One of the pleasures that locals find living in Santa Cruz County is, perhaps, knowing that they reside in somewhat of a protective paradise. There’s the striking beauty—from the gorgeous Monterey Bay to the breathtaking Santa Cruz Mountains. And then there’s the amazing food—from festive little taquerías to upscale culinary hot spots. And in between, there’s so much activity happening that it’s hard to be bored here. Now, you get to experience some of the splendor, too. Most visitors to the area admit to being captivated by everything Santa Cruz County has to offer, and our annual guide is designed to help steer you in the right direction, and, perhaps, point out a few things you may not have even considered on your trip.
Open Santa Cruz Visitor Guide PDF>
Santa Cruz Visitor Guide Online>
Get started on page 10, where we include a variety of travel trips and suggestions. Over in R&R (page 14), we feature an extensive list of places to stay but also point out a number of quality spas in the area. For adventurous types, we offer a complete guide to the great outdoors—from surf spots (page 20) to memorable local thrills (page 28). There’s plenty more in between, including a quick resource guide to the area’s cultural epicenters, festive nightlife and a rundown of the best local wineries. However your trip unfolds, here’s hoping it will be significant and enjoyable. Enjoy our guide. And have a good time.
—Greg Archer, Editor, Good Times
Open Santa Cruz Visitor Guide PDF >
Tips 10 New in town? Allow us to show you the way.
R&R 14–19 A comprehensive guide to local spas and resorts.
Outdoors 20–27 Breathtaking walks, stunning beaches and plenty of natural beauty.
Local Thrills 28–30 From helicopter rides to ziplining, we’ve got it all.
Shops 32–41A list of the area’s most popular retail shops.
Culture 42–46 Art galleries, theater, film fests, and much more.
Nightlife 48–54 Bars, clubs, dining. Time to find your fun.
Wine 56 Take note of some of the finest wines in the state.
Dining 58–72 Behold: a foodie’s paradise.
Calendar 75–76 A quick rundown of the year’s top events.
Santa Cruz Visitor Guide Online>
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