Santa Cruz: Museums, Exhibitions & Discounts

Santa Cruz is a vibrant coastal city located in Central California, known for its beautiful coastline along Monterey Bay and its rich cultural heritage. The city, established in 1866, combines the laid-back atmosphere of a beach town with a strong intellectual presence, largely due to the University of California, Santa Cruz.

The area has a significant place in California's history, originally inhabited by the Ohlone people before Spanish colonization. Santa Cruz developed through various periods, from a Spanish mission settlement to a prominent logging and lime-processing center, and eventually into the current education and tourism hub.

The city maintains a strong artistic community and has been influential in both visual and performing arts. Its cultural landscape is shaped by a mix of historic architecture, public art installations, and numerous cultural venues. The downtown area serves as a cultural center, hosting various arts events and featuring multiple galleries. The city's environmental consciousness and commitment to preservation have helped maintain its historic districts and natural landscapes, making it an important destination for both cultural and natural heritage.