Santa Cruz, CA Travel, Photos Information and News

Santa Cruz or Surf City, as locals call it, is San Francisco and San Jose's favorite beach getaway no more than an hour's distance from most major bay area cities. Set at the foot of mountains with with redwood forests, Santa Cruz combines the old-fashioned boardwalk experience with its 100+ year amusements on the sand, and the woodsy, mountain terrain. There's really no place like it in all of California.

In addition to the beach, there's a downtown with shopping, dining and an art museum frequented by college students attending UC Santa Cruz (home to the Banana Slug mascot.)

When visiting, be sure to take in the amazing surf culture in places such as the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum and Steamer Lane home to famous surf breaks that attract surfers from around the globe.

There's always something going on in Santa Cruz, and many events happen right on the beach and wharf. Santa Cruz wharf is a tourist-must when visiting. With many restaurants and entertainment, take a stroll and watch the sea lions and seals below the wharf, or enjoy the distant shrills from kids riding the amusements and thrill rides on the boardwalk.

Hotel options include stays right at the beach, within walking distance and in nearby places such as Chaminade in the hills, or Scotts Valley and Capitola.

Cities Within 10 Miles of Santa Cruz

Aptos
Ben Lomond
Capitola
Santa Cruz
Scotts Valley