sand, with surf fishing, surfing and many recreation opportunities. Located in La Selva Beach, Manresa State Beach is ideal for enjoying every kind of view the county has to offer. Enjoy a picnic at the tables near the top of the bluff with panoramic views of both the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
Twin Lakes is a charming community located in Santa Cruz County, California. Situated near the city of Santa Cruz, Twin Lakes offers a picturesque setting with its namesake twin lakes, as well as access to beautiful beaches and outdoor recreational opportunities. The area is known for its laid-back atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a relaxing coastal retreat. The population was 4,944 in 2020.
Seascape Park Beach, located in Rio del Mar, California, is a stunning stretch of coastline known for its scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Situated along the Monterey Bay, Seascape Park Beach offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and is renowned for its pristine sandy shores and picturesque cliffs.
Sand Rock Farm is a bed and breakfast and wedding venue, owned and managed by the Hagglof family. Derek and Jen Hagglof, a chef and event planner from Tahoe City. The gorgeous gardens and grounds attracted many couples and Sand Rock Farm earned an excellent reputation not just as an inn, but also as one of the premier wedding and elopement destinations in the area.
Storrs Winery and Vineyards is located in Aptos, California. This winery offers a variety of wines, including white, rosé, red, and estate wines. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings and explore the beautiful grounds while experiencing the wonderful wine selection.
Redwood Croft is a cozy bed and breakfast located just outside of Santa Cruz in a beautiful grove of redwoods. This pet-friendly B&B offers elegant cabins, delicious breakfast, and excellent hospitality from the hosts. Nestled in the woods above Santa Cruz, Redwood Croft provides a serene and quiet getaway with comfortable rooms, beautiful grounds, a big porch, and a cozy atmosphere.
Fall Creek Unit is a redwood forest with a fern-lined river canyon and remnants of a successful lime-processing industry. Fall Creek is open for day use only, and includes almost twenty miles of connecting trails. Parking and trailheads are marked on Felton Empire Road off Highway 9.
Castro Adobe State Historic Park is a state park in the Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley, California. The Rancho San Andrés Castro Adobe is a historically and architecturally significant house located in the Pájaro Valley, California. The two-story Rancho San Andrés Castro Adobe is a historic rancho hacienda that was built between 1848 and 1849.
Sparrow Valley Retreat is a unique wedding venue situated in Aptos, California. This rustic paradise is nestled amidst vast redwood forestry and is dotted with bespoke cabins and event space. An ideal option for couples looking to blend rural charm with boutique touches, this venue is a memorable destination for a truly personalized occasion.
Land of Medicine Buddha is a magnificent 108-acre redwood refuge in the Buddhist tradition for spiritual development and renewal. The programs seek to inspire transformative experiences that cultivate deep inner joy and a kind heart.
Humble Sea Brewing Co. is a tiny crew of kooks trying the hardest to firstly, get pitted on the reg, and secondly (and arguably more importantly) make the best beery liquid known to humankind. It is here to forge new trails on the path of kookiness.
Companion Bakeshop was founded in 2006 out of a love for hearty sourdough. In those early days, Companion’s founder Erin spent long hours in the kitchen hand-mixing all of the dough, baking and packing loaves of bread, and then selling them at the farmers’ markets. The work of those first days was made lighter with the help of a supportive community.
