Best Neighborhoods in Santa Cruz County
1. Seascape
The neighborhood of Seascape in Aptos is dominated by the Seascape Beach Resort and Seascape Golf Club, lending the area a holiday-feel. Across from the resort is the Seascape Village Shopping Center with a grocery store, restaurants, cafe, fitness studio and assorted shops. A certified farmers market is held every Sunday in the central courtyard of the shopping center. Across the street, Seascape Sports Club has tennis courts, a gym and swim center. Every summer the club hosts the Comerica Bank Challenger tennis tournament.
2. Depot Hill
Depot Hill is a quaint Capitola neighborhood with charm and views and history. Located just above Capitola village esplanade, this is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods.
The Depot Hill neighborhood came about because it was the area of the train depot in Capitola.The Depot Hill neighborhood evolved as many things did early on based, on transportation routes. The train depot on Depot still stands and was rebuilt into a lovely high end B&B in 1990. It is so named the Inn at Depot Hill. The area has some beautiful Victorians and other styles. Many of the most beautiful homes overlook the City of Capitola.
3. The Jewel Box
Whether you want to walk, bike, or hop in the car for a short drive, shopping and entertainment are just a few blocks away! 41st Avenue is a hub of major retail and locally owned businesses in Santa Cruz County. New Leaf Community Markets, Capitola Theatres, and the Capitola Mall are all right in the neighborhood.
4. Pleasure Point
With colorful surf shops, charming beach cottages, and a shoreline teeming with surfers and beachgoers, Pleasure Point is the kind of quintessential beach community that enlivens Hollywood movies and lures envious tourists to California’s sunny shores year-round. Situated on Santa Cruz’s east end, this seaside neighborhood is one of the most vibrant surf destinations along the California coast. The easy going neighborhood earned its hedonistic name from Prohibition-era shenanigans, but you’d swear it’s because spending a day here is such a joy, no surfboard required.
5. Midtown
Even as a small town, Santa Cruz is brimming with unique neighborhoods showing off their own personality. Midtown, caught between the Westside and Eastside of Santa Cruz is no different. Take the time to explore the laid-back vibe of this section of the city at a local’s pace. From sipping locally roasted coffee to window shopping in stores which showcase hip local character, this walkable corridor located along Soquel Avenue nestled between downtown and Seabright is waiting to be explored.
6. Upper West Side
The Westside is the heart of the local surf culture and the wellspring of the distinctive Santa Cruz vibe. The typical neighborhood mix on the Westside consists of native Santa Cruzans, transplants that have become locals and, during the school year, students from UC Santa Cruz.
The Westside boasts some of the most beautiful beaches and coastal views in all of Santa Cruz. Rich in surfing history, the Westside is home to Steamer Lane, a world class surf spot, as well as the Santa Cruz Surf Museum at Lighthouse Point.
West Cliff Drive, the scenic route that travels along the coast, has a two mile walking and biking path that stretches from the Santa Cruz Wharf to Natural Bridges State Park.
