Cities and Towns in Santa Cruz County, California

Founded in 1850, Santa Cruz County is one of 58 counties in the state of California. The city of Santa Cruz is the county seat. With FIPS code of 87, Santa Cruz County has a population of 267,792 and area of 446 square miles (1,155 km²).

List of all cities in Santa Cruz County, CA alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Aptos, CA 95001 831
95003 831
Ben Lomond, CA 95005 831
Big Basin, CA 95006 831
Bonny Doon, CA 95060 831
Boulder Creek, CA 95006 831
Brookdale, CA 95007 831
Capitola, CA 95010 831
Corralitos, CA 95076 831
Davenport, CA 95017 831
Felton, CA 95018 831
Freedom, CA 95019 831
La Selva Beach, CA 95076 831
Lompico, CA 95018 831
Los Gatos, CA 95033 408
Mount Hermon, CA 95041 831
Pajaro, CA 95076 831
Paradise Park, CA 95060 831
Rio del Mar, CA 95003 831
Royal Oaks, CA 95076 831
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831
95061 831
95062 831
95063 831
95064 831
95065 831
95066 831
95067 831
Scotts Valley, CA 95060 831
95066 831
95067 831
Seacliff, CA 95003 831
Seascape, CA 95003 831
Soquel, CA 95073 831
Watsonville, CA 95076 831
95077 831

Major Cities and Towns in Santa Cruz County, California

Santa Cruz

Area, Population, and Geography

  • Area: 15.8 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 64,000 (2023 estimate)
  • Zip Codes: 95060-95065
  • Latitude: 36.9741° N
  • Longitude: 122.0308° W

City Location and History

Santa Cruz, the county seat of Santa Cruz County, is located on the northern edge of Monterey Bay, about 75 miles south of San Francisco. The city was established in 1791 as Mission Santa Cruz, one of the 21 California missions founded by Spanish missionaries. The mission was named after the Holy Cross, which is also the city’s namesake. After the secularization of the missions, Santa Cruz became a small agricultural town, but its coastal location made it a popular destination for visitors. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century spurred development, and Santa Cruz evolved into a vibrant seaside resort town known for its beaches, boardwalk, and natural beauty. Today, Santa Cruz is known for its progressive culture, strong environmental focus, and as a hub for surfing and outdoor activities.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Santa Cruz is home to the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), a major research university known for its beautiful forested campus overlooking the ocean. Other notable schools include Santa Cruz High School and Harbor High School. The city’s landmarks include the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a historic amusement park that has been a popular attraction since 1907, and the nearby Natural Bridges State Beach, known for its natural rock arch and migrating monarch butterflies. The downtown area is vibrant, with a mix of shops, restaurants, and cultural venues like the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History. Additionally, the city is a gateway to redwood forests, with nearby Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offering trails through ancient groves of towering trees.

Watsonville

Area, Population, and Geography

  • Area: 6.7 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 53,000 (2023 estimate)
  • Zip Codes: 95076, 95077
  • Latitude: 36.9102° N
  • Longitude: 121.7569° W

City Location and History

Watsonville is located in the southern part of Santa Cruz County, near the Pajaro River and the Monterey Bay. The city was founded in 1868 and named after Judge John H. Watson, an early settler and advocate for the area. Watsonville quickly developed as an agricultural center due to the fertile lands of the Pajaro Valley, which are ideal for growing strawberries, apples, lettuce, and other crops. The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad further boosted the town’s growth, allowing local produce to be transported to markets across the country. Today, Watsonville remains a major agricultural hub, with a diverse population that reflects the labor force drawn to its fields. The city is also known for its strong community ties and cultural heritage.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Watsonville is served by the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, with Watsonville High School and Pajaro Valley High School being the primary secondary institutions. Landmarks in Watsonville include the historic City Plaza, which has been the heart of the community since the 19th century, and the nearby Watsonville Wetlands, one of the largest freshwater marshes on the Central Coast, offering trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. The annual Watsonville Strawberry Festival celebrates the city’s agricultural heritage with food, music, and entertainment. Additionally, the Agricultural History Project at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds preserves the region’s farming history through exhibits and events. Watsonville’s rich agricultural traditions, combined with its close-knit community, make it a unique and vibrant part of Santa Cruz County.

Scotts Valley

Area, Population, and Geography

  • Area: 4.6 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 12,000 (2023 estimate)
  • Zip Codes: 95066, 95067
  • Latitude: 37.0513° N
  • Longitude: 122.0136° W

City Location and History

Scotts Valley is located in the northern part of Santa Cruz County, nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains along the route between Santa Cruz and the San Francisco Bay Area. The city is named after Hiram Scott, a 19th-century settler who established a ranch in the area in the 1850s. Originally a logging and farming community, Scotts Valley has grown into a suburban city known for its scenic surroundings and family-friendly environment. The city’s location along State Route 17, which connects the Silicon Valley with Santa Cruz, has made it a popular residential area for commuters. Despite its growth, Scotts Valley has retained much of its small-town charm and natural beauty.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Scotts Valley is served by the Scotts Valley Unified School District, with Scotts Valley High School and Scotts Valley Middle School being the main educational institutions. The city’s landmarks include the historic Scotts Valley City Hall, originally built as a stagecoach stop in the 19th century, and the Skypark, a community hub that hosts events, sports activities, and a weekly farmers market.

Map of Cities in Santa Cruz County, CA

Map of Cities in Santa Cruz County, CA