Visit Santa Cruz County | Travel Guide & Trip Inspo
Official Instagram for Visit Santa Cruz County. Get inspired and explore with us.
Find Your Awe. #visitsantacruz
Trust us. You need to explore Downtown Watsonville. Here are the spots we stopped:
1. @rebecaspanaderiaymas - This Mexican bakery has sweet breads, pastries, cookies and more that will have you picking out a platter of treats, tasting them in your car, and then going back in for more! True story! 😋
2. @craft_bakeshop - This place was hopping and a few items ordered, you’ll see why. Specialty drinks like Cookie Butter Latte (‼️), insane breakfast burritos with cheesy Bavarian sausage from @freedommeatlocker, and an extensive menu of breakfast items, house-made bakery treats, and more - this place is a must-try! ☕️
3. Creative Corners - Murals, mosaics, art galleries and artist hubs like @pajarovalleyarts and @watsonvillecenterarts infuse a creative and cultural touch on every part of the historic downtown. 🎨
4. @melobread - If you haven’t tried Melo yet, get to it! Tasty sourdough loaves, Nona’s pizza slices (thanks, Nona!), cinnamon rolls, and more, this popular artisanal bakery is known for its naturally leavened, organic sourdough bread and plant-based pastries. One bite of any item and we’re convinced you’ll grab a few more to take home! 🥖
5. The Tamal Factory - A staple of Downtown Watsonville for over 20 years, Tamal Factory is a must-try for traditional Mexican tamales. 🫔
6. @jaliscos_watsonville - Ready for a sit down Mexican food experience on your Downtown Watsonville adventure? Grab a margarita, chips and salsa, and order something special at Jaliscos! Their Molcajete de Ranchero is a bubbling dish served in a volcanic stone dish… need we say more? Sit, drink, eat, and enjoy a day well spent in Watsonville! 🍹
What spots are you ready to try?
@visitsantacruz x @santacruzbucketlist
Santa Cruz Wildflower Bucket List 🌼 Part 2: Fall Creek at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
One of Santa Cruz County’s most incredible wildflower displays right now is hidden at the end of a rewarding hike through the redwoods at Fall Creek.
This roughly 3 mile round trip trail follows the river through towering forest before leading to the historic lime kilns, where small waterfalls and old stone ruins are currently surrounded by bright blue forget-me-nots in bloom.
The combination of flowing water, massive redwoods, historic ruins, and wildflowers makes this one of the most beautiful spring hikes in the county right now. Pictures genuinely do not do this spot justice.
Don’t miss your chance to check this Santa Cruz wildflower bucket list hike off before the bloom fades for the season.
Hike 🌲 > Watch Hub ⚽️ > Beach 🌊
Stay where you can watch elite international soccer & world class surfing in the same day!
Heck, why not make it a few more days and stand amongst ancient redwood trees, gasp while watching whales breach & scream on the Giant Dipper?! 🎢
Kick off your summer in Santa Cruz! ⚽️
June 11 - July 19
@abbottsquaremarket
@santacruzmah
@ponohawaiiangrill
@woodstockspizza
@beachboardwalk
@coastersbarsantacruz
And more!
Check out kickoffsantacruz.org & @visitsantacruz to create your summer itinerary! ⚽️ 🌊🌲
See what’s blooming in @theaptosvillage! This adorable, friendly, and walkable little village is in the heart of Aptos and has plenty to offer:
☕️ Grab a cup of coffee, matcha, avo toast, and more at @catcloudcoffee.
🍦 Stop into @thepennyicecreamery for their signature scoops and toasted marshmallow fluff. They also have ice cream bars, milkshakes, and hand-packed pints!
🧦 Find the perfect shoes, fun socks, and more at @sockshopandshoeco.
🍕Step into @mentoneca, an Italian-riviera-inspired, Michelin-Guide restaurant whipped up by renowned restauranteur David Kinch. Don’t miss the wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and shareable plates featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients.
🍺Enjoy great beers and delicious bites at @otherbrotheraptos.
🍷 Sip on @santewinery wines between strolls. Don’t miss their notable Pinot Noir and Chardonnay!
🧀 Browse the incredible selection of California-grown, natural, organic, and sustainable foods at @newleafcmarket. Picnics and charcuterie boards are a cinch when you curate from New Leaf!
And did you know Aptos Village has ocean views? You’re just a hop away from the beach 🌊 and a literal skip into the forest and trails of Nisene Marks. 🌲 Discover this Aptos gem and tell us what you love here!
Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful moms out there! 💞
Video 📹 | @desireexc at Wilder Ranch State Park Old Cove Landing Trail 🦭

From picture perfect to postcard paradise, we’re here for the views. 😍
Photos 📷 | @desireexc

From picture perfect to postcard paradise, we’re here for the views. 😍
Photos 📷 | @desireexc

From picture perfect to postcard paradise, we’re here for the views. 😍
Photos 📷 | @desireexc

From picture perfect to postcard paradise, we’re here for the views. 😍
Photos 📷 | @desireexc

From picture perfect to postcard paradise, we’re here for the views. 😍
Photos 📷 | @desireexc

From picture perfect to postcard paradise, we’re here for the views. 😍
Photos 📷 | @desireexc
Farmers market season is officially back in Santa Cruz County 🌿🍓
The Felton and Scotts Valley Farmers Markets return this week, joining the county’s incredible lineup of year-round markets. Every market has its own vibe, from coastal mornings and downtown browsing to mountain town redwood settings. All are bucket list experiences for food lovers and community seekers alike.
Here’s a quick guide to the farmers markets in the county for your to check off your #santacruzbucketlist :
📍 Felton Farmers Market
Tuesdays | Seasonal return this week
📍 Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers Market
Wednesdays | Year-round
📍 Watsonville Farmers Market
Fridays | Year-round
📍 Westside Farmers Market
Saturdays | Year-round
📍 Aptos Farmers Market
Saturdays | Year-round
📍 Scotts Valley Farmers Market
Saturdays | Seasonal return this week
📍 Live Oak/Eastside Farmers Market
Sundays | Year-round
Save this as your Santa Cruz County farmers market guide for spring and summer 🌱
How many have you checked of your list already?
Can we just: listen to the waves, eat burritos, watch the surf, taste some treats, find scenic nooks, and watch the sunset. Is that too much to ask? We say no.
If you haven’t road-tripped North along Highway 1 yet this season now is the time. Wildflowers line the road, the hills are vibrant and green, and summer crowds have yet to descend on the beaches so there is ample (free) parking at every stop. Make it a day trip by starting with breakfast on the Westside and ending with a post-hike lunch in Davenport.
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#roadtrip #getoutside #optoutside #naturelover #visitsantacruz
Walk on the West Cliff, hallelujah.
First day of May is looking good from our POV. 🌊
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