Did you know that Santa Cruz County has over fourteen state parks? Day hikes are the best way to explore them as you can travel through scenery ranging from towering redwoods and babbling streams to mountaintop views plunging to the ocean. Although you may not be able to get to all the parks in on
Want to know where locals go for some of the best hikes with striking views in Santa Cruz? From peeks of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on clear days to large open vistas of the Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz boasts a multitude of short hikes with Instagram-worthy vistas. These routes can be completed in a
As part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, sea life is abundant in and around Santa Cruz County. Throughout the year it is possible to see sightings of common porpoises, humpback whales, sea lions, seals, and the ever-present sea otters. Seen from the deck of a sailboat, in the seat of a kayak, on
When most folks think of Santa Cruz County, they imagine its iconic beaches and breathtaking coastline, but the small, forested communities in the Santa Cruz Mountains are just as dreamy as its ocean views. Known as San Lorenzo Valley (SLV), the area is comprised of the towns of Felton, Ben Lomond, Brookdale, and Boulder Creek
Ocean waves? Check. Hikes with stunning vistas? Yup. Forest tours 150 feet up in the trees? We’ve got that too. From biking the newly opened coastal trail to ziplining through the redwoods, Santa Cruz is a place where both adrenaline junkies and those looking for the town’s laid-back vibe can play. All that’s required is