Santa Cruz, located 70 miles south of San Francisco and 35 miles north of Monterey, is the second-smallest county in California by land area. 

During a meeting with a Santa Cruz representative at Visit California’s Reverse Trade mission, Global Agents learned about the latest developments in the area.

Santa Cruz is currently undergoing a transition into a luxury, high-end destination, driven by an influx of residents from Silicon Valley. As part of this transformation, a new luxury hotel is set to open later this year.

New Luxury Hotel

Scheduled to open in fall 2025, La Bahia Hotel + Spa is a newly constructed hotel that will offer 155 rooms, including 16 suites boasting unobstructed ocean views of the Monterey Bay. 

Spanning one city block, the property will feature 13,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, a 4,000 square foot Bahia Ballroom, and a 5,200 square foot rooftop deck.

It is rumoured that this property has been in the works since 1994! 

For more information, please click here.

Santa Cruz Warf

The Santa Cruz Wharf, a historic 110-year-old pier in Santa Cruz, California, suffered a collapse last December as a result of powerful waves during a storm. Fortunately, after undergoing repairs, the pier was reopened just last month and is now prepared to welcome visitors once more.

What To Do in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz provides many beach, historical, and nature-based activities, along with a remarkable culinary and wine scene. Key attractions in the area include the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Roaring Camp Railroads, Martinelli's Tasting Room and Company Store, Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Lab, and the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum housed within the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse.

Trail Through the Pines at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Sustainable Seafood is Trending in Santa Cruz County: 

Sustainable seafood has long been a cornerstone of Santa Cruz County's culinary scene. 

Recently, a wave of new restaurants in Aptos, Capitola, and Santa Cruz have emerged, showcasing menus that prioritize this eco-conscious approach to dining. These establishments are part of a global movement towards sustainable practices. 

Given Santa Cruz's close connection to the ocean, researchers suggest that marine conditions impact the region's terrestrial environment. This relationship extends to the area's wine region, where coastal redwood forests thrive in the unique climate of warm days and cool, foggy nights. This Mediterranean climate also benefits crops like wine grapes, strawberries, and Brussels sprouts, essential components of the local food ecosystem.

Where To Stay

Whether you prefer a beachfront hotel, a charming inn or bed and breakfast, a family-friendly vacation rental, or a rustic campground, Santa Cruz County offers a variety of accommodations to suit your needs. Choose from trendy boutique properties or classic resorts with scenic views. Additionally, many accommodations in the area are pet-friendly, ensuring a comfortable stay for your furry companions. Click here to see all the accommodation options.

Interesting Santa Cruz Facts

Santa Cruz County is known for:     

1. The Birthplace of Mainland surfing in the US.
2. The birthplace of the organic farming movement.
3. Home to Jack O'Neill, late wetsuit pioneer.
4. Home to Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California's oldest.    
5. Part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the second-largest federally-protected body of water in the U.S. next only to Hawaii.

For an immersive experience of the stunning beauty and natural wonders of Santa Cruz, we suggest planning a stay of at least three days. This will allow you to explore the diverse attractions and activities that the area has to offer, ensuring a truly memorable visit.

To discover more about the latest developments and attractions in Santa Cruz, please visit santacruz.org. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences, Santa Cruz promises a fantastic getaway for all types of travellers. Plan your visit today and uncover the charm and allure of this evolving luxury destination.

By Kateryna Ivchenko