10 Things Every New Santa Cruz County Resident Should Do in Their First 30 Days

By Lisa Bibbee | Coldwell Banker Realty
📲 831.295.0065 | 🌐 homebylisab.com

Moving to Santa Cruz County isn’t just a relocation — it’s a lifestyle shift.
Whether you’ve landed in a Capitola beach home, an Aptos oceanfront retreat, or a Neighborhood in Santa Cruz, your first month here sets the tone for how deeply you’ll fall in love with coastal living.

As a local, top-producing Realtor®, I always tell my clients: don’t rush — savor it.
Here are the 10 things every new Santa Cruz County resident should do in their first 30 days.

1. Walk West Cliff Drive at Sunset

This is non-negotiable.

West Cliff is the heartbeat of Santa Cruz — a breathtaking coastal trail where surfers, locals, and visitors gather nightly to watch the sun disappear into the Pacific.

You’ll see:
• Surfers catching their last wave
• Sea lions lounging below
• Whales during migration season
• Some of the best sunsets in California

Pro tip: Bring a light jacket and walk it slowly. This is where you realize you made the right move.

2. Spend a Full Day in Capitola Village

Capitola Village isn’t just adorable — it’s iconic.

Spend a full day doing absolutely nothing productive:
• Morning coffee by the water
• Lunch on the Esplanade
• Barefoot beach walks
• Afternoon shopping
• Dinner overlooking the ocean

Living near Capitola beach homes means this can be your everyday life — not a vacation.

3. Learn Your “Local” Beaches

Every beach here has its own personality.

• Rio Del Mar – family-friendly, wide sandy shoreline
• Seabright – harbor access and laid-back vibes
• Pleasure Point – surf culture + oceanfront energy
• Natural Bridges – dramatic scenery and monarch butterflies

Locals don’t just go to “the beach” — they go to their beach.

4. Support Local Coffee & Food Spots

Santa Cruz County has an incredible food scene.

Must-try staples:
• Verve Coffee Roasters
• Gayle’s Bakery
• Mentone (Aptos)
• Shadowbrook (Capitola classic)

Supporting local businesses is part of the culture — and you’ll quickly have “your spot.”

5. Explore Aptos Like a Local

Aptos is often quieter than Santa Cruz but offers some of the most beautiful oceanfront living in the county.

Spend time:
• Walking Rio Del Mar Beach
• Visiting Seascape Resort
• Exploring Nisene Marks redwood trails

Many buyers looking for Aptos oceanfront homes fall in love the moment they slow down here.

6. Visit the Redwoods

One of the greatest luxuries of Santa Cruz County?
You get ocean and redwoods.

Henry Cowell, Nisene Marks, and Big Basin offer soul-resetting hikes just minutes from the coast.

7. Attend a Community Event

Farmers markets, art walks, surf contests, live music — this community loves gathering. There are numerous volunteer opportunities. Key organizations including the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, Second Harvest Food Bank, Grey Bears (seniors & food), Homeless Garden Project, Meals on Wheels, and St. Francis Catholic Kitchen. You can also help at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, Walnut Avenue Center, or mentor with groups like Boys to Men.

Love to garden or want to learn?

The Homeless Garden Project needs You.

Volunteer- drop in for an hour… or stay for longer!

Open 10- 4pm Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mon). Shaffer Rd, Santa Cruz. They also have yummy organic produce you can buy.

You can also volunteer in the store. They have 2 locations (Downtown Santa Cruz & Capitola).

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Such a wonderful community!

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Showing up is how Santa Cruz starts to feel like home.

8. Learn the Weather Rhythm

Foggy mornings, sunny afternoons, stunning sunsets — this is coastal living. Always pack a swimsuit & a jacket, be prepared for changing temperatures.

Once you understand the rhythm, you’ll dress like a local and feel like one too.

9. Get Comfortable with Outdoor Living

Decks, patios, fire pits, ocean-view balconies — homes here are designed to blur indoor and outdoor space.

Luxury living in Santa Cruz means living with nature, not against it.

10. Meet Your Local Realtor (Hi 👋)

Whether you just bought or you’re still exploring, having a local expert matters.

I help clients navigate not just real estate — but lifestyle, neighborhoods, and long-term value in Santa Cruz luxury real estate.

🌴 Ready to Live Like a Local?

Love Where You Live.

Call/Text: 831.295.0065
Website: homebylisab.com
Lisa Bibbee | Coldwell Banker Realty | CalDRE#02348001

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