Not every local treasure ends up at the gift shop. From a secret beach to a rare white redwood tree, these obscure destinations will reward those willing to stray from the beaten path.

NATURAL BRIDGES FARM

Seek out this magical coastal farm for pick-your-own organic berries and veggies, brilliant fresh flowers, and romantic farm dinners. There’s a charming farm stand with honey and ready produce but the real fun is heading into the field with shears and a basket to collect your own. Snip stalks of dino kale, pluck sweet strawberries, and assemble a vibrant bouquet from rows of colorful blooms.
Shaffer Road at Delaware Ave; Open Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm; The farm is a project of the Homeless Garden Project.

HOLE IN THE WALL BEACH

A secluded beach accessed by a sea cave? Yes, please. The Davenport coast hides some of the county’s most striking beaches and Hole in the Wall is a fitting example. You’ll park at Panther Beach, scramble down a rocky path, and arrive at a magnificent sea arch that leads to a hidden beach. Waves frequently pour through the arch, so you’ll need to time them before hurrying through the opening. What you’ll see when you emerge on the other side is a gorgeous expanse of sand backed by mesmerizing, sculpted walls of coastal bluffs (be forewarned that the secluded locale sometimes attracts au naturel sunbathers). Go early morning for pristine sand and fantastic beachcombing. And please remember to pack your trash.

SAND ROCK FARM

With a vintage Airstream, blooming gardens, a peaceful redwood grove, and the moss-covered ruins of an 1880s winery, this historic inn and event venue is one of the most spectacular settings in the county. The hidden property encompasses ten acres of fountains, landscaped paths, and private nooks to rest and relax. Inside the beautiful old farmhouse, a hulking stone fireplace and light-flooded sunrooms invite lounging. Lucky guests wake to Alta Organic coffee and a scrumptious breakfast – think goat cheese frittata with garden herbs- prepared by chef Derek Hagglof who owns the property with his wife Jennifer.
6901 Freedom Boulevard, Aptos

LOCH LOMOND RECREATION AREA

By now, you know that Santa Cruz does beaches, wine country and farmland exceptionally well. But were you aware that it’s also the home of a wondrous, recreational lake? The glimmering Loch Lomond reservoir is a slice of the High Sierras in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Explore secluded coves via a waterfront trail, cast a line for trout and bass, and cruise clear waters with your choice of rental boat. There’s a even a small island set with picnic tables that will inspire FOMO in all your online pals. Learn more about Loch Lomond here.
100 Loch Lomond Way, Felton

VENUS SPIRITS

A stone’s throw from the spirited swift street courtyard on Santa Cruz’s westside, the stylish tasting room at Venus Spirits offers samples of delicious small-batch, organic spirits. Bursting with bright botanicals, their richly-flavored gin will convert non-gin drinkers as well as craft the best G&T you’ve ever tasted. In addition to a series of rare whiskies, Venus produces the only “tequila” in California, an easy-sipping blue agave spirit dubbed El Ladron.

EVERGREEN CEMETERY

Get in the spirit for the upcoming Halloween season with this historic cemetery that feels like something out of Paranorman. You needn’t be a sullen goth teen to delight in the serene forested hillside that’s dotted with ornate, stone grave markers. Founded in 1850, the pioneer cemetery is one of the oldest in California and is currently maintained by the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. They invite visitors to explore Evergreen, meet some of Santa Cruz’s most famous residents, and learn of their wild exploits which shaped the city.
Adjacent to Harvey West Park, off Coral St.

BYRNE-MILLIRON FOREST

This secluded redwood forest hides 402 acres of hiking trails and the unique Great White Redwood tree whose towering bark has been bleached by centuries of direct sunlight. Scattered throughout the trails are a number of sculptures by the late Jeff Helmer who stewarded the land for years and hid his folky artworks as a treat for hikers. Start with the 2.5 mile Byrne Trail to A.J.’s Point which passes by some of the forest’s best artwork. The 3 mile Great White loop will lead you to its namesake tree. Byrne-Milliron Forest is free to the public and open every day, sunrise to sunset.
809 Browns Valley Rd, Corralitos

GARDEN OF EDEN

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park With a name like Garden of Eden, you know it’s good. The biblical honorific refers to a series of magnificent pools that form along the San Lorenzo River as it winds its way through redwood forests. Getting there is half the fun. You’ll park at the Ox Trail lot and trounce down a short path until you come to railroad tracks which, after turning right, lead to signs that prohibit alcohol, dogs, and diving. These signs mark a short path that descends to a picturesque grotto swimming in beauty.

SUNNY COVE BEACH

This local favorite is exactly what its truth-in-advertising name suggests: a gorgeous sunny cove that’s sheltered by coastal cliffs and obscured from the nearby road. You’ll catch locals frolicking amidst the surf and sunning themselves on the large sandy expanse. Extend your stay by snagging a cottage at Ocean Echo Inn which sits at the entrance to the cove.

ROOFTOP GARDEN

Santa Cruz Museum of Art + History seeks out this hidden gem that sits high above Downtown streets offering a peaceful oasis from the bustle below. Officially dubbed the Mary and Harry Blanchard Sculpture Garden, it features bold sculptures, colorful succulents, a soothing fountain, and relaxing seating to take it all in. Afterward, wander the indoor galleries whose engaging exhibits often transcend the usual museum experience.

EGG VENDING MACHINE

Glaum Egg Ranch The family-owned Glaum Egg Ranch in Aptos is home to a unique vending machine that provides not only fresh eggs but a song and dance too. As the automated machine dispenses a flat of eggs, a curtain lifts on an adjacent window to reveal a chorus line of animatronic chickens dancing and clucking along to Glenn Miller’s “In The Mood.” The brief show is made all the more festive by the decor and handmade costumes that celebrate the nearest holiday, from Valentine’s Day to Christmas. Although you won’t find vending machines at every local farm, you can find a wealth of other fresh-from-the-field products that are sure to please.

NEARY LAGOON

Standing on a wooden walkway surrounded by a serene expanse of water and wetland reeds, you’d never guess you were smack dab in the middle of a residential neighborhood. Yet a short ten-minute walk inland from the Santa Cruz Wharf reveals this serene wildlife refuge. A multitude of feathered friends makes it a birder’s paradise.

LAND OF MEDICINE BUDDHA

Hidden at the end of a narrow winding road in the hills above Soquel, you’ll discover this Buddhist retreat center that welcomes visitors to its lush redwood setting. No need to feel intimidated if you think you won’t belong. Families and hikers of all stripes come to explore the extensive series of forested trails and marvel at ornate prayer wheels and statues that dot the property. Parking here is limited, so it’s best to hike in.

SEASIDE GARDENS

Seymour Marine Discovery Center You hopefully already know of the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, an incredible exhibition and research facility perched on the Westside’s coastal bluffs. But did you know there is an exceptionally scenic – and free to the public – garden just behind the center? You can stroll a seaside path that leads you through beds of flowering native plants and delivers knockout views of the wild Pacific.