Santa Cruz is a place like no other. And whether you grew up here, recently moved to the area or you’re just an occasional visitor, you know that Santa Cruz has its own special traditions and history that make it so unique.
A few things to know:
- Santa Cruz was originally named "La Branciforte" after the Spanish pueblo was established there in 1797. The current name "Santa Cruz" was given to the city by the Mexican government in 1834, which means "holy cross" in Spanish.
- Santa Cruz is home to the oldest amusement park in California. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a National Historic Landmark that has entertained visitors since 1907. It features classic rides like the Giant Dipper roller coaster.
- The Mystery Spot is a local tourist attraction located in the redwood forest outside of Santa Cruz. The spot is a gravity hill that appears to defy the laws of physics and is said to be caused by a gravitational anomaly.
- Santa Cruz is home to a large number of surf schools, which offer lessons to visitors of all skill levels. The city is also home to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, which features a collection of vintage surfboards and memorabilia, as well as interactive exhibits and a film about the history of surfing in the city.
- Have you ever taken a hike on the Wilder Ranch State Park? This park offers scenic coastal trails, historic ranch buildings, and beautiful ocean views.
- Have you ever attended a performance at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium? This historic theatre, built in 1914, features a wide variety of shows and events year-round.
- The Santa Cruz Wharf is the longest wooden wharf on the West Coast. It was built in 1914 and offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and activities such as fishing and boat tours. This iconic attraction offers great views of the coast, restaurants and shops, and fishing and boat tours.
- Santa Cruz is home to a thriving arts and culture scene, including the Santa Cruz Symphony, which is one of the oldest continuously operating symphonies in California. The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History is also a popular destination for visitors.
- The Santa Cruz Natural Bridges State Beach features natural bridges and tide pools that are home to a diverse array of marine life. It is also home to large population of monarch butterflies that migrate to the area each year. Visitors can see the butterflies roosting in the eucalyptus groves during the fall and winter months.
- The University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) is known for its beautiful natural setting, and for being the first university in the world to offer a degree program in environmental studies.
- The Santa Cruz Mountain AVA (American Viticulture Area) is known for its high-quality wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The region has a unique climate and soil that makes it a great place for grape growing.
- Have you ever visited the Pacific Garden Mall? This popular shopping and dining destination features a wide variety of shops and restaurants.
- The Santa Cruz County Parks system includes over 30 parks, beaches and open space preserves, including the iconic Wilder Ranch State Park and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. These parks offer a wide range of recreational opportunities, such as hiking, biking, and fishing.
- Have you ever visited the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park? This park features the remains of the 12th California mission, which was built in the late 1700s.
What's your favorite thing about Santa Cruz? Let us know!
Source: Patch.com
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