About Santa Cruz 

Santa Cruz: an oasis between San Francisco & Big Sur

Santa Cruz, a city located on the central coast of California, is the home to the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), a top-ranked public research university and known for its progressive values and unique architecture. The city is surrounded by a beautiful coastline, beaches, and redwood forests, as well as its vibrant arts and cultural scene, and its proximity to Silicon Valley. Santa Cruz county has a rich history, having been inhabited by various Native American tribes for thousands of years before being settled by Europeans in the 18th century. The city was incorporated in 1866 and has since become a popular tourist destination.

Scroll down to view some of our attractions and find out why we love Santa Cruz and UCSC!

Henry Cowell State Park

Hiking is abundant in Santa Cruz - find your new favorite hike here!

Natural Bridges State Beach

Natural Bridges houses migratory monarch butterflies (a lot of them!), tide-pools, giant sandy beaches, and natural -- bridges!

East Cliff

Some of the most iconic surf spots along the California coast are right here in Santa Cruz! Check out East Cliff to spot all the surfers and swimmers alike.

West Cliff

Thousands of people a day come to run, walk, blade, and bike along this iconic stretch of land - find out for yourself what all the hype is about!

Santa Cruz Mountains American Viticultural Area

If you are of age to imbibe and enjoy wine, Santa Cruz has a thriving community of wine producers and growers. Discover some of the wineries here!