Santa Cruz County Recreation and Amenities

Santa Cruz

• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – the West Coast’s oldest and last remaining seaside amusement park
• Main Beach/Cowell Beach – miles of sandy beaches located at foot of Boardwalk
• Steamer Lane – renowned surf spot with world-class waves and annual competitions
• Lighthouse Field State Beach – meandering trails along West Cliff Drive, surfing, picnicking, bird watching
• Santa Cruz Wharf – fishing, boat charters, dining, shopping
• Museums: Museum of Natural History; Surfing Museum, Museum of Art and History
• Harvey West Park – trails, swimming pool, ball fields, clubhouses, picnicking
• Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park – site of historic Mission Santa Cruz
• DeLaveaga Park – playing fields/courts, picnicking, golf, Frisbee golf
• Pasatiempo Golf Club – golf course and banquet facilities with spectacular views of Monterey Bay
• The Mystery Spot – popular tourist attraction with gravity-defying characteristics
• Natural Bridges – beach, tide pools, nature trails, Monarch butterfly preserve, Visitor Center
• Performing Arts: Shakespeare Santa Cruz; Cabrillo Music Festival; Santa Cruz Symphony; Civic Auditorium
• Roaring Camp Railroad – historic train ride through redwood forest
• Seymour Marine Discovery Center – working marine laboratory with exhibits, aquarium and Discovery shop
• Farmer's Markets – Downtown, Wednesdays 2:30 – 6:30 p.m. year-round; Westside Santa Cruz, Saturdays, 9 – 1 p.m. year-round

Live Oak

• Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor – sailing, kayaking, commercial fishing, boat charters, dining
• Santa Cruz Harbor Beach – swimming, beach activities, volleyball, dining
• Twin Lakes State Beach – swimming, beach activities, fire-rings. One of area’s warmest beaches
• Schwann Lake – bird watching
• Moran Lake Park – picnicking and coastal access
• Simpkins Family Swim Center – 4 pools, classes, community center
• Live Oak Library – craftsman-style building situated at edge of Corcoran Lagoon
• Farmer's Markets – Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May through November

Capitola

• Capitola City Beach – swimming, surfing, volleyball, beach activities
• New Brighton State Beach – camping, picnicking, swimming, surfing, beach activities
• Capitola Wharf – fishing, boat rentals
• Capitola Museum – local history and artifacts
• Jade Street Park – sports, community hall, picnic area
• Capitola Theater for the Performing Arts – opera, cultural events
• 41st Avenue Playhouse – movie theater
• Capitola Mall – department store/chain store shopping

Seacliff

• Seacliff State Beach – swimming, RV camping, interpretive center, fishing, picnic areas
• Pier/Concrete Ship – fishing, bird watching

Rio del Mar & Seascape

• Rio del Mar Beach – 20 miles of dog-friendly wide sandy beaches; swimming, surfing, volleyball
• Seascape Resort – accommodation, conferences, weddings/events, dining, shopping
• Seascape Golf Club – golf, clubhouse, weddings and events
• Seascape Swim and Tennis Club – athletic club with tennis courts, pool and gym
• Hidden Beach
• Seascape Park

La Selva Beach

• La Selva Beach Library
• Manresa State Beach – fishing, swimming, camping, picnicking, surfing, junior ranger program
• Sunset State Beach – camping, swimming, picnicking, nature walks
• Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA – camping, family activities

Featured Properties

$1,495,000 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,956 sq ft Santa Cruz

$580,000 2 bed, 1 bath, 1,253 sq ft Santa Cruz