Santa Cruzis thecounty seatand largest city ofSanta Cruz County,California.Situated on the northern edge ofMonterey Bay, about 32mi (51km) south ofSan Joseand 75mi (120km) south ofSan Francisco, the city is part of the 12-countySan Jose-San Francisco-Oakland Combined Statistical Area.
Santa Cruz is known for its moderate climate, the natural beauty of its coastline,redwoodforests, alternative community lifestyles, and socially liberal leanings. It is also home to theUniversity of California, Santa Cruz, a premier research institution and educational hub, as well as theSanta Cruz Beach Boardwalk, an oceanfront amusement park operating continuously since 1907.
The present-day site of Santa Cruz was the location of Spanish settlement beginning in 1791, includingMission Santa Cruzand thepuebloofBranciforte. Following theMexican–American Warof 1846–48, California became the 31st state in 1850. The City of Santa Cruz was incorporated in 1866 and chartered in April 1876.Important early industries included lumber,gunpowder, lime and agriculture. Late in the 19th century, Santa Cruz established itself as abeach resort community.