Scotts Valley
Scotts Valley is a small city in Santa Cruz County, about thirty miles south of downtown San Jose and six miles north of Monterey Bay, in the upland slope of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Scotts Valley is near Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and Roaring Camp Railroads. The town is surrounded by coast redwood forests. The city of Santa Cruz lies to the south.
Scotts Valley is home to Bethany University, a four-year private Christian university.
Aptos
Aptos is a 7 square mile area consisting of a few different communities totaling about 25,000 people; three of its communities include Rio Del Mar, Seascape, and Seacliff. Aptos enjoyed a couple of boom periods in its history, and apples became an important industry.
Aptos is home to both the The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park and Seacliff State Beach California state parks. Nisene Marks is popular with hikers and mountain bikers and Seacliff State Beach Park offers a rare opportunity for beach camping.
Aptos is also home to Cabrillo College, a two-year community college.
Rio Del Mar, Seascape, and Seacliff
Rio Del Mar, Seascape, and Seacliff are three beach communities in the hilly coastal region of Aptos. Seacliff State Beach is located here and tourists enjoy dog-walking and bird-watching along the white sand beach and fishing from the famous cement ship, the Palo Alto.
From the rugged, outdoor sports experience to shopping, wine tasting, golf and visits to several museums, these beach communities boastnactivities for families and people of all ages.
Soquel
Soquel, population 5,000, is located just off of highway 1 and very close to the beach. The town is built around picturesque lowlands and there are beautiful vineyards and wineries nearby.
Soquel is close in proximity to Cabrillo College, a renowned Community College in California.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, population 56,000, is the largest city in the county and its history as a location for settlement dates back to ancient times. The city enjoys cultural diversity with its main downtown area acting as a cultural center. The area is also home to several beautiful state parks.
It is located on the northern edge of the Monterey Bay, about 72 miles south of San Francisco.
Santa Cruz has become widely popular for its idyllic beaches and coastal redwood forests, establishing itself as a resort community. Santa Cruz is known for its moderate climate, natural beauty, educational institutions, alternative community lifestyles, and socially liberal leanings. It is also home to University of California, Santa Cruz.
Capitola
Capitola, population 10,000, is the oldest beach resort town on the west coast. The town is built in a slight depression among the cliffs of the area and the area is a popular, trendy spot for tourists, beachgoers, and shoppers.
Capitola's beach is embraced between two cliffs in a river valley. The river, Soquel Creek, is the site of the annual Begonia Festival where flower laden floats grace the river for a weekend in September. The Esplanade is a wonderful stroll in the village of Capitola, along a row of restaurants, historic homes and small shops passing by the vistas of Monterey Bay and the beach. In September the Esplanade hosts the Capitola Art & Wine Festival.
A major shopping area less than a mile from the beach is located on 41st Avenue featuring malls and major retail stores.
Watsonville
Watsonville, with a population of 52,543, is a small farming community on the central coast of California. The city is home to people of varied ethnic backgrounds. The economy centers predominantly around the farming industry. The city is known for growing strawberries, apples, lettuce and a host of other vegetables.
Watsonville has a climate that is usually pleasant year round. This climate makes Watsonville an attractive coastal environment for the neighboring inland communities with very hot summers.
Watsonville is home to the Santa Cruz County Fair every September as well as the popular Ocean Speedway car races.
