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Santa Cruz, CA

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Best time to visit

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A coastal gem in Northern California, Santa Cruz welcomes visitors to its balmy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and redwood forests. In the summer, from June to August, the city sees an influx of tourists wanting to enjoy this beachfront destination, the sunny weather, and vibrant events. Rainfall is extremely rare during this time. The downside of the summer high season is the skyrocketing accommodation costs. If you'd like to enjoy a beach vacation with fewer crowds, the best time to visit is from September through November. The beaches are much more quiet with fewer visitors, but the water is still warm enough to swim. The city experiences rain around mid-fall.

To enjoy monarch butterfly and elephant seal migration, visit Santa Cruz during the winter season. The butterflies start arriving in late fall through January, while the seals appear ashore from December through March. The winters are fairly warm in Santa Cruz, with temperatures dropping to 59-62°F (15-17°C). However, beware of heavy rainfall and grab an umbrella. The spring season offers a great opportunity to explore the nearby natural parks and attractions, but the hotel prices start increasing in preparation for summer.

22 things to do in Santa Cruz, CA

Cycling

April–OctoberActivity

Picturesque scenery, varied terrain, and gentle weather conditions attract cyclists to the Golden State

Big Sur Road Trip

March–May | September–MarchActivity

Beautiful coastline, amazing forests, and gorgeous mountains—Big Sur has it all

Kiteboarding

April–AugustActivity

Just choose the right season and the right spot to enjoy your favourite water activity in the Sunny State

Surfing

October–March (all year round)Activity

Amazing swells, great weather conditions, and various opportunities on dozens of ideal surfing beaches are waiting for you in the Golden State

Monterey Jazz Festival

September 27-29, 2024Event

Top names of jazz gather together in one place to share their talent among real fans. Don't miss one of the greatest jazz events in the world!

Elephant Seals

December–MarchNature

These seals with elephant noses roam the ocean searching for food, and go ashore to breed and molt

Monkey Puzzle Seeds

September–OctoberFood

Soft starchy seeds have been feeding humans, rodents and birds since Jurassic Period

Oyster Season

September–AprilFood

Oysters are consumed in San Francisco and other cities on the California's coast in accordance with “R” myth that determines the oyster season

Surfing

September–MayActivity

Autumn soft offshore breezes create perfect consitions for surfing

Fuyu Persimmons

October–NovemberFood

Latins called Fuyu persimmon “the fruit of the gods”

Ice Plant Bloom

MayNature

One of Pacific Grove's most prominent sights

Gilroy Garlic Festival

July 13, 2023Event

A three-day celebration of garlic and other delicious foods

Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival

October 19-20, 2024Event

The size of those pumpkins will blow your mind

Lick Observatory

June–SeptemberActivity

Visit the first permanent mountain top observatory in the world

Calla Lily Valley & Garrapata Beach

late January–late April (best in mid-February–early April)Nature

One of the most picturesque coastal areas in Big Sur

Shark Fin Cove

all year roundNature

A great sunset spot and one of the best beaches in California

Whale Watching

mid-December–mid-April (all year round)Nature

From North to South, California observes the giant marine creatures migration every year

Kitesurfing and Windsurfing

March–OctoberActivity

Nothing can beat the Windy City in terms of wind sports

4th of July in Santa Cruz

July 4Event

How about celebrating Independence Day in Santa Cruz style?

California Fall Colors

late September–early NovemberNature

Admire bronze and amber foliage throughout the Golden State

Monarch Butterfly Migration

late October–JanuaryNature

Thousands of butterflies spend winter in the Santa Cruz sanctuary

Santa Cruz Christmas Lights

November–December Event

Take a ride on a holiday train or a holiday boat in festive Santa Cruz

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