Overview
Pasatiempo is a small, unincorporated community of roughly 1,000 residents situated in Santa Cruz County, California, just inland from the city of Santa Cruz. It sits at the edge of the Santa Cruz Mountains foothills at an elevation that gives it slightly cooler, drier air than the beachfront areas a few miles west.
The community is best known for Pasatiempo Golf Club, a private course designed by Scottish architect Alister MacKenzie and opened in 1929. MacKenzie — who also designed Augusta National and Cypress Point — considered Pasatiempo among his finest work, and it regularly appears on lists of the top historic courses in the United States.
Beyond golf, Pasatiempo functions primarily as a residential neighborhood. Travelers typically visit as part of a broader Santa Cruz County itinerary, using it as a quieter base away from the busier beachfront. The surrounding area offers easy access to redwood forests, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and the University of California, Santa Cruz campus.
Before You Go
Visas
Passtiempo is within the United States. For visa requirements, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the official U.S. embassy or consulate for your country.
What to Pack
- Layers are advisable year-round; coastal fog can make mornings cool even in summer
- Sunscreen and sunglasses for afternoon rounds of golf or outdoor activities
- A light rain jacket if visiting between November and March
Good to Know
- Pasatiempo Golf Club is a private club; access for non-members typically requires a reciprocal arrangement with another private club or an invitation from a member. Verify current guest policies directly with the club before planning a visit around golf.
- There are no large commercial centers within Pasatiempo itself; dining, shopping, and services are in adjacent Santa Cruz.
Getting There
By Air
The nearest major airport is Mineta San José International Airport (SJC), approximately 35–40 miles northeast. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is roughly 75 miles north. Both are served by major domestic and international carriers. Verify current ground transport options from each airport, as shuttle and rideshare availability changes.
By Car
Pasatiempo is accessible via Highway 17 from San Jose or Highway 1 from San Francisco. A car is strongly recommended, as the community has no significant pedestrian infrastructure for visitors. From Highway 17, take the Pasatiempo Drive exit.
By Train or Bus
Amtrak does not serve Santa Cruz directly. Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (SCMTD) buses operate throughout the county; verify current routes and stops on the SCMTD website, as Pasatiempo's residential location means stops may require a short walk.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle or rideshare app is the practical choice for getting around Pasatiempo and the broader Santa Cruz area. The community itself is compact and walkable for residents, but visitor attractions are spread across the region.
Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) operate in Santa Cruz County; availability can be limited late at night or during peak beach season weekends. Taxis are available but less common — verify locally.
Cycling is feasible on some routes toward Santa Cruz, though Highway 17 and surrounding roads can carry fast-moving traffic. Check Santa Cruz County's trail and bike route maps for safer cycling corridors.
Things to See & Do
Pasatiempo Golf Club
The primary draw for visitors is the Alister MacKenzie–designed golf course. The layout follows natural terrain with dramatic elevation changes, native oaks, and deep ravines. Because it is a private club, prospective visitors should contact the club directly well in advance to understand current guest access policies.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
A short drive from Pasatiempo, this state park offers trails through old-growth coastal redwoods, some among the tallest trees in the world. Entry fees and hours should be verified on the California State Parks website before visiting.
UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden
The university's arboretum maintains collections of plants from California, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. It is open to the public; verify current hours and any admission fees directly with the arboretum.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
About five miles west, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is one of the few remaining seaside amusement parks on the West Coast, operating since 1907. Admission to the boardwalk itself is generally free; rides require separate tickets. Confirm current pricing and hours on the Boardwalk's official site.
Food & Drink
Pasatiempo has no restaurants or bars within the community itself. Visitors eat and drink in Santa Cruz, which has a wide range of options from casual tacos to farm-to-table dining reflecting the agricultural richness of the Monterey Bay region.
The Santa Cruz Farmers Market is a popular local institution; verify current days, times, and locations on the Santa Cruz Community Farmers Markets website. The downtown Santa Cruz area on Pacific Avenue has a concentration of independent cafés, breweries, and restaurants.
For grocery needs, supermarkets are located in neighboring Santa Cruz neighborhoods. Verify hours locally, particularly on holidays.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
For all emergencies in the United States, dial 911. Pasatiempo falls under the jurisdiction of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office for law enforcement and the local fire district for fire and medical response.
Healthcare
Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz is the nearest full-service hospital. Verify its current address and urgent care options locally or via the hospital's official website.
Connectivity
Cell coverage from major U.S. carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) is generally available. Wi-Fi is standard in most Santa Cruz area accommodations.
Money
ATMs and banks are located in Santa Cruz. Credit and debit cards are accepted at virtually all businesses in the region. Contactless payment is widely available.
Safety
Pasatiempo is a quiet, low-traffic residential community with no particular safety concerns for visitors beyond standard travel precautions. Lock vehicles and do not leave valuables visible, especially at trailheads and beach parking areas in the broader Santa Cruz County area.
Hiking in the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains warrants awareness of wildlife including mountain lions, coyotes, and rattlesnakes. Follow posted trail guidance and carry water.
Coastal waters near Santa Cruz can have strong currents and cold temperatures. Swim only at patrolled beaches and heed posted flags and warnings.
