TranslateOverview
Pasatiempo is a small, predominantly residential community in Santa Cruz County, California, situated just inland from the city of Santa Cruz at an elevation that gives it a slightly warmer, drier microclimate than the coast. With a population of just over 1,000, it is not a conventional tourist destination in the usual sense — there are no downtown shops, major museums, or nightlife strips.
What puts Pasatiempo on the map for a particular type of traveler is its historic golf course. Pasatiempo Golf Club, designed by the legendary Scottish-American architect Alister MacKenzie and opened in 1929, is widely regarded as one of the finest and most historically significant golf courses in the United States. MacKenzie went on to co-design Augusta National and Cypress Point, and Pasatiempo is considered a core part of his legacy.
Beyond golf, the neighborhood functions as a peaceful base from which to explore Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the broader Monterey Bay region. Visitors typically combine Pasatiempo with a broader Santa Cruz itinerary rather than treating it as a standalone destination.
Before You Go
Visas
Pasatiempo is in the United States. Entry requirements depend on your nationality and travel history. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for current requirements before booking.
What to Know Before Arriving
- Pasatiempo has no commercial center. Restaurants, grocery stores, fuel, and most services are in adjacent Santa Cruz, a short drive away.
- The golf club is a private membership club; tee times for non-members are available but limited — verify availability and booking procedures directly with Pasatiempo Golf Club before your trip.
- A personal vehicle is essentially required for getting around, as public transit options to and within the neighborhood are minimal.
- Summers are warm and dry; coastal fog can roll in during mornings even in summer. Layered clothing is advisable year-round.
Getting There
By Air
The nearest major airport is Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC), roughly 35–40 miles northeast of Pasatiempo. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is also accessible, approximately 75 miles north. Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is a smaller option about 45 miles to the south. Verify current travel times, as Highway 17 connecting San José to Santa Cruz is frequently congested, particularly on weekends.
By Car
Most visitors arrive by car via Highway 17 from the San José side or Highway 1 along the coast. Pasatiempo is accessible directly from Highway 17; the neighborhood is well signposted from the highway exit. Parking within the community and at the golf club is generally available.
By Bus or Train
Amtrak does not serve Santa Cruz directly. Regional bus services (Santa Cruz METRO) connect Santa Cruz to San José and other Bay Area points, though service to Pasatiempo itself is limited. Verify current routes and schedules at scmtd.com.
Getting Around
Pasatiempo is a compact, walkable neighborhood internally, but reaching anything beyond its borders — restaurants, beaches, shops — requires a vehicle or rideshare. Uber and Lyft operate in the greater Santa Cruz area, though availability in this specific residential enclave can be inconsistent.
Santa Cruz proper, with its full range of amenities, is only a few minutes by car. Visitors staying in Santa Cruz who want to visit the golf course should plan for a short drive rather than assuming walkability.
Where to Stay
There are no hotels or vacation rental properties within Pasatiempo's residential boundaries. Accommodation options are in Santa Cruz proper, which has a full range from budget motels along Ocean Street to boutique hotels and vacation rentals closer to the beach and downtown areas. Capitola and Aptos, both within 10–15 minutes by car, offer additional options with a quieter character.
For those visiting specifically for golf, it is worth checking whether any Santa Cruz area properties have arrangements with Pasatiempo Golf Club. Booking well in advance is advisable during summer and holiday weekends, as Santa Cruz is a popular California coastal destination.
Things to See & Do
Pasatiempo Golf Club
The central attraction for most visitors is the Alister MacKenzie golf course itself. Opened in 1929 and largely preserved in its original design intent, the course features the dramatic bunkering, naturalistic routing, and strategic variety that define MacKenzie's work. It has appeared consistently on national and international rankings of the best golf courses. Non-member tee times are available but should be arranged well in advance; contact the club directly to confirm current booking policies, fees, and availability.
Exploring the Grounds and Architecture
Even for those with a passing interest in golf history or landscape design, walking the MacKenzie-era clubhouse area and taking in the topography of the property has architectural and historical merit. MacKenzie himself lived on the property in his later years.
Nearby Natural Areas
The Santa Cruz Mountains begin effectively at Pasatiempo's doorstep. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, with old-growth coastal redwood groves and hiking trails, is a short drive away. The San Lorenzo River corridor and various mountain trails are accessible within 15–20 minutes by car.
Santa Cruz Coastline
The beaches, boardwalk, and surf culture of Santa Cruz are a short drive west, making Pasatiempo a convenient base for combining golf with coastal activities.
Food & Drink
There are no restaurants or cafes within Pasatiempo itself. The golf club has dining facilities for members and guests playing the course — verify what is available to non-members when booking your tee time.
For broader dining, Santa Cruz offers a wide range of options from casual taqueries and surf-town diners to farm-to-table restaurants reflecting the agricultural richness of the Monterey Bay region. The Westside and downtown Santa Cruz neighborhoods are considered the most concentrated areas for dining. Capitola, a small beach city immediately south of Santa Cruz, also has a good concentration of cafes and restaurants. Verify current hours and reservations locally or through the restaurants directly.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
The U.S. emergency number is 911 for police, fire, and medical emergencies. Santa Cruz County Sheriff and local Santa Cruz city police both serve the broader area.
Connectivity
Cellular coverage is generally good throughout the neighborhood. Wi-Fi is available at most Santa Cruz area accommodations and cafes.
Useful Contacts
- Pasatiempo Golf Club: verify current contact details on their official website
- Santa Cruz County Visitors Council: visit santacruz.org for regional information (verify URL is current)
- Santa Cruz METRO (transit): scmtd.com
Accessibility
The golf course terrain is hilly; discuss accessibility needs directly with the club before visiting. Santa Cruz city has standard ADA facilities.
Safety
Pasatiempo is a quiet, low-density residential neighborhood with no particular safety concerns noted for visitors. Standard common-sense precautions apply: do not leave valuables visible in parked cars, and be aware of your surroundings when hiking in adjacent mountain areas, where wildlife including mountain lions and rattlesnakes are occasionally encountered.
Highway 17, the primary route connecting Pasatiempo/Santa Cruz to San José, has a reputation for accidents due to its winding, mountainous character and high traffic volume. Drive carefully, observe speed limits, and allow extra time for the crossing especially during peak travel periods and in poor weather.
