Santa Cruz (Spanish for "Holy Cross") is the largest city and the county seat of Santa Cruz County, in Northern California. As of the 2020 census, the city population was 62,956. Situated on the northern edge of Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz is a popular tourist destination, owing to its beaches, surf culture, and historic landmarks.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Santa Cruz is a wonderful combination of beach, ocean, and mountains. Well known as a Mecca for surfers, Santa Cruz also offers magnificent redwoods for hiking and mountain-biking and the San Lorenzo River for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Long stretches of tree-lined and coastal roads offer the perfect venues for road cyclists. Fishermen and sailors will appreciate the convenient access to the ocean from Santa Cruz Harbor and the Municipal Wharf, which also features a variety of shops and restaurants.
Known for its vibrant arts scene, Santa Cruz is home to a wealth of cultural offerings. Santa Cruz's commitment to community and culture has earned it national recognition, with U.S. News & World Report recognizing it as one of the most desirable places to live in the United States. The city is famed for its thriving surf culture, the historic Beach Boardwalk, and its innovative tech scene.
Santa Cruz is teeming with interesting facts that add to its allure. Home to the University of California, Santa Cruz, the city is renowned for its commitment to education and research. Its iconic redwoods, featured in numerous Hollywood blockbusters, are a testament to the city's natural grandeur. Not to forget, Santa Cruz is also known as the birthplace of mainland surfing.
Santa Cruz's strategic location makes it easily accessible to several notable attractions. It's approximately 75 miles south of San Francisco and about 30 miles from San Jose. The city is also within proximity to the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range, offering ample opportunities for hiking, skiing, and mountain biking.