Guides β€Ί California β€Ί Santa Cruz, California
City guide

Santa Cruz, California

Santa Cruz is the largest city in and the county seat of Santa Cruz County, California, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city population was 62,956.

Type CityPopulation 62,956

Why go

  • City in California, United States.
  • 1 curated must-see attraction on record, including Cowell Beach.
  • Served by Watsonville Municipal Airport (WVI).

History

Santa Cruz is the largest city in and the county seat of Santa Cruz County, California, United States. 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.

Must-see attractions

Outdoor

Airports

Watsonville Municipal Airport (WVI) 11 mi to the centre
Watsonville, CA, US β€” Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board β€” bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Marina Municipal Airport (OAR) 24 mi to the centre
Marina, CA, US β€” Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board β€” bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Monterey Bay Academy Airport 9.3 mi to the centre
Watsonville, CA, US
Outdoor
Bonny Doon Village Airport 10 mi to the centre
Santa Cruz, CA, US
Outdoor

Where things are

Full geo-intelligence in Better Mapping β†’
Local search powered by Geoverts and geo-intelligence by Better Mapping base map Β© OSM

Photographs

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather β€” check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Watsonville Municipal Airport (WVI); 3 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Santa Cruz, California. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Local transit

Bus Β· San Jose, California Β· Schedules & GTFS data

Trains & rail

National rail

Coaches & shuttles

Intercity coach
Intercity coach
Intercity coach
Intercity coach