Think beyond the beach. From wine tasting to farm tours, there are so many things to do in Santa Cruz County!
With its sandy beaches and laid-back vibes, Santa Cruz is an iconic California destination. But just minutes beyond the surf, a thriving agricultural scene awaits. Santa Cruz County is full of picturesque U-pick farms, boutique wineries and a host of hands-on ag-based adventures that perfectly capture the region’s quirky charm.
What grows in Santa Cruz County?
From fog-drenched coastlines to triple-digit summer days, the climate in Santa Cruz County varies wildly. With elevations spanning from sea level to over 2600 feet, it’s easy to see why a wide variety of crops thrive here. Berries grow beautifully close to the coast, where the maritime influence keeps temperatures cooler and more consistent. Farther inland, apples and winegrapes benefit from the more distinct diurnal shift – warm days chased by cool nights. Leafy greens, a wide variety of vegetables and even mushrooms round out Santa Cruz County’s rich agricultural landscape.
Santa Cruz County Farm-Based Adventures
Farm Tours + Workshops
Live Earth Farm
Ready to get your boots muddy? Visit Live Earth Farm for self-guided farm walks and farm camps geared toward school-aged children. Looking for something even more immersive? Check their website for volunteer opportunities, like planting strawberries and cover crops!
Roses of Yesterday and Today
Botany and history collide at Roses of Yesterday and Today. This living horticultural museum showcases over 230 varieties of rare and unusual roses. Whether you’re an ardent rosarian or simply a fan of beautiful blooms, Roses of Yesterday and Today deserves a spot on your Santa Cruz agritourism itinerary!
UCSC Center for Agroecology
From introductory gardening classes to thought-provoking conversations on agricultural production, UCSC’s educational workshops are a great way to learn more about farming and food systems.
Martinelli’s Store
Martinelli’s apple cider is nothing short of iconic – and they’re opening their doors to give visitors a sneak peek of where the magic happens. Visit Martinelli’s Company Store and Tasting Room for tours + samples, then leave with a new appreciation for California Grown apple cider!
U-Pick Farms
Gizdich Ranch
Enjoy good old-fashioned fun at Gizdich Ranch. Stroll through the U-pick apple orchards (or berry fields, depending on the season), enjoy a quaint picnic lunch and don’t even think about leaving without trying a slice of Nita’s famous pie!
Swanton Berry Farm
Enjoy views for days and U-pick ollalieberries, strawberries and kiwi at Swanton Berry Farm. Stop by the farmstand for homemade jams on your way out and sample a bevy of baked goods made with sweet, seasonal fruit.
Fun fact: This family-owned farm is proud to be California’s first certified organic strawberry farm.
Wine Tasting
Stirm Wine Co.
This small Pajaro winery is making a splash in the wine world with its unique riff on Riesling. They also happen to be the world’s largest producer of Cabernet Pfeiffer. Granted, there’s only 17 acres grown worldwide, but if you’ve ever wanted to try this rare varietal, Stirm Wine Co. is definitely your best bet!
Bargetto Winery
Trivia nights, morning yoga classes and live music make Bargetto Winery liveliest tasting room in Soquel. Enjoy wine by the glass or curated flights at Santa Cruz’s oldest continually operating winery!
Margins Wine
Margins Winery aims to shine a spotlight on the people, vineyards and varietals that operate outside of the traditional “margins” of the wine industry. Owner Megan Bell prides herself on making natural wines sourced from organic vineyards, while increasing representation and inclusivity in the wine industry. If you’ve never tried Assyrtiko, Negrette or White Pinot Noir, you need to pop into Margin’s Wine Cubby in downtown Santa Cruz for a sip.
Farm Stores + Farmers Markets
Far West Fungi Café + Store
Far West Fungi’s Santa Cruz café creates delicious dishes showcasing their fresh wild mushrooms. Savor the distinctive textures and flavors. Then, stock up at the store and recreate your new favorite mushroom recipes at home.
Santa Cruz Certified Farmers Markets
The Santa Cruz farmers’ market highlights the best of the region. Peruse organic produce and pasture-raised meats, farm-fresh eggs, dairy, sustainably harvested seafood, and artisan goods—all while supporting responsible, ecological farming throughout the area. Explore one of the five Certified Farmers Markets for an authentic taste of Santa Cruz County!
Farm Fresh Foods
Penny Ice Creamery
Penny Ice Creamery makes artisanal ice cream that’s unmistakably Californian. Each scoop is crafted from scratch with milk from their own dairy, then infused with unexpected ingredients like green strawberries and fig leaves. Ready to see what the fuss is all about? Visit their Santa Cruz storefront or look for Penny Ice Creamery at local farmers markets!
Shadowbrook
Shadowbrook is famous for its creamy artichoke soup, but you’ll find that their entire menu is a love letter to California produce – some of which is grown in their picturesque rooftop garden.
Pretty Good Advice
Seasonal produce takes center stage at Pretty Good Advice, a beloved Santa Cruz vegetarian restaurant. The fruits, vegetables, and eggs that grace the menu are grown at the restaurant’s nearby 83-acre farm, creating a direct connection between field and plate.
Boardwalk
Calling a visit to the Boardwalk “agritourism” is a stretch – but this iconic seaside amusement park does offer up a variety of snacks showcasing California Grown goodness. Strawberry funnel cakes, roasted corn, fried artichokes, twisty potatoes and garlic fries all offer an authentic taste of the Golden State.
Article by Hilary Rance. Photography by James Collier and Hilary Rance.