Santa Cruz is located on the California coast south of San Jose. Known for it’s beaches, from dramatic windswept cliffs to the charming ambiance of a picturesque seaside town, you’re sure to find a beach in Santa Cruz County that is unforgettable. Santa Cruz is a nature lover’s paradise with both beaches and redwood forests. It’s an eclectic town rich in art and culture, very community oriented with farmer’s markets, art festivals, a Shakespeare festival, music concerts and wine tasting events. There are many unique local shops and businesses, it’s known as an eco-friendly or “green” community.