Explore Santa Cruz

• Santa Cruz is home to one of the world’s oldest salt water taffy machines. 
• The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is California’s oldest amusement park.
• Wetsuits were invented in Santa Cruz by Jack O’Neill.
• In the mid-1900s, children performed indoor pool acrobatics at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The pool has since been converted into the Boardwalk’s “Neptune’s Kingdom” mini golf track.

An hour and a half south of San Francisco lies a coastal range of beaches and mountains, at the end of which lies Santa Cruz. Known for its stunning natural beauty, it offers a unique blend of scenic landscapes, cultural richness, and laid-back charm. 

The city is famous for its picturesque beaches, including the popular Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which is one of the oldest amusement parks on the West Coast. The boardwalk features classic rides, games, and a variety of food options, making it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors.

Santa Cruz is also known for its surf culture. The city consists of several renowned surf spots, shops and surf-related events. It’s also home to the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), which brings a youthful academic energy to the area. 

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the redwood forests and state parks, such as Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and Big Basin Redwoods State Park, which offer hiking trails and breathtaking views of the towering trees and coastline.

Originally, the Santa Cruz mountains and coastline were home to the Awaswas Native Americans, often referred to as Coastanoan by the incoming Spanish settlers. In 1602, a group of Spanish explorers led by Gaspar de Portolà traveled from Alta, California up the coast to Santa Cruz, which translates to “holy cross creek”, referring to a river that descended from a waterfall that they encountered on their trek.