Santa Cruz

About

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.

Top Spots

Santa Cruz Wharf Walk

Santa Cruz, California

1.1 mi / 36 ft gain

Surf Cowell's Cove

Santa Cruz, California

4.8

Cowell's Cove is located just south of Santa Cruz’s iconic Steamer Lane. The break is a slow pealing right, and is a very user-friendly wave for beginners. It can get crowded on weekends, especially when it's sunny, but no need to worry, there are a lot people out on foam boards and most are beginners as well. If you want a friendly and easy place to surf or are looking for a trip to Santa Cruz...

Fern Trail, Spring Trail and Lookout Trail Loop

Santa Cruz, California

4.79 mi / 922 ft gain

Lookout Loop Trail

Santa Cruz, California

2.64 mi / 551 ft gain

West Cliff Drive

Santa Cruz, California

4.03 mi / 226 ft gain

Bonfire at Seabright State Beach

Santa Cruz, California

5.0

This is a wide, beautiful beach that's an amazing spot to spend the day and enjoy a bonfire at night. Seabright is probably the most popular spot in Santa Cruz for a bonfire, due to its convenient proximity to the Beach Boardwalk. But luckily, this beach is tucked in between the San Lorenzo River and the Santa Cruz Boat Harbor, and is just far enough away to limit the crowds a bit. There are te...

Beach Day at Lighthouse Field State Beach

Santa Cruz, California

4.0

This beach is less crowded compared to other beaches in Santa Cruz. I got there early on a Saturday and found easy street parking. There was plenty of space to spread out on the soft sand. Later in the day I saw dolphins several times! This is close to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. It’s also not too far from the boardwalk. Expect to see Monarch butterflies if you come in the winter as it...