Santa Cruz County Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Santa Cruz County in California, USA with this comprehensive tour guide that covers everything from places to visit, natural attractions, food and drink scene, things to do and more!
- Introduction to Santa Cruz County
- List of Places to Visit in Santa Cruz County
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Santa Cruz County
- Best Things to Do in Santa Cruz County: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Santa Cruz County
- Food and Drink Scene of Santa Cruz County
- Where to Stay in Santa Cruz County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Santa Cruz County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Santa Cruz County
- Best Time to Visit Santa Cruz County
- Do’s and Don’ts of Santa Cruz County
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Santa Cruz County: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Santa Cruz County
- Where to Go Next from Santa Cruz County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Santa Cruz County
Located in Central Coast, California, Santa Cruz County is a picturesque destination that has something for everyone. With its natural wonders, historical landmarks, cultural attractions, and delicious food scene, Santa Cruz County offers an unforgettable experience to visitors.
List of Places to Visit in Santa Cruz County
Here are some of the must-visit places in Santa Cruz County:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Santa Cruz Museum Of Art & History
- Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
- Capitola Historical Museum
- Santa Cruz Mission Historic State Park
Natural Attractions of Santa Cruz County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Natural Bridges State Beach
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
- Roaring Camp Railroads
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Hiking/Biking Routes of Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County offers plenty of hiking and biking trails that allow visitors to experience the stunning beauty of nature. Here are some of the must-try hiking and biking routes in Santa Cruz County:
- Forest of Nisene Marks and Soquel Demonstration Forest
- West Cliff Drive
- Wilder Ranch State Park
- Pogonip
Best Things to Do in Santa Cruz County: Activities and Tours
There is no shortage of things to do in Santa Cruz County. From adventure sports to cultural experiences, here are the top things to do in Santa Cruz County:
- Whale Watching Tours
- Kayaking and Stand-up Paddle Boarding
- Surfing Lessons
- Wine-tasting tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Santa Cruz County
Here is a suggested week-long itinerary for Santa Cruz County:
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and enjoy the rides, games, and food |
| Day 2 | Explore the Roaring Camp Railroads and take a scenic train ride through the redwoods |
| Day 3 | Take a whale-watching tour and watch these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat |
| Day 4 | Visit the Natural Bridges State Beach and enjoy the beautiful scenery |
| Day 5 | Explore the Capitola Historical Museum and learn about the history of the town |
| Day 6 | Take a wine-tasting tour in the Santa Cruz Mountains |
| Day 7 | Hike through the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and enjoy the peaceful surroundings |
Food and Drink Scene of Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County has a thriving food and drink scene, with a variety of cuisines and local flavors. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Santa Cruz-style seared abalone
- Grilled artichokes
- Santa Cruz burger
Local Beverages
- Santa Cruz Mountain Wine
- Santa Cruz Ale Works
- Verve Coffee Roasters
Where to Stay in Santa Cruz County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Santa Cruz County has a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some of the top places to stay in Santa Cruz County:
- Dream Inn Santa Cruz
- Chaminade Resort & Spa
- West Cliff Inn, A Four Sisters Inn
- HI-Santa Cruz Hostel
What to Buy in Santa Cruz County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Santa Cruz County offers a range of unique souvenirs and local products that make for great gifts for friends and family. Here are some of the must-buy souvenirs and local products to bring back home:
- Artisanal bread from Kelly’s French Bakery
- T-shirts from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Locally made ceramics and pottery
Local Culture and Customs of Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its art, music, and cuisine. Visitors are encouraged to embrace the local culture and customs by trying local dishes and participating in local festivals and events.
Best Time to Visit Santa Cruz County
The best time to visit Santa Cruz County is between April and October, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities year-round, including whale watching and surfing.
Do’s and Don’ts of Santa Cruz County
Here are some of the do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Santa Cruz County:
Do:
- Try the local cuisine and beverages
- Visit the natural attractions
- Embrace the local culture and customs
Don’t:
- Litter or damage the natural habitat
- Disrespect the locals or their customs
- Leave valuables in plain sight
Safety and Health
Safety in Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County is generally safe, but visitors should take precautions to avoid pickpocketing and other petty crimes. Visitors should also be aware of rip currents and other safety hazards at the beaches.
Health in Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County has good healthcare facilities, including hospitals and clinics. Visitors should ensure they have appropriate travel insurance.
Getting to Santa Cruz County: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Santa Cruz County
The nearest airports to Santa Cruz County are Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport and San Francisco International Airport. Both airports offer domestic and international flights.
Bus Stations Near Santa Cruz County
Amtrak and Greyhound buses serve the Santa Cruz County area, with several bus stations located throughout the county.
Other Options
Visitors can also reach Santa Cruz County via car or train.
How to Get Around in Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County offers several options for getting around, including buses, taxis, and rental cars. Visitors can also explore the county on foot or bike.
Where to Go Next from Santa Cruz County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Santa Cruz County is in close proximity to several other popular destinations, including San Francisco, Monterey, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Visitors can take day trips to these destinations or continue their travels along the California coastline.
Conclusion
Santa Cruz County offers visitors a unique experience that combines natural wonders, cultural treasures, and a thriving food and drink scene. Plan your trip today and discover all that Santa Cruz County has to offer!