Situated on the northern edge of Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz is a popular tourist destination, owing to its beaches, surf culture, and historic landmarks. Santa Cruz was founded by the Spanish in 1791, when Fermín de Lasuén established Mission Santa Cruz.

70 miles south of San Francisco, 35 miles north of Monterey, and unabashedly left of center, you’ll find great surf, sandy beaches, redwood-covered mountains, laid-back towns organic farms, and a burgeoning beer and wine scene. It’s impossible to pick one place to visit in Santa Cruz County. Take a quick cruz of them all!

Things to Do in Santa Cruz, California: See Tripadvisor's 71,144 traveler reviews and photos of Santa Cruz tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in February. We have reviews of the best places to see in Santa Cruz. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.

Stay updated about the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf Incident and learn how to support wharf businesses. Learn more! Santa Cruz City Council will consider several measures to support recovery efforts for wharf businesses and infrastructure at the upcoming City Council Meeting on January 14, 2025.

Learn more about what Santa Cruz County is doing on behalf of residents concerned about their ability to access critical health care or social safety net services.

Jul 2, 2024 · Wondering what to do in Santa Cruz, CA? This list will show you the best attractions & activities so you'll never run out of things to do in Santa Cruz.

Home to the legendary Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined downtown area, and the historic Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, which stretches out a half-mile into the waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Feb 7, 2025 · Santa Cruz, city, seat (1850) of Santa Cruz county, west-central California, U.S. It lies on the north shore of Monterey Bay, at the foot of the Santa Cruz Mountains, and is about 80 miles (130 km) south of San Francisco.

Jan 24, 2025 · Santa Cruz, California, is a coastal city located in Northern California. Known for its beautiful beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and vibrant culture, Santa Cruz is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Sep 6, 2024 · Santa Cruz is a small coastal city (population about 55,000) in Santa Cruz County, at the north end of Monterey Bay in California, about forty miles south of San Jose and 75 miles south of San Francisco.