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Why visit Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County is surrounded by natural beauty with plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors and quaint coastal villages. From beach picnics to mountain range wine tastings, Santa Cruz County is perfect for a weekend getaway to unwind and relax. The laid-back atmosphere, vibrant arts scene, and delectable restaurants will make you want to stay longer than a weekend. This blog will look at what to do in Santa Cruz on a weekend getaway!
Things to do in Santa Cruz County
Shark Fin Cove
One of the best things to do in Santa Cruz this weekend is visit Shark Fin Cove. With the iconic shark fin rock protruding from the ocean, this is a favorite spot for a beach day. Access the beach from a short but steep trail where you will get a better view of the cliffs, and tidepools and enjoy sunbathing or surfing.
Capitola Beach
This picturesque beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, picnicking, swimming, surfing, and paddleboarding. The beach turns into a postcard-worthy scene in the summer months with the surf and sand attracting beach lovers from all over. This is honestly one of my favorite ways to spend a weekend in Santa Cruz.
Natural Bridges State Beach
Add the Natural Bridges State beach to your list of things to do in Santa Cruz this weekend. This scenic beach features renowned natural rock formations created by years of wave erosion. Photographers and beachgoers enjoy this beach for the idyllic scenery and beautiful coastline. Enjoy sunbathing, picnics, strolling the coastal trails, and the picture-perfect sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.
Roaring Camp Railroad
With two railroad experiences to choose from, you won’t want to miss the Roaring Camp Railroad. This is a great activity to do in Santa Cruz. Take the Redwood Forest Steamtrain to experience the nature of the area and history of Roaring Camp. Take the Santa Cruz Beach Train to explore from Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park through a historical tunnel and to the Santa Cruz boardwalk. Whichever trip you take, you will enjoy the beauty and history of Santa Cruz County!
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Home to redwoods over a thousand years old, there is a lot to explore at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Enjoy the serene hiking trails, stop for a forest picnic lunch, and see what wildlife you cross paths with. For an easy hike, the Redwood Grove Loop trail shows off some of the tallest and widest trees in the park. If you are looking for a more moderate hike, try the Henry Cowell Observation Deck Loop.
Don’t forget to download all your trail maps before heading out on the trails since cell service can be unreliable. Get a free month of AllTrails with my promo code: eagertraveler30
Wilder Ranch State Park
Find yourself surrounded by acres and acres of natural beauty including coastal bluffs, redwood forests, and meadows, where you can enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Old Cove Landing Trail is a popular hiking trail that will give you great views of the ocean and is also ideal for evening or sunset trail walks. If you are looking for a more moderate hike, try Enchanted Loop Trail which will take you through redwood forests, and along the sandstone bluffs. This is one of the best things to do in Santa Cruz this weekend.
Swanton Berry Farm
Enjoy the charm of the central coast at Swanton Berry Farm. Swanton’s is known for being the first certified organic strawberry farm in California and the first organic farm in America that utilizes union labor to protect its workers. During your visit, you can pick your own organic strawberries and other berry varieties depending on the season or pick up some freshly made jams, baked goods, and pre-picked berries from their farm market.
Downtown Santa Cruz
The downtown area offers a mix of shops, cafes, and art galleries to explore. If you are looking for unique restaurants and boutiques, check out Pacific Avenue. Depending on when you visit, you will find street performers, festivals, street fairs, farmers’ markets, and plenty of small-town coastal charm.
Santa Cruz Wharf
Stretching into the Monterey Bay, the Santa Cruz Wharf is a landmark that has great seafood restaurants, cute cafes, and stunning ocean views. Stroll down the pier and you will find people fishing, watching for sealif, and soaking up salty coastal air.
Enjoy Local Wine Tasting
Santa Cruz County is home to several wineries and vineyards, particularly in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Enjoy tours and tastings of some of the best wines in California. Stop by the Ridge Vineyard for the highly sought-after Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon, or Regale Winery and Vineyards if you want to feel transported to Italy with their coastal chardonnay.
Capitola Village
The heart of Capitola is its quaint village, characterized by colorful buildings, boutique shops, art galleries, and cafes. Strolling through the village streets, visitors can soak in the coastal charm and browse unique items in the local shops.
Where to Dine in Santa Cruz County this Weekend
Oswald
The menu at Oswald is a mix of California-style comfort food and craft cocktails made with flair.
