Just 7 miles (11.2 kilometres) from the Pacific Ocean, Scotts Valley is one of California's most popular coastal destinations. The city is located off the Pacific Coast Highway, which runs along nearly the entire Pacific coast of California. Drive this north-south route to see and photograph some of the most breathtaking views the West Coast has to offer.
Within Scotts Valley, find a variety of attractions. Visit Scott House, a New England-style house built of local redwood in 1853 by the city’s namesake. Follow the Heritage Trees Tour, a self-guided tour of all the notable trees in the area, including redwoods, cypresses and oaks. The dog-friendly Skypark is perfect for picnicking or kicking around a soccer ball.
Scotts Valley sits at the northern end of Monterey Bay, known for its gorgeous vistas and seascapes. The city of Monterey is just an hour’s drive south on the other end of the bay. This upscale seaside village has a rich literary past: John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row, Tortilla Flat and East of Eden all paid it tribute. Robert Louis Stevenson stayed there while writing several of his books. Today, explore Monterey’s main attraction, the Monterey Bay Aquarium in a former sardine cannery on Cannery Row.
The city of Santa Cruz, a popular coastal destination for tourists, is just a 10-minute drive south from Scotts Valley. The area has several spectacular parks and beaches. See the bridge-like natural rock formation across a section of the beach at Natural Bridges State Beach. Watch for colour in the air from October through February, when up to 100,000 monarch butterflies fly through the area on their migration south. Nearby, Steamer Lane is a world-famous surfing spot known for its huge waves and beautiful beach.
Just minutes from the Pacific Ocean, Scotts Valley provides scenic beauty and cultural appreciation. Enjoy the temperate climate, diverse attractions and stunning location that this California city offers throughout the year. For more information on attractions and events in the Scotts Valley region, be sure to check the official Santa Cruz County Conference & Visitors Council website.
