Scotts Valley, CA

Travel Guide
Bay Area which includes forest scenes, a garden and hiking or walking
Located in the heart of beautiful Santa Cruz County, this small city is a scenic paradise situated between the Pacific Coast and the Santa Cruz Mountains. 

Just 7 miles (11.2 kilometers) from the Pacific Ocean, Scotts Valley is one of California's most popular coastal destinations. The city is located off the Pacific Coast Highway, which runs along nearly the entire Pacific coast of California. Drive this north-south route to see and photograph some of the most breathtaking views the West Coast has to offer.

Within Scotts Valley, find a variety of attractions. Visit Scott House, a New England-style house built of local redwood in 1853 by the city’s namesake. Follow the Heritage Trees Tour, a self-guided tour of all the notable trees in the area, including redwoods, cypresses and oaks. The dog-friendly Skypark is perfect for picnicking or kicking around a soccer ball.

Scotts Valley sits at the northern end of Monterey Bay, known for its gorgeous vistas and seascapes. The city of Monterey is just an hour’s drive south on the other end of the bay. This upscale seaside village has a rich literary past: John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row, Tortilla Flat and East of Eden all paid it tribute. Robert Louis Stevenson stayed there while writing several of his books. Today, explore Monterey’s main attraction, the Monterey Bay Aquarium in a former sardine cannery on Cannery Row.

The city of Santa Cruz, a popular coastal destination for tourists, is just a 10-minute drive south from Scotts Valley. The area has several spectacular parks and beaches. See the bridge-like natural rock formation across a section of the beach at Natural Bridges State Beach. Watch for color in the air from October through February, when up to 100,000 monarch butterflies fly through the area on their migration south. Nearby, Steamer Lane is a world-famous surfing spot known for its huge waves and beautiful beach.

Just minutes from the Pacific Ocean, Scotts Valley provides scenic beauty and cultural appreciation. Enjoy the temperate climate, diverse attractions and stunning location that this California city offers throughout the year. For more information on attractions and events in the Scotts Valley region, be sure to check the official Santa Cruz County Conference & Visitors Council website.

Best Western Plus Inn Scotts Valley
Best Western Plus Inn Scotts Valley
2.5 out of 5
6020 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, CA
The price is ¥14,517 per night from Apr 9 to Apr 10
¥14,517
per night
Apr 9 - Apr 10
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Scotts Valley. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Quiet and convenient"

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Best Western Plus Inn Scotts Valley
Four Points by Sheraton Santa Cruz Scotts Valley
Four Points by Sheraton Santa Cruz Scotts Valley
3 out of 5
5030 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, CA
The price is ¥18,009 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
¥18,009
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Scotts Valley. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (698 reviews)
"Yes"

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2024

Four Points by Sheraton Santa Cruz Scotts Valley
The Westin San Jose
The Westin San Jose
4 out of 5
302 South Market Street, San Jose, CA
The price is ¥22,550 per night from Apr 22 to Apr 23
¥22,550
per night
Apr 22 - Apr 23
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,015 reviews)
"Rooms are quite small but nicely appointed."

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2024

The Westin San Jose
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Fern River Resort
Fern River Resort
3 out of 5
5250 Highway 9, Felton, CA
Stay at this 3-star beach cabin in Felton. Enjoy free parking, a private beach, and WiFi. Popular attractions Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Mystery Spot are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (336 reviews)
"Very clean and quiet resort with excellent and easy checkin/out process. We’d definitely go again."

Reviewed on Mar 10, 2024

Fern River Resort
2 Room Suite - Indoor Pool and Spa - Walk to the Boardwalk - No Cleaning Fee!
2 Room Suite - Indoor Pool and Spa - Walk to the Boardwalk - No Cleaning Fee!
Santa Cruz
Stay at this hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and 2 bedrooms. Popular attractions Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Pacific Garden Mall are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (9 reviews)
Birthday trip
"We stayed here for a birthday weekend getaway and this was place was nice! There were slight annoyances like they won’t bring water up to your room, you have to pay for it and it is cash only and I did not see an ATM. We received a noise complaint around 8 pm Friday night when in our opinion we’re ..."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

2 Room Suite - Indoor Pool and Spa - Walk to the Boardwalk - No Cleaning Fee!
Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor BEACH Cottage ...  small pet considered
Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor BEACH Cottage ... small pet considered
Santa Cruz
Stay at this cottage in Santa Cruz. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and barbecue grills. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Santa ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (262 reviews)
Awesome
"It was very relaxing, In walking distance of the beach"

Reviewed on Feb 27, 2024

Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor BEACH Cottage ... small pet considered
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Scotts Valley

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
37
" "5 - Excellent 43.02325581395349%
4 - Good
43
" "4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
6
" "3 - Okay 6.976744186046512%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

MMM
Jan 15, 2020

Jennifer is my only complaint

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Oct 19, 2019

The locals at Felton music hall were lame!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 15, 2019

Room is clean and the bed so comfy

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Sep 24, 2019

LOVED ALL the local shops, Zinnias the best shop of all the places we visited. Excellent location, close to return from all the different places we went. Friendly staff and clean rooms.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Sep 16, 2019

Didn't actually get to check out anything in Scott's Valley, just wanted to stay close to Santa Cruz

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Aug 11, 2019

Henry Cowell Park is great place to visit because of its unique beauty. Roaring Camp railroad is also worth the fare.

Cities near Scotts Valley