While the atmosphere is upscale and contemporary, you don’t have to worry about a stuffy fine dining experience.
Mentone
Bringing the flavors of Menton, France to the California coast, Mentone is known for great pizza and pasta. This vibrant and cozy spot offers indoor and outdoor seating and it is casual so it is ideal for lunch or dinner after a long day of sightseeing and exploring.
Barceloneta
Stop in for a taste of Spain with fresh paella, tapas, and sangria. This restaurant is known and loved for its amazing vegetarian options in addition to the traditional Spanish fare. Make sure you leave room for dessert, the churros are a must-order item!
Trestles
Utilizing seasonal local produce, Trestles is known for elevating everyone’s favorite dishes with exceptional flavors. These are not your typical fish tacos or steak dishes and you’ll be a stone’s throw away from the iconic Capitola Trestle, which is how this restaurant got its name.
Shadowbrook
For a unique dinner, take a cable car ride through gardens to Shadowbrook. This restaurant is a favorite of many and offers a fine dining experience while overlooking Soquel Creek. The menu accommodates a wide variety of dietary preferences with seafood, vegetarian, vegan and diverse meat
Paradise Beach Grille
From salads and sandwiches to steaks and seafood, Paradise Beach Grille is right on Soquel Creek and overlooks Capitola Village. Stop in for happy hour and appetizers or a full meal for some of the best food and views in Capitola.
Where to Stay in Santa Cruz County this Weekend
While there are many chain hotels and generic motels in the Santa Cruz County area, here are a few options for places to stay with a more unique experience.
Chaminade Resort and Spa
For a luxury resort experience, Chaminade has it all. Enjoy spa services, live music, two heated pools, on-site dining, fitness classes, three miles of hiking trails, and more all located on 300 scenic acres. You aren’t far from local golf courses, beaches, and Downtown Santa Cruz. Wake up to stunning views of the Monterey Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains and allow yourself to unwind.
Pinecone Nest Airbnb
If you want a unique lodging experience, spend a few nights in the Pinecone Nest. This one-of-a-kind Airbnb is located in the Bonny Doon Ecological Reserve. You can hang in a pinecone-shaped treehouse and enjoy full 360-degree views of the redwood trees from 60 feet above ground. When you leave you will be connected with nature and feel rejuvenated.
Monarch Cove Inn
Victorian guestrooms and cottages on this historical property transport you to an oasis of relaxation. Wander the eucalyptus-lined pathway through the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary down to New Brighton State Beach or take in the breathtaking views of the Monterey Bay cliffside. All guests enjoy a daily breakfast served in their room and the well-tended gardens will have you living out your Victorian mansion cottagecore fantasies.
Capitola Hotel
Stay right in Capitola Village on the coast of Monterey Bay at this quaint boutique hotel. You will be right in the middle of the best shops, restaurants, and beaches allowing you to immerse yourself in everything Capitola has to offer.
Weekend Itinerary for Santa Cruz County
Day 1
Once you arrive, head to Capitola Beach for a relaxing morning by the sea. Take a stroll along the sandy shores, sunbathe, or take a dip in the Pacific Ocean. Stop and enjoy lunch at Paradise Beach Grille near Capitola Village. After lunch, explore Capitola Village and the cheerful colored buildings shops, and boutiques. This is one of the best things to do in Santa Cruz this weekend!
Spend the afternoon exploring Shark Fin Cove Beach, don’t forget your camera! Just before the sun goes down, head out and take a scenic drive along the coast on Highway 1. Soak in the breathtaking sunset views of the Pacific Ocean. For dinner, enjoy a cozy meal at Shadowbrook in Capitola and thank me later!
Day 2
One of the things to do in Santa Cruz this weekend is to wake up early and head to Wilder Ranch State Park for a morning hike. Explore the park’s scenic trails through the bluffs, meadows, and redwood trees.
Visit Swanton Berry Farm to pick your own strawberries or purchase freshly picked produce, homemade jams, and baked goods. This is also a great spot to bring a picnic lunch but if not, head to Downtown Santa Cruz for an array of cafes and eateries.
After lunch, step aboard Roaring Camp Railroad for a steam train ride through the redwoods on the Santa Cruz Beach Train or the Redwood Forest Steam Train. For an early dinner, you have to try Oswald’s comfort food and craft cocktails. After dinner, Natural Bridges State Beach is perfect to catch a stunning sunset.
Looking for more California weekend getaways? Check out these posts!
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