Bars & Restaurants
8 Best Pizza Places in Santa Cruz
When the surf hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s Santa Cruz. While New York City takes …
10 Best Lunch Spots in Santa Cruz
Let’s be honest: finding somewhere to eat when the hanger has already set in is hopeless. But we’re here …
The Tastiest Mexican Food in Santa Cruz
Are you looking for the best Mexican food in Santa Cruz? The local area has plenty of tacos …
10 Best Restaurants in Monterey
Stretching from Salinas to Big Sur, the Monterey Peninsula is one of the best seafood destinations south of San Francisco. But …
12 Best Bars In & Around Santa Cruz
Beyond fog-drenched mountains and world-class wave breaks lies a bustling tapestry of nightlife and cocktails with influences from …
10 Best Coffee Shops in Santa Cruz
A gray salty sea mist blankets the city. It’s a moody day. You’ve just awakened inside one of the …
Beaches
A Visitor’s Guide to Seacliff State Beach
Protected by a wall of shaggy coastal prairie and thick vegetation, Seacliff State Beach lies low, just hidden from …
Enjoying Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz
At the northernmost edge of Monterey Bay, buttressed by seal rock on the seaside and lighthouse field state beach on …
For a more tranquil getaway to Monterey Bay, you’ll love La Selva Beach. Here’s just what you need to know to start planning your ideal …
A Traveler’s Guide to Seabright Beach, Santa Cruz
Nestled between a jetty and a natural rock wall in the Monterey Bay area, Seabright Beach Santa Cruz …
A Visitor’s Guide to Natural Bridges State Beach
Santa Cruz is known for its relaxing beach escapes, and Natural Bridges State Beach is no exception. Located …
The Best Beaches to Visit in Santa Cruz
Are you looking for beaches in Santa Cruz, California? Just south of San Francisco and San Jose, this …
Fun Things To Do
9 Can’t-Miss Hidden Gems in Santa Cruz
Did you know that the Santa Cruz Wharf isn’t the only public fishing pier in Santa Cruz? Are you …
Yoga in Santa Cruz: Where to Go
Namaste Santa Cruz. Whether you are an aspiring yogi or a current regular to the practice, there are numerous …
21 Best Free Things to Do in Santa Cruz
Discover the hidden gems of Santa Cruz without breaking the bank! After saving up for your dream …
Top 10 Things to do in Aptos, California
Aptos is a quaint California town nestled in between the gorgeous Pacific Coastline and one-of-a-kind nature in …
Local Farmers Markets in Santa Cruz to Enjoy
There’s much to love about this Southern California stronghold. Santa Cruz’s beaches, national and state parks, epic day …
Where to Catch Live Music in Santa Cruz
Residing in the southern shadow of San Francisco, Santa Cruz has always been renowned for its picturesque coastline, …
Local Area Guides
Is Santa Cruz Safe to Visit?
Is Santa Cruz a safe getaway destination? In reality, the biggest risk in visiting Santa Cruz is falling in love …
A First Timer’s Guide to Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey
Most visits to the Monterey Bay Area start with a stroll to the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf; no …
A Traveler’s Guide to Capitola Village
Capitola Village is the quaint, downtown area of the city of Capitola. Nestled in the northernmost corner of Monterey Bay, …
The Perfect Day on West Cliff Dr Santa Cruz
Sunshine, surf, an excellent cup of coffee, and spectacular views. This is the world-famous West Cliff …
Jaw-Dropping Sightseeing in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is mainland surf’s birthplace, synonymous with seaside cliffs dotted with lighthouses, epic surf spots, and dramatic ocean and redwood …
A First Timer’s Guide to the Santa Cruz Wharf
Nothing says beachside getaway quite like a day at the Wharf. This 2,745-foot wooden pier—the longest on …
Outdoors Activities
8 Best Outdoor Activities to Enjoy in Santa Cruz
Few places in North America have the natural and recreational diversity of Santa Cruz. With just a …
Surf Lessons in Santa Cruz: A Beginner’s Guide
Whether you’re a seasoned professional new to these waters or a first-time surfer looking for private surf lessons, …
Santa Cruz Junior Lifeguard Program: What to Know
The Santa Cruz Junior Lifeguard Program is a four-week lifeguard coaching program that offers sessions at three different …
The Best Santa Cruz Surf Spots
California has a rich surfing culture and history, and Santa Cruz is at the epicenter of it all. Santa Cruz, …
Best Public Golf Courses Near Santa Cruz
There’s no better way to take advantage of the beautiful scenery and temperate climate in Santa Cruz than playing …
Zip Lining Santa Cruz: Tours You Have To Check Out
Santa Cruz, California is a city located on California’s central coast. It is situated on the …
Pet-Friendly
8 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, California, is the perfect spot for a sunny beach day with your pup in tow! With miles of …
Bringing Your Pet to Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a coastal California city known for great surfing waves, sunny beaches, and a laid-back, natural atmosphere. Getting …
Seasonal & Events
Does It Snow in Santa Cruz?
Spoiler: Yes, but rarely! Coastal snowfall south of the Bay Area in the Golden State is a (thankfully) rare occurrence. …
Christmas & New Year in Santa Cruz
Grab a steaming cup of hot cocoa, and let’s get festive! If you’re planning a wintertime vacation to Santa …
A Visitor’s Guide to Winter in Santa Cruz, CA
On an average sunny summer afternoon in California, the beaches are crowded, the traffic is tangled, and …
A Visitor’s Guide to Spring in Santa Cruz
Spring in Santa Cruz is pure magic. As the winter chill fades away, the region’s diverse wildlife comes …
The Absolute Best Time to Visit Santa Cruz
Nestled between the rugged Monterey Bay and rich redwood forests, Santa Cruz is a spectacular beach town with …
Enjoying First Friday Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz art scene is unlike any other. From the large exhibitions put on by nonprofits like the Santa Cruz …
Surrounding Area
Santa Cruz to Monterey: Day Trip Guide
Staying in Santa Cruz puts you a stone’s throw away from countless day trips, but if you’re looking for …
18 Best Things to Do in Monterey
Jagged cliffsides and volatile aquamarine waves crashing and churning the kelp forests below, an abundance of marine life found …
5 Great State Parks Near Santa Cruz
The central coasts of California boast some of the country’s most diverse, species-rich, and dramatic scenery. It’s all found …
San Francisco to Santa Cruz: Ultimate CA Road Trip
If you’re planning a road trip from San Francisco to Santa Cruz, you’re in for a treat …
A Visitor’s Guide to the Garden of Eden, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, California, is well known for its stunning beaches, majestic redwood forests, and world-famous surf …
7 Can’t Miss Day Trips from Santa Cruz
With its relaxed Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and one-of-a-kind Surf Museum, there is plenty to see in …
Wildlife
A Traveler’s Guide to Santa Cruz Whale Watching
Santa Cruz lies south of San Francisco and our surf scene, awesome oceanfront amusement park, and pier attract …
Where to See the Butterflies in Santa Cruz
In addition to beautiful beaches, Santa Cruz is particularly special because it is home to endless hiking trails, …