Santa Cruz, CA is one of the best kept secrets on the West Coast.

But should we keep it that way?

Ya, we probably should!

Those of us who really love Santa Cruz will probably understand that I am half joking above. I am always amused when I hear Santa Cruz referred to as a “Well Kept Secret”, and my response to that is; Wouldn’t that be nice. Santa Cruz is an interesting mix of long time locals and families, tourists, and longer term yet still temporary UCSC students. All of which leave us in an interesting place. No matter which group you are in, you can love Santa Cruz, but you better learn to share because everyone else isn’t going away any time soon.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk seen from the Santa Cruz Wharf

Image used courtesy Josta Photo Via a Creative Commons License

Santa Cruz is more than it’s connection to the beach and the redwood forests that surround it. Santa Cruz , CA is the local people, businesses and culture that make it great. Many of our families may have moved to Santa Cruz for the beautiful temperate climate, but it is our additions to this community that truly make it one of the most special, and at times strange, places in the world.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Image used courtesy Mark Hogan Via a Creative Commons License

From the ocean and the boardwalk, to shopping downtown Santa Cruz and the Capitola Village, or having brunch in Aptos before heading out on an afternoon hike through Nisene Marks, there are hundreds of activities to keep you active in Santa Cruz.

Located on the north side of the Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz is one of the southernmost parts of Northern California. The Southern facing location of Santa Cruz can be disorienting to people who expect to watch the sun set over the ocean, but it also allows Santa Cruz to maximize the amount of time it faces the sun year round.

Mystery Spot Sign in Santa Cruz

Image used courtesy Ack Ook Via a Creative Commons License

For more of the best Santa Cruz has to offer check out our Local Guides right here on Santa-Cruz-CA.org.