As winter fades and the wildflowers bloom, Santa Cruz County transforms into a springtime paradise. With longer days and warmer weather, it’s the perfect season to explore stunning coastal hikes, sip on exquisite local wines, and discover hidden gems across the region. Whether you’re craving a scenic drive through fields of blooming wildflowers, a day of tide pooling along the coast, or a sunset picnic overlooking the ocean, this Santa Cruz spring bucket list has something for everyone. Get ready to embrace the season with these must-do experiences!

Wildflowers:

Spring in Santa Cruz County means vibrant bursts of color across rolling hills, coastal bluffs, and redwood-lined meadows. Here’s a list of some of the best spots for seasonal wildflowers!

• Visit the UCSC Arboretum’s Spring Blooms – Experience the beauty of spring as flowers like camellias, azaleas, and magnolias burst into bloom.
• Hike Glenwood Open Space Preserve – This hidden gem in Scotts Valley features rolling hills covered in vibrant purple lupines during spring.
• Explore Quail Hollow Ranch – Hike the historic grounds and see rare wildflowers.
• Hike Wilder Ranch Coastal Loop – A stunning 5-mile hike along the coast with breathtaking ocean views and fields of wildflowers. Look for California poppies.
• Discover the Coast Dairies Beaches – Drive north on Highway 1 and discover a collection of pocket beaches on the rugged coast. Look for roadside parking lots and explore new coastal trails full of seasonal blooms.
• See the Cherry Blossoms in Bamboo Giant Nursery – This hidden gem in Aptos during the spring time is covered with delicate cherry blossoms that make it a perfect spot for photoshoots or taking in the serene scenery.

Wildlife:

As the days grow warmer, Santa Cruz County becomes a haven for wildlife activity. Spring is the perfect time to spot migrating whales off the coast, playful sea otters in the kelp forests, and elephant seals basking on the beaches. 

• See Sea Otter Pups – Most sea otters are born in the late winter and early spring making spring the perfect time to see the fluffiest babies in Santa Cruz County!
• Find Ladybug Aggregations – Nisene Marks and Fall Creek are some of the best spots to spot the gathering of ladybugs in the early spring months.
• See Baby Seals at Año Nuevo State Park – Spring is when harbor seal pups start appearing along the coastline.
• Hike the Forest of Nisene Marks for Banana Slugs & New Growth – Spring rain brings out these bright yellow creatures, making for a fun and unique nature walk.
• Go Tide Pooling at Pleasure Point or Natural Bridges – Spring low tides reveal some of the best marine life on the coast.
• Watch for Gray Whale Migrations – Late spring is the tail end of the gray whale migration, and places like Lighthouse Point or Davenport offer great viewing spots.

Outdoor Activities:

Spring is the ideal time to get outside and explore all that Santa Cruz County has to offer. Whether you’re hiking through redwood forests, sailing on a yacht at sunset, or watching surfers catch waves on the sparkling waters of the Monterey Bay, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventures to enjoy. 

• Visit Loch Lomond – On the first of March every year, Loch Lomond Recreation Area in the Santa Cruz Mountains opens through Labor Day. Rent paddle boats, fish, or hike this outdoor wonderland.
• Take a Springtime Surf Lesson at Cowell’s Beach – The spring weather offers perfect conditions for beginners to catch some waves.
• Maple Falls at Nisene Marks – A must-do springtime hike when the waterfall is flowing at its best.
• Take a Sunset Sail on the Chardonnay II or with O’Neill Yacht Charters – Enjoy wine or beer and stunning ocean views on this luxury sailing tour.
• Fall Creek Unit (Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park) – A peaceful forested hike with babbling creeks and mossy ruins of an old lime kiln.
• Watch the Surfers at Steamer Lane – Some of the best local competitions happen in spring when the waves are still strong.
• Watch the Sunset at Natural Bridges State Park – Bring a picnic blanket to the beach and watch the sun go down behind the waves. Or watch from the lookout and see the sun dip under the iconic natural arch that gives the park its name.
• Go Waterfall Hunting After a Rainstorm – Temporary waterfalls appear all over Santa Cruz County when there is a big storm. Try to find them along the coast or in the mountains along Highway 9 or visit one of these year round spots.

Food:

Spring in Santa Cruz County brings a fresh wave of seasonal flavors, from farm-fresh produce to ocean-to-table seafood. Add these foodie havens to your list for spring-inspired culinary experiences.

• Go on a Springtime Winery Tour in the Santa Cruz Mountains – Enjoy tastings of local wines and take in the beautiful vineyards coming to life with mustard grass. Estate vineyards like Alfaro and Windy Oaks are gorgeous during the spring blooms as the vineyards wake up from winter.
• Santa Cruz Farmers’ Market Spring Kick-Off – Celebrate the arrival of fresh strawberries, artichokes, and other seasonal produce. Seasonal farmers markets like Scotts Valley and Felton reopen during the late spring.
• Visit a Local Cidery for Spring Seasonal Releases – Try wildflower-infused ciders at Santa Cruz Cider Company or Tanuki Cider.
• Have a Farm-to-Table Dinner at Home in Soquel – Their rotating spring menu is full of amazing seasonal flavors.
• Pack a Picnic at Davenport Bluffs – An unreal coastal view with almost no crowds.
• Warm Up with Chowder Bread Bowl at Stagnaro Bros. – A must-try at the Santa Cruz Wharf.
• Try a Seasonal Ice Cream at Penny Ice Creamery – Look out for flavors like Meyer Lemon or Honey Lavender in the spring.

Events:

As the days grow longer, Santa Cruz County comes alive with vibrant festivals, farmers’ markets, and community celebrations. You don’t want to miss these yearly activities.

• Ride the Giant Dipper at the Boardwalk – Kick-off the season at the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk by riding their most legendary roller coaster.
• Celebrate Earth Day at the Santa Cruz Earth Day Festival – Participate in eco-friendly activities, learn about sustainability, and enjoy the local springtime vibe.
• Join the Downtown Santa Cruz Spring Wine Walk (April-May) – Stroll through Downtown Santa Cruz, tasting wines from local wineries and sampling delicious bites from restaurants.
• She is Beautiful Run – On Saturday, May 10, 2025, support the women in your life by either running or cheering on runners in the 5k and 10k race that stretches the iconic West Cliff Drive.
• Woodies on the Wharf – June 19-22, 2025: The most iconic event of the year in Santa Cruz features old school wood-paneled cars on the Santa Cruz Wharf. 
• Enjoy Live Music at Abbott Square Market – The outdoor market hosts live music on the weekends all year but the spring is the beginning of warm nights perfect for enjoying this year-long staple!
• Wednesday Night Sailboat Races – A weekly sailboat race in Santa Cruz Harbor that runs from the first Wednesday in March after Daylight Savings, through October.
• Santa Cruz Film Festival – June 2025: Each year for one week, movie theaters and unique venues all over town are host to exciting and often locally produced films.
• Santa Cruz Mountain Mushroom Festival – May 2025: Celebrate the bounty of fungi fun in the Santa Cruz Mountains at Roaring Camp.