Santa Cruz County facts for kids

Santa Cruz County is a name used for two different places in the United States. When people talk about Santa Cruz County, they usually mean the one in California.

Welcome to Santa Cruz County, California!

Santa Cruz County, California, is a beautiful area located on the central coast of California. It's known for its stunning beaches, redwood forests, and a relaxed, friendly vibe. The county seat, which is like its main city, is Santa Cruz. This county is a popular spot for tourists and a great place to live for many people.

Where is Santa Cruz County?

Santa Cruz County sits right on the Pacific Ocean. To its north are the Santa Cruz Mountains, which are covered in tall redwood trees. The county has a mild climate, meaning it's not too hot and not too cold, which is perfect for outdoor activities. It's about 70 miles (110 km) south of San Francisco and 35 miles (56 km) north of Monterey. The county covers an area of about 607 square miles (1,570 km²), with a lot of that being water.

A Look Back: History of the County

The name "Santa Cruz" means "Holy Cross" in Spanish. The area was first explored by Spanish explorers in the late 1700s. A Spanish mission, Mission Santa Cruz, was founded here in 1791. This mission was an important center for the early European settlers.

Later, in 1848, California became part of the United States. Santa Cruz County was officially created in 1850. In its early days, the county was important for logging, fishing, and farming. People harvested the giant redwood trees and grew crops like apples and berries. Over time, tourism became a big part of the county's economy.

Nature's Wonders: Plants and Animals

Santa Cruz County is home to an amazing variety of plants and animals. Its unique location, with both mountains and ocean, creates many different habitats.

Giant Redwood Trees

One of the most famous natural features is the coast redwood forest. These trees are among the tallest living things on Earth. They can grow to be over 300 feet (90 meters) tall and live for thousands of years. You can visit places like Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park to walk among these giants. These forests are home to many animals, including deer, raccoons, and various birds.

Ocean Life

The coastline of Santa Cruz County is full of marine life. The cold waters of the Pacific Ocean support a rich ecosystem. You might see sea otters floating on their backs, seals basking on rocks, and even dolphins or whales swimming offshore. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary protects much of this ocean area. Many different types of fish, crabs, and other sea creatures live here.

What People Do Here: Economy and Jobs

The economy of Santa Cruz County is quite diverse. Tourism is a major industry. Many people visit for the beaches, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and the redwood forests. Agriculture is still important, with farms growing berries, apples, and other crops.

Technology and education also play a big role. The University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) is a large university located in the county. It brings many students and researchers to the area. There are also smaller tech companies and creative businesses.

Fun Things to Do and See

Santa Cruz County offers lots of fun activities for kids and families.

• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: This historic amusement park is right on the beach. It has roller coasters, arcade games, and classic rides.
• Beaches: You can spend time at popular beaches like Main Beach or Natural Bridges State Beach. Many people enjoy surfing, swimming, or just building sandcastles.
• Redwood Parks: Explore the towering redwood trees at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park or Big Basin Redwoods State Park. There are many hiking trails for all skill levels.
• Santa Cruz Wharf: Walk along the pier, watch the sea lions, and enjoy fresh seafood.
• Surfing: Santa Cruz is famous for its surfing. You can watch experienced surfers or even take a lesson if you're feeling brave!

How the County is Run: Local Government

Like other counties in the United States, Santa Cruz County has its own local government. This government helps manage public services for the people living there. It handles things like local roads, parks, public health, and law enforcement (with the Sheriff's Office). The county is governed by a Board of Supervisors, which is a group of elected officials who make decisions for the county.

Other Santa Cruz County

There is also a Santa Cruz County, Arizona. This county is located in the state of Arizona, in the southwestern United States. It shares a border with Mexico. It is a much smaller county by population compared to the one in California.