Santa Cruz County beaches offer the perfect setting for seaside fun. Whether you enjoy surfing, playing beach volleyball, or hiking along the coastal bluffs, our beaches offer something for everyone. Looking for a dog-friendly beach, a place to picnic with the kids, or the perfect place for a romantic sunset stroll? From dramatic windswept cliffs to the charming ambiance of a picturesque seaside town, you're sure to find a beach in Santa Cruz County that is unforgettable.
At our plentiful beaches, you can do everything from fishing, kayaking, kiteboarding, surfing, swimming, whale watching and windsurfing. With over 29 miles of sun-splashed, fun-filled beaches offer something for everyone. In the place nicknamed “Surf City”, you’ll definitely want to dip into the Santa Cruz surf scene. Cowell Beach next to the Santa Cru z Municipal Wharf and Capitola Beach are two of the best places to surf. Instructors provide wetsuits and surfboards and get you up on the big waves. Once you’re ready, grab your big stick and head to one of Santa Cruz County’s mellow beaches.
If you’re not ready to hang ten but want to capture the surfing spirit, stop by Lightninghouse Point and watch surfers glide over the waves. But a surfboard isn’t the only way to enjoy the waves. Skim boards, paddleboards and body boards are available to rent at most surf shops. Surf kayaking and paddle boarding are sports gaining in popularity.
One of the most exciting reasons to visit Santa Cruz County is to see wildlife. Wildlife watching in Santa Cruz County is rich with opportunities to view elephant seals, wintering monarch butterflies, and go whale watching or bird watching. Watsonville's wetlands and nearby Elkhorn Slough support hundreds of birds that pass through or find permanent refuge there. The annual Monterey Bay Birding Festival in Watsonville is a great way to view a variety of birds and other animals which call this area home. Spotting dolphins, sea otters and other marine life can also be enjoyed year-round.
Looking for things to do in Santa Cruz County? Many fun things to see and do in Santa Cruz County are absolutely free! The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is always admission-free. Take a hike amid the towering redwoods, some of the oldest trees in the world. Enjoy free events like concerts and gallery openings. Also, many museums around town have free admission. Head to Santa Cruz Mountains Appellation, one of the oldest wine regions in the United States. Check out the local wineries for a taste of an eclectic mix of fun and entertaining events.
If you don’t mind shelling out a couple bucks, come experience shopping even the most seasoned shopper can appreciate. From quaint shops in Downtown Santa Cruz to specialty shops in Capitola Village and the Capitola Mall beyond town, to antique shopping in Soquel Village and Aptos, to unique items on the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf and in Pleasure Point, distinctive items are waiting to be discovered!
Discover Santa Cruz County…the quintessential California vacation!