Santa Cruz County, County seat on the Pacific coast in California, United States.
Santa Cruz County is a coastal county in California, United States, stretching along Monterey Bay and the Pacific shoreline. The territory runs from sandy beaches and coastal bluffs inland toward forested ridges and river valleys dotted with towns and agricultural land.
The administrative unit was formed in 1850 during California's early statehood and takes its name from a former Spanish mission settlement. By the late 18th century, Spain had established a settlement in the area that later passed through Mexican and American hands.
The University of California Santa Cruz and Cabrillo College contribute to the educational environment, serving thousands of students across multiple academic programs.
Several state highways connect the coastal areas to neighboring counties and pass through valleys and mountain passes leading inland. Visitors can reach different beach sections and trailheads, with coastal routes often busier during summer months.
Along the shoreline lie several protected zones for endangered species, including rare amphibians and birds that inhabit wetlands and stream channels. These areas are often accessible only on marked trails to avoid disturbing the sensitive habitats.
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