The tech ecosystem in Santa Cruz is thriving. It attracts talent from across the country who immerse themselves in our network of coworking spaces, meetups, and burgeoning companies.

Each year over 1 million tourists visit Santa Cruz to take in the beaches, visit our world famous boardwalk, explore the mountains, and kick back at the numerous breweries and restaurants unique to our Central Coast city.

With miles of mountain trails, world famous surf spots, and an average of 262 days of sunshine a year, the opportunities are endless for extreme sports and outdoor recreation.

Craft is culture in Santa Cruz. You don't have to go far to find a local bakery, charcuterie, brewery, distillery, winery, ice creamery, and meet other fine food producers and connoisseurs who are all dedicated to locally sourced, high-quality products.

Set on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the incredible mix of marine species that live here provide the optimal location for research on marine life, coastal conservation, and other marine science endeavors.

Santa Cruz is at the center of the organic agriculture certification movement and this industry is supported by major institutions.

The human genome was first mapped at UCSC, and the University remains a leader in the genomics field. The discoveries and research conducted at UCSC have resulted in the creation of several private genomics based companies.

Feeding off of the culture of the community and the talent drawn from renowned UCSC programs, the growing creative economy in Santa Cruz provides opportunities for freelancers, firms, artists, and craftspeople to prosper.

The presence of creative and artisanal goods has promoted a range of retail offerings from boutique outfitters to world-renowned international brands.