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Posted August 2006
Fun Loving Santa Cruz Attracts Enthusiasts of All Kinds
It is said that Santa Cruz is where Hawaiian royalty first introduced
surfing to the mainland, and certainly the county of Santa Cruz
has a long and well-known history with the sport. No matter how
central a role the beaches and oceans have played in both commerce
and recreation, however, it is important not to overlook the rest.
Santa Cruz County is one of those great places that just has so
much to do.
Of course, there is the West Coast’s oldest seaside amusement
park with a great wooden roller coaster built in the 1920s at
the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. There are also great shops, restaurants,
and art and music just a few blocks away in downtown Santa Cruz.
Nearby beach towns are just as fun as the county seat, and offer
great shopping and fine dining as well. Visit Capitola, Aptos,
and Davenport.
Up into the hills you will find the area’s wine industry. Santa
Cruz County, from its mission beginnings has long been in to
grape-growing and wine production. Currently, almost 100 wineries
now call this region their home. Check out Scotts Valley, Ben
Lomond, Boulder Creek, and Soquel.
With more state parks than any other county in California, Santa
Cruz County has an enviable number of trails and fire roads geared
for mountain biking. You can buy online the Bicyclist's
Adventure Kit at www.santacruz.org/ecommerce/ordercyclist.shtml.
The kit contains trail maps for bike-friendly parks, a Traveler's
Guide and lists of local bike shops, weekly rides, events and
more!
Santa Cruz County is located approximately 70 miles south of
San Francisco, 30 miles southwest of San Jose, 35 miles north
of Monterey, and 375 miles north of Los Angeles.
The total population of Santa Cruz County is 260,218. Its four
incorporated cities are: Capitola, population 10,058; Santa Cruz,
population 56,289; Scotts Valley, population 11,598; Watsonville,
population 48,293. Population in the unincorporated areas of
the county: 133,980
The climate is mostly mild with summer temperatures in the mid
70’s and winter temperatures in the mid 50’s. Humidity is generally
low and average annual rainfall is 31 inches, mainly between
November and April. There is some occasional fog which occurs
due to changing Pacific currents, and the beaches, especially
in winter, can be windy. |
