Santa Cruz is a relaxed town on the Northern side of the Monterey Bay along the Central Coast. It is located 40 miles north of Monterey, and 75 miles south of San Fransico. It has beautiful beaches always filled with surfers, and great redwood forests to the north. The city show a surprisingly diversity. You will find college kids, hippies, techies, vacationers, and ordinary families.

Santa Cruz is divided into three areas: Downtown, East-side, and West-side.

Downtown
Downtown is centred on Pacific Avenue, with several restaurants and shoppings. Strolling Pacific Avenue is a beautiful past-time for both locals and tourists.

East-side
East-side is a little reserved but still famous with tourists and students. Here you'll find the Santa Cruz Harbor, Twin Lakes beach, and some beautiful restaurants.

Santa Cruz is the county seat and biggest city of Santa Cruz County, California, United States. According to 2000 United States Census, Santa Cruz had a total population of 54,593. It is situated on the northern edge of the Monterey Bay, about 72 mi (115 km) south of San Francisco and is characterized the overlapping portion of Northern California and Central California.

In 1769 the Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portolà discovered the land area which is now called like the City of Santa Cruz. When he arrive about the beautiful flowing river, he called it San Lorenzo in honor of Saint Lawrence. He called the rolling hills above the river Santa Cruz, which means holy cross.

Attractions

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum & Planetarium
Established by the Rosicrucian Church the Egyptian museum has the largest collections of Egyptian artefacts in California. The architecture of the museum is inspired by the Temple of Amon, and there is alot to see inside and out. The grounds surrounding the building include a peace garden to walk through and many statues.

Castroville Artichoke Festival
The Artichoke Center of the World is, of course, home to an Artichoke Festival. It's two days of music and children's entertainment.

New Brighton State Beach
A beautiful beach that's perfect for camping or just lounging by the waves. There are campsites near the beach so it's legal and convenient but it's also not too crowded or dirty.