Long before the arrival of Spanish soldiers, explorers, missionaries, and colonists in the late 18th century, Santa Cruz County had been inhabited by indigenous peoples for at least 12,000 years. Most of the region was home to the Awaswas tribe, which was a fairly small tribe made up of no more than 1,000 people. It was, however, just one of many that lived in numerous small villages that were scattered around the Monterey Bay and San Francisco Bay areas.
The first Europeans arrived in the region in 1769 via an expedition led by Gaspar de Portolá. In 1791, Father Fermín Lasuén established La Misión de la Exaltación de la Santa Cruz, which was the 12th of the 21 Spanish missions established in the area as a means of converting local indigenous tribes to Christianity and teaching them the Spanish way of life. The missions themselves became small communities, however, and the communities that grew up around them generally took on the name of the mission. In the 1820s, the region fell under the control of a newly independent Mexico. The new government attempted to rename the community that had grown up around the Santa Cruz Mission, but the new name didn't catch on and the community went right on being called Santa Cruz.
In the 1840s, immigrants from the eastern portion of the ever-expanding United States began to arrive in steadily increasing numbers. In 1848, following the Mexican–American War, Mexico ceded the territory of Alta California to the U.S. Alta California consisted of what would later become the states of California, Nevada, and Utah, as well as parts of Arizona, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. In 1850, California became the first region in the territory to become a U.S. state. That same year, Santa Cruz County was established, and Santa Cruz was incorporated as a town in 1866.
While you're in Santa Cruz, you'll definitely want to visit one of the area's most famous attractions, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Fans of '80s movies will recognize this location as the scene of the cult classic vampire movie "The Lost Boys."
Gilroy Garlic Festival - This event takes place every August in nearby Gilroy.
Carmel Bach Festival - California's oldest music festival, which has been held for 80 years, takes place every fall.
Monterey Scottish Games & Celtic Festival - This raucous festival takes place each summer in Monterey.
Coastal and Central California are home to a number of great national parks and scenic outdoor wonders. Head just a bit east to Pinnacles National Park, which offers a variety of terrain to explore, from grasslands and woodlands to canyon bottoms and bat caves. No visit to central California would be complete without a trip to Yosemite National Park, which offers nearly 1,200 square miles of high cliffs and outcroppings, waterfalls, ancient sequoias, and wilderness. Of course, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls are not to be missed as well. Kings Canyon National Park is home to giant impressive-looking sequoia groves and the General Grant Tree, which was proclaimed The Nation’s Christmas Tree by President Coolidge.
New Brighton State Beach is just four miles from Santa Cruz. Long before it became a popular beach in the area, it was a Chinese fishing village and then a private resort. Some of the activities you can enjoy at this park include hiking, fishing, and swimming, as well as numerous opportunities to study a wide range of sea life in its native habitat. Just three miles to the north but high up in the Santa Cruz Mountains, you'll find Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, which offers a fascinating geological view into the watershed of the San Lorenzo River. A 15-minute drive to nearby Watsonville will bring you to Sunset State Beach, which is near multiple harbors, natural preserves, and museums.
Among the finest California landmarks anywhere in the state is Monterey Bay Aquarium. It's known for the array of unique programming and exhibits, which are both educational and entertaining. The aquarium is also conveniently located close to the end of Cannery Row, an area that captivates visitors from all over the world with its luxurious waterfront hotels, enticing restaurants, and captivating boutiques. You'll also want to take a quick visit to the nearby Point Pinos Lighthouse, which is the oldest continually operating lighthouse on the West Coast and is included in the National Register of Historic Places.
The top choices for RV parks in the area include the Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday, which is just outside of nearby Watsonville. This RV park is relatively large and features a number of amenities, including a fully stocked camp store and kitchen, multiple playgrounds, and a location within walking distance of the beach. For those who prefer a smaller park, the Marina Dunes RV Park is located about halfway between Santa Cruz and Monterey in the town of Marina. Conveniently located right off Highway 1, Marina Dunes RV Park features beach access, proximity to a Walmart, and other amenities within walking distance. Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park in downtown Santa Cruz offers a beautiful view of the water right from where you park. You'll even be able to spot the Walton Lighthouse from the park.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Santa Cruz, CA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Santa Cruz?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Santa Cruz from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Santa Cruz?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
