Something about wildflowers in spring causes us to buzz with excitement. Waiting for the peek-a-boo of color that begins to dot shaded trails and rolling hillsides. Once wildflowers bloom, there is no shortage of locations in Santa Cruz County to spot their vibrant colors. Some of these flowers can be viewed in a few steps,
Santa Cruz County covers a lot of scenic ground. And while nothing beats a good hike, bike or swim, sometimes a lazy drive is the best way to see it all. Below, we’ve shared some of our favorite scenic drives – as well as ways to enhance your outings as you explore the expanses of Santa Cruz County.
By Garrick Ramirez
Just north of Santa Cruz, roughly 15 minutes from downtown, you’ll find a string of colorful coastal farms stands. During fall, sunny blue skies and lush green fields are complemented by stacks of yellow hay bales and rows of bright orange pumpkins. Trust us: your photos will bring your Instagram followers to their knees. Take a peek at our photo tour below and see why these scenic stops make the perfect fall outing:
Famed for its ancient redwoods, cascading waterfalls, and epic hikes, Big Basin Redwoods State Park hides a lesser-known coastal region with an identity and landscape all of its own. Named for the grizzly bears that once roamed its lush grounds, Rancho del Oso is a hidden gem with a dazzling spring wildflowers, enchanting marshlands laced with hiking and biking trails, and a magnificent nature center housed in a historic home once occupied by the family of President Herbert Hoover.
Airstreams are back! The sleek silver icons of the American road trip are becoming a more frequent sight on roads and Instagram. In Santa Cruz County, you won’t just see them being towed to the nearest campground. Local businesses have gotten creative with the cute gleaming trailers, transforming them into fun and unique spaces to shop, sip, and even spend the night!