Santa Cruz
This county in northern California is home to a diverse group of people, including left-leaning locals, Silicon Valley billionaires, University of California, Santa Cruz students, and surfers. Its surroundings are just as diverse, with redwood trees towering high in neighboring woods, Pacific Ocean waves slamming against rocky cliffs, and the Santa Cruz Mountains towering above it all.
Some of the area's quirky charms, like Mystery Spot, and its vintage attractions, like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, are still present, but the county's consistent growth of new neighborhood stores and eateries demonstrates its relevance today. Santa Cruz now offers enough attractions and dining options to last the whole of a vacation, but it's also an excellent day trip destination because it's only 35 miles southwest of San Jose and 75 miles south of San Francisco.
- Location: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, California
- Activities: Monterey & Big Sur Discovery 2-Day Tour from San Francisco, Beginner Surf Lesson in Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz-ade Scavenger Hunt
