Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz -- Twin Lakes -- Capitola -- Rio Del Mar

   Santa Cruz County is known for its famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the state's oldest amusement park. The boardwalk is home to the 1911 Looff carousel, the 1924 Giant Dipper roller coaster, arcades and attractions -- and, of course, the beach.
   Santa Cruz has been a top surfing location for more than 100 years. You can learn more about the history of the sport at the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, or try it out for yourself at Cowell's Beach. Other beaches located along the county's 29-mile stretch of sand include the dune-filled Sunset State Beach, the protected coves at Davenport Beach, and the clothing-optional Red, White & Blue Beach.
   As the county is proud to point out, the beaches are just the beginning in Santa Cruz. Step back in time at the Santa Cruz Mission, which was rebuilt in 1857 after an earthquake and floods demolished the original structure. Take a ride on the rails at Roaring Camp Railroads, which transports passengers through the county's majestic redwoods. Or visit Natural Bridges State Park, a refuge for wintering monarch butterflies.
   More than 250,000 residents live in Santa Cruz County, which spans a mere 445 square miles. In 2000, the median value of owner-occupied housing units was $377,500.

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Santa Cruz
Twin Lakes
Capitola
Rio Del Mar