Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a classic beach community with a small-town feel. Framed by expansive beaches, rolling hills, redwood trees and strawberry fields, the population of Santa Cruz is as diverse as the landscape that surrounds it. The city is home to artists, surfers, students, small business owners, families, and year-round visitors.

The natural beauty and pleasant weather provide backdrop and opportunity for a multitude of recreational activities, including: kayaking, golf, fishing, hiking, biking, and some of the best surfing in the world. The locals divide it into two several different areas.

Santa Cruz Neighborhoods

Upper Westside - The West Side has the UCSC campus, the charming period homes of the 1900’s, ranch style homes of Westlake, and panoramic views of the city and the bay. It is a good commute location with easy access to Highway 1. 

Lower Westside -The popular West Cliff pedestrian path is lined by million-dollar properties on one side and rocky shores on the other, and include Lighthouse Field, Natural Bridges and the Circles. The Pacific Garden Mall in downtown Santa Cruz is a mixture of distinctive shops & galleries, and lively outdoor cafes and sidewalk performers.

Beach Hill/Boardwalk - The world-famous Boardwalk and wharf area draws tourists
and locals alike. There are many historic homes, quaint Bed & Breakfast Inns, souvenir shops & restaurants.

Eastside- Along the lower east side are the beachside bungalows and Victorians of the Seabright area, the picturesque yacht harbor, and the sheltered coves of the beach neighborhoods to the south. The upper East Side is known as “the banana belt” for it’s warmer climate. The streets here are wider, the lots are larger, and freeway access is nearby.

Seabright – Located between the San Lorenzo River and the Santa Cruz Yacht
Harbor,It has consistently been voted “best beach” and “best beach
neighborhood”. It has many craftsman bungalow style homes and restaurants
and breweries.

Santa Cruz Recreation

§          DeLaveaga Park – playing fields/courts, picnicking, golf, Frisbee golf

§          Farmer's Markets – downtown, Wednesdays 2:30 – 6:30 p.m. year-
round; Westside Santa

§         Harvey West Park – trails, swimming pool, ball fields, clubhouses, picnicking Cruz, Saturdays, 9 – 1 p.m. year-round

§          Lighthouse Field State Beach – meandering trails along West Cliff Drive, surfing, picnicking, bird watching

§         Main Beach/Cowell Beach – miles of sandy beaches located at foot of Boardwalk

§          Museums: Museum of Natural History; Surfing Museum, Museum of Art and History

§          The Mystery Spot – popular tourist attraction with gravity-defying characteristics

§          Natural Bridges – beach, tide pools, nature trails, Monarch butterfly preserve, Visitor Center

§          Pasatiempo Golf Club – golf course and banquet facilities with spectacular views of Monterey Bay

§          Performing Arts: Shakespeare Santa Cruz; Cabrillo Music Festival; Santa Cruz Symphony; Civic Auditorium

§          Roaring Camp Railroad – historic train ride through redwood forest

§          Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – the West Coast’s oldest and last remaining seaside

§          Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park – site of historic Mission Santa Cruz

§          Santa Cruz Wharf – fishing, boat charters, dining, shopping amusement park

§          Seymour Marine Discovery Center – working marine laboratory with exhibits, aquarium and Discovery shop