SantaCruz.org; @VisitSantaCruz—Santa Cruz offers coastal charm and natural beauty, making it a standout choice for meetings. With its easy access from San Jose-Mineta International Airport and proximity to major Bay Area cities, Santa Cruz pairs convenience with an atmosphere that encourages both productivity and relaxation. Attendees can enjoy the rare opportunity to experience redwood forests and sandy beaches within minutes of each other, along with an array of family-friendly attractions and activities. “Santa Cruz County is the only leisure beach in the Bay Area offering sunshine and an abundance of things to do,” says Christina Glynn, director of communications for Santa Cruz County. “Redwoods forests are a short drive from the ocean, approximately 15 minutes, and we offer a variety of things to do in a relatively small radius.”
Santa Cruz County boasts a range of lodging and meeting options across approximately 4,295 guest rooms. The area recently welcomed its first luxury beachfront property, the highly anticipated La Bahia Hotel + Spa. Featuring 155 rooms, the property merges Spanish-Mediterranean architecture with Art Deco flair and offers 13,000 square feet of flexible event space, including a grand ballroom and rooftop deck. For large-scale gatherings, The Grove – Santa Cruz Event Center (formerly the iconic Cocoanut Grove at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk) continues its legacy as the Bay Area’s largest ocean-view event venue; its 20,000-square-foot ballroom can accommodate everything from conferences to trade shows. Additional group-friendly accommodations include the hilltop Chaminade Resort & Spa, the oceanfront Dream Inn Santa Cruz, Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz, and Four Points by Sheraton Santa Cruz, each offering a fusion of comfort, convenience, and event-ready spaces.
