Santa Cruz seems to draw people from all walks of life. Surfers, artists, tourists and restaurateurs are just a few of the many and diverse types of people that are called to the gorgeous beaches here to relax in the sun.

And although all these reasons are more than enough to spend time in this paradisiacal place, the city of Santa Cruz is nuanced enough to keep homeowners happy and visitors and snowbirds returning year after year. 

In this article, we’re taking a look at the 4 best hidden gems in Santa Cruz for you to check out.

Garden of Eden

Located in the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park near the University of California at Santa Cruz and Felton, this beautiful area named after the biblical paradise is aptly named! 

This idyllic…

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Santa Cruz family friendly parks


While hitting the beaches in Santa Cruz may seem like the obvious way to pass time, the area boasts some wonderfully vibrant parks that shouldn’t be overlooked.

To discover six fantastic family-friendly options, keep reading – your little ones will be sure to thank you!

Neary Lagoon Park

For a park featuring abundant wildlife, Neary Lagoon Park is an easy choice.

Located in the Lower Westside neighborhood of Santa Cruz, the park serves as a wildlife refuge for migratory birds, so you may spot some ducks, geese and herons, among many other birds! In the western turtle pond, race to see who can find the most turtles,

With one mile of gravel trails to explore, you’ll have no problem pushing a stroller as you wander around the lagoon.…

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Surfers prepare to jump into the ocean at Steamer Lane, Santa Cruz California


Are you having a hard time imagining what your life could look like if you call Santa Cruz home?

While you may be daydreaming of sandy beaches, sun soaked days and breathing in the salty sea air, the fun only begins at the beach!

So, let’s discover what it’s really like to live in this quintessential beach town.

A Day In The Life Of A Santa Cruz Local

To prepare for the day ahead of you, it’s important to start it off right, and there’s no better place to start than with a tasty breakfast.

Take your pick from the following three restaurants, but just beware, each boasts an equally as delicious menu as the last – it’s no wonder locals frequent these spots!

  • Firefly Coffee House: swing by this funky little hangout spot, where…

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With so many beautiful beaches in the Santa Cruz area, you might be having a hard time deciding just which one to visit!

To help make it easier, keep reading to discover the best beach for any occasion – from watching sunrises & sunsets, to surfing, and even the most kid friendly spots.

Surfing

So gear up in your wetsuit and get ready to dive into the waters of Santa Cruz County that are a surfers paradise

In fact, back in the summer of 1885, Hawaiian princes Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana'ole, David Kawananakoa and Edward Keli'iahonui introduced surfing to the area by riding those Santa Cruz waves. So, after all these years, you can expect to find some extremely talented surfers. Whether you want to kick back, relax and watch as they “shred the…

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Santa Cruz Hiking Trails That Are Yours To Discover

As Santa Cruz is popular for its sunshine and sandy shores, it can be easy to overlook some of the other amazing attractions the area has to offer.

Whether on two feet or two wheels, hitting the trails of Santa Cruz is a great way to get your heart pumping while enjoying some of the city's stunning scenery.

Keep reading to discover some amazing hikes for any level of outdoor enthusiast, from beginner to expert, and any level in between! There’s truly a trail fit for all.

DeLaveaga Park

Featuring oak woodlands, mixed forests, redwood groves and grasslands, DeLaveaga Park is home to a network of trails and boasts an array of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy.

From…

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Best Surfing Spots in the Santa Cruz Area

One of the best aspects of living in Santa Cruz are the sandy shores and clear waters of Monterey Bay. World renowned for its beauty, the countless beaches here are truly something to behold. More than just a visual wonder, the ocean also provides exciting adventures and activities.


One of the most popular things to do in Santa Cruz is surfing. Nicknamed Surf City, it stands to reason that the area offers some of the best surfing in the country. For anyone moving here, or who does live here, secret surfing spots are constantly being discovered. Everyone has their favorite surfing spot, but with so many available options, there’s waves for everyone. Whether you’re just starting out, or ready for the pro…

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California has a whole lot to offer, especially when it comes to stunning communities. And, the picturesque town of Watsonville is no exception!

This hidden gem is nestled in the Pajaro Valley, located south of Santa Cruz and north of Monterey. Whether you’re looking to spend a day at the beach, sip on some savoury wines, or tackle some wild terrains – Watsonville has it all.

A city rich in culture, you’ll find yourself minutes from magnificent mountains, redwood forests and so much more. Keep reading to discover Watsonville California yourself.

An Outdoor Oasis

Watsonville is home to over two dozen parks, making it the perfect place for exploring wild landscapes. You can travel along levee trails that surround the Pajaro River to join…

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When it comes to finding your home in Santa Cruz, the possibilities are endless. With so many properties to choose from, where do you begin?

Fortunately, you’ve already done the hardest part – you’ve determined where you want to live! Now, let’s figure out what do you want to live in?

Calling California Condos Home

As Santa Cruz condos continue to soar in popularity, let’s explore why so many people are eager to make this lifestyle change.

Access to Amenities

When you call a condo home, you enjoy access to an array of amenities that you might not otherwise be able to afford. For example, you can take advantage of swimming pools and gym facilities to help stay active.

Less Maintenance

Gone are the days of cutting grass and…

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Selling your home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make.

This can be a radical change in your life, leaving behind memories and nostalgia, but with the promise to make new ones. It can also be an incredibly stressful decision, as the financial pressure can be overwhelming. Maybe you want to profit on what you originally paid for for future expenses, or you need as much as possible to buy your next home.

Regardless, you’ll definitely want the best agent possible to help you sell your home.

Steps before taking it to market, listing the house, showing the house, and all of the legalities and paperwork involved are just a few general areas that the right agent and team will help you get the best price for your home.

With more than…

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Where California's redwood forests meet the shining sea, just east of Santa Cruz, you'll find the charming community of Aptos climbing the hills above the Pacific Ocean. Beautiful beaches, boutique shopping, and secluded villas await here in this paradise on the sea.

The community of Aptos is bisected north to south by the legendary Highway 1, aka Cabrillo Highway. To the west of this route are winding streets with single-family homes in various beachy styles. Clustered around the highway itself are various condo and townhome complexes, cascading down the hillsides to provide outstanding views to their residents. And east of the highway, nestled in the surrounding hills, are Aptos' luxury homes in Mediterranean, and Ranch-modern styles.

The…

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