Santa Cruz County

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Search all Santa Cruz County, or click the city name below

Capitola … and these distinct neighborhoods:

• Depot Hill • Riverview Terrace • Jewel Box • Village • Upper Village

Santa Cruz … and these distinct neighborhoods:

Live Oak, Opal Cliffs, Pleasure Point, and Twin Lakes

Scotts Valley

Soquel

Aptos … and its beach communities below:

• Rio del Mar/ Seascape • Seacliff • La Selva

Access and Location

Santa Cruz County is located on the California coast at the north end of the Monterey Bay. It is approximately 65 miles south of San Francisco, 42 miles south of San Jose and only 35 miles from Silicon Valley.

Its largest city, Santa Cruz, is just 33 miles (or approximately 47 minutes) from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC).

Climate

Santa Cruz weather tends to be mild throughout the year, enjoying a “Mediterranean”-type climate characterized by cool, wet winters and warm, mostly dry summers. Due to its proximity to Monterey Bay , fog and low overcast are common during the night and morning hours, especially in the summer.

Annual temperatures range from around 39°F (4.1 °C) to 75.7 °F (24.3 °C). On average, there are only 5 days above 90°F and 12 days lower than 32°F per year.

Average annual rainfall in Santa Cruz is just above 30 inches, with most of the rain falling from November through April. It has an average of 300 sunshine days a year.

Recreation, Amenities, and Lifestyle

Home to over a quarter-of-a-million residents, the county is known for its pristine beaches, lush redwood forests, rich farmland and an acclaimed wine industry.

It is the site of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary , with 29 miles of beaches that include six state parks and six state beaches. The State of California owns and maintains 42,334 acres of parks along the coast and in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the County maintains an additional 850 acres of parks.

Thanks to its close proximity to Silicon Valley, the abundance of lush farmland, and these diverse recreational assets, Santa Cruz County enjoys a strong and resilient local economy anchored by vibrant high technology, agriculture, and tourism.

With its quaint shops and restaurants, a multitude of cultural and recreational activities, including sailing, fishing, golf, tennis and hiking, and a mild climate, is it any wonder that Santa Cruz County is a looked upon as a favorite destination for visitors, vacationers, and those looking for that perfect place to call home.

Take a closer look at some of the local beaches, music and performing arts venues, recreation and local attractions, and local colleges – including the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) below: