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Santa Cruz, California is a popular beachfront resort community and retirement area.

Santa Cruz CA History

In 1769, Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portolà discovered the area that is now the city of Santa Cruz. He named the river San Lorenzo in honor of Saint Lawrence and he called the rolling hills above the river Santa Cruz, which means holy cross. Twenty-two years later, in 1791, Father Fermín Lasuén established the Mission Santa Cruz, also known as La Misión de la Exaltación de la Santa Cruz, the twelfth mission founded in California.

By the 1820’s, Mexico had assumed control of the area and within the next twenty years, American settlers began to arrive in great numbers. California became a state in 1849 and Santa Cruz County was created in 1850 as one of the twenty-seven original counties of California. The town of Santa Cruz incorporated in 1866 and received its first charter as a city in 1876.

By 1900, logging, lime processing, agriculture, and commercial fishing industries prospered in the area. Due to its mild climate and scenic beauty, Santa Cruz also became a prominent resort community.

Santa Cruz California – Downtown Is Pedestrian-Friendly, Tree-Lined

Today, Santa Cruz California is still a popular resort beach community. A few blocks from the beach is Santa Cruz's newly renovated downtown. It’s pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined streets comprise many shops and galleries, outdoor bistros and sidewalk musicians. In addition, Santa Cruz has arguably the most active Veteran community in the United States.