SANTA CRUZ
Santa Cruz, located on the northern edge of the Monterey Bay, was originally inhabited by the Ohlone People, also known as the Costanoans and the Muwekma. When a Spanish explorer arrived there in 1769, he gave the name of Santa Cruz, which means holy cross. The twelfth mission to be founded in California was established here in Santa Cruz, called, La Misión de la Exaltación de la Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz County was created as one of the twenty-seven original counties, when California became a state in 1850.
The University of California, Santa Cruz began being built in the 1960s. There are ten different colleges and residences within the campus. It is located among the redwoods and overlooks Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay. California´s oldest amusement park is The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which was designated a State Historic Landmark. The main attraction at the Boardwalk is The Giant Dipper, which is the sixth oldest roller coaster in the country, and is also a State Historic Landmark. The Boardwalk has been the topic in both movies and songs over the years.
From the mountains to the ocean, Santa Cruz has something to offer for everyone, from horseback riding in the redwoods to golfing on the coast. Santa Cruz is very well known for its recreational activities, among these is skateboarding. Derby Park is the first public skate park in the USA. The Santa Cruz Skate park has the first full pipe in northern California. The Mike Fox Skate Park is our newest, it opened in March 2007. A few more of the more popular activities are golf (7 courses within the County), sailing, diving, kayaking and surfing. Thanks to three Hawaiian princes, the first surfing in California was right here in Santa Cruz. There are 11 world-class surf breaks in Santa Cruz. Some of the best surfing in the world is at Steamer´s Lane in Pleasure Point, which also is home to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. O´Neill Wetsuits originated in Santa Cruz, as well as Santa Cruz Surfboards.
But Santa Cruz is much more than the beach. Venture down Pacific Avenue to find a smart new downtown, rebuilt in fine style following the devastating Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. This is one of the newest "in" spots and an entertaining place to be day or night.
Real Estate in Santa Cruz is a very diverse market. From the cozy mountain cabins to the luxurious beachfront contemporaries, from the West side historical Victorians to the Pleasure Point beach Bungalows and everything in between, there is a place to call home for everyone.