As a California State Parks Interpreter, a redwood forest serves as Rhiannon Sims’ office. She manages interpretive projects, such as special event planning and wayside panel design, and media outreach for state parks in Santa Cruz County. Rhiannon brings the unique and extraordinary nature of local state parks and cultural history to visitors and locals
If you follow us on Instagram, you already know how alluring Santa Cruz County is on your phone. Yet, nothing compares to experiencing its dazzling scenery and relaxed vibes IRL. Santa Cruz County brims with sunny golden shores, lush redwood groves, and a vibrant surf scene that need no filter. Below, we’ve shared some local Instagram hotspots to fill your feed with mesmerizing imagery—and your followers with FOMO. Just remember to tag your posts with #Visit Santa Cruz and #SantaCruzNow for a chance be featured on our page!
It’s a gorgeous Saturday morning and you’re craving a vigorous mountaintop trek, but the kiddos only want to stroll a virtual landscape of pixelated zombies. Sound familiar? We’ve got the solution: easy, scenic hikes with fun surprises and engaging activities that your kids will love. With quality time outdoors and away from the screens, these five outings are your new weekend ace in the hole.
With an enviable Mediterranean climate and a natural splendor the stretches from the redwoods to the bay, Santa Cruz is a remarkable place to pitch a tent. Whether you’re a dyed-in-the-flannel-wool outdoorsy type or won’t bed down without a mattress, there’s a campsite that’s right for you. KOA Santa CruzMinutes from Manresa State Beach, this
Kick-start the new year with an energizing First Day Hike through ancient towering redwoods, sandy coastal stretches, and along soothing mountain streams. On January 1st, state parks across the country are offering free-guided hikes for the sixth year in a row. Get outside, connect with nature, and expand