The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s Giant Dipper roller coaster, a wooden structure that has been thrilling visitors since 1924, remains a central attraction for the city, even as Santa Cruz navigates its identity as both a seaside resort and a college town.
Established as a Spanish mission in 1791, Santa Cruz evolved into a popular destination following the completion of the South Pacific Coast Railroad in 1880 and the subsequent creation of the iconic boardwalk in 1904. The city’s character further shifted with the founding of the University of California, Santa Cruz in 1965, adding a significant student population to the mix of surfers and tourists.
Today, the city, located on the northern edge of Monterey Bay, draws visitors to its beaches and the surrounding natural areas. Just north of the city limits, a stretch of coastline along Highway 1 offers access to beaches like Shark Fin Cove, known for its unique geological formations, including a sea cave and a rock formation resembling a shark fin. The area’s bedrock is composed of Mudstone, contributing to the dramatic cliffs and pocket beaches.
Downtown Santa Cruz features Pacific Avenue, where students and visitors browse vintage and bohemian shops, art galleries, and restaurants focused on organic, local ingredients. A weekly farmers’ market offers produce and prepared foods, even as First Fridays showcase local artists in collaboration with businesses. The November Wine Walk is an annual event.
Beyond the city, opportunities for nature exploration include whale watching tours from the wharf and drives into the Santa Cruz Mountains to visit Big Basin Redwoods State Park and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Further north, Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve offers hiking trails among redwood trees and along Purisima Creek.
As of 2020, Santa Cruz had a population of 62,956. The city is governed by a council-manager system, currently led by Mayor Fred Keeley. Representing the area in the state legislature are Senator John Laird and Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, both Democrats. Jimmy Panetta, also a Democrat, represents Santa Cruz in the U.S. House of Representatives.
