Scotts Valley
Santa Cruz Mountains Gateway
The Best of Both Worlds
Scotts Valley sits in the Santa Cruz Mountains, just 15 minutes from the beach and 30 minutes from Silicon Valley. It's where families come for good schools, sunny weather (no coastal fog!), and easy access to both redwood forests and ocean beaches.
This small mountain town of about 12,000 people offers a suburban feel with outdoor adventure at your doorstep. You're surrounded by redwoods, minutes from hiking trails, and close enough to Santa Cruz to enjoy the coast whenever you want - but you'll actually get parking and sunshine.
The Vibe
Family-Oriented
Great schools, safe neighborhoods, and lots of kids. Soccer fields, playgrounds, and family-friendly activities.
Sunny & Warm
Above the fog line! While the coast is gray, Scotts Valley is often sunny and 10-15°F warmer.
Mountain Living
Surrounded by redwood forests and hiking trails. You'll see deer in your yard and hear owls at night.
Suburban & Quiet
Strip malls, chain restaurants, and residential neighborhoods. Not trendy, but practical and comfortable.
What to Do in Scotts Valley
🎢 Sky Park at Santa's Village
Scotts Valley's biggest attraction - a Christmas-themed amusement park with rides, zip lines, rock climbing, and seasonal events. Great for families with kids. Open seasonally (check website).
Address: 5555 Scotts Valley Dr • Tickets required • skyparksantasvillage.com
🌲 Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Just down the hill from Scotts Valley, this state park has the famous Redwood Grove Loop Trail (0.8 miles, easy) through old-growth redwoods. Also offers longer hikes, picnic areas, and the Roaring Camp Railroad.
Location: 5 min drive • $10 parking • Easy trails for all ages
🥾 Mountain Hiking
Scotts Valley is surrounded by trails. Try Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail (access from nearby), Quail Hollow Ranch (wildflowers in spring), or explore the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Tip: Bring layers - it can be cool in the shade under the redwoods
🥏 DeLaveaga Disc Golf Course
One of the world's best disc golf courses, located in nearby DeLaveaga Park. Challenging wooded course with 27 holes. Free to play (bring your own discs or rent nearby).
Location: 10 min to Santa Cruz • Free • All skill levels
🚂 Roaring Camp Railroads
Historic steam train rides through the redwoods. The Redwood Forest Steam Train is a 1-hour loop through Henry Cowell. Perfect for families and train enthusiasts.
Location: 5 min from Scotts Valley • Tickets required • roaringcamp.com
🏖️ Easy Beach Access
Scotts Valley is 15 minutes from Santa Cruz beaches via Highway 17. Head down the hill for boardwalk, surfing, and coastal activities, then return to sunny mountain weather.
Closest Beaches: Main Beach (15 min) • Natural Bridges (20 min)
Where to Eat & Drink
Scotts Valley has mostly chain restaurants and casual dining. For unique local spots, head down to Santa Cruz (15 min).
🍕 Scotts Valley Pizza Company
Local pizza spot with craft beer. Family-friendly.
🍔 Typical Chains
In-N-Out, Starbucks, Chipotle, Panera - all the usual suspects.
🍺 Sante Adairius (nearby)
World-class brewery in Capitola (20 min drive). Worth the trip for beer lovers.
☕ Starbucks & Peet's
Multiple coffee chains. For local roasters, head to Santa Cruz.
Practical Information
🚗Getting There
- • Highway 17 from San Jose (30 min)
- • Highway 17 from Santa Cruz (15 min)
- • Mount Hermon Rd exit
- • Plenty of parking everywhere
🌡️Weather
- • Above the fog line
- • 10-15°F warmer than coast
- • Sunny when Santa Cruz is foggy
- • Can be hot in summer (80s-90s)
🏪Shopping
- • Scotts Valley Town Center (Target, etc.)
- • Chain stores and services
- • Safeway, CVS, gas stations
- • For unique shops, go to Santa Cruz
🏡Lodging
- • Hilton Scotts Valley
- • Best Western Plus
- • Vacation rentals (Airbnb/VRBO)
- • Quieter & cheaper than beach hotels
Local Tips
🌡️Check the Weather: Scotts Valley can be 20°F warmer than the coast. Bring layers if you're going up and down the hill.
🚗Highway 17 Caution: The drive between Scotts Valley and San Jose is winding and can be dangerous. Drive carefully, especially at night or in rain.
🦌Wildlife: Watch for deer, especially at dawn and dusk. They're common in residential areas.
🌲Fire Season: Summer and fall bring fire risk. Be aware of fire danger levels and evacuation routes.
🏖️Best of Both: Stay in Scotts Valley for sunny weather and easy parking, then drive 15 min to the beach when you want ocean time.
Scotts Valley is Best For...
✅ Perfect For:
- • Families with kids
- • Those who want sun (not fog)
- • Redwood forest lovers
- • Budget-conscious travelers (cheaper lodging)
- • People visiting both Santa Cruz & Silicon Valley
- • Those who want easy parking
- • Nature lovers who also want conveniences
❌ Skip If:
- • You want to be at the beach
- • You're looking for nightlife or dining scene
- • You want walkable downtown vibes
- • You prefer unique local businesses over chains
- • You don't have a car (not walkable)
- • You want coastal fog and cool weather
Perfect Day Trip from Scotts Valley
Breakfast in Scotts Valley
Grab coffee and breakfast at a local spot
Henry Cowell Redwood Grove
Easy 1-hour walk through old-growth redwoods
Drive to Santa Cruz
15 minutes down Highway 17 to the beach
Lunch on the Wharf
Seafood with ocean views
Beach Time or Boardwalk
Surf, swim, or ride the roller coaster
Return to Scotts Valley
Back to sunshine and your hotel
Explore Nearby
Ready to Explore Scotts Valley?
Sunshine, redwoods, and easy beach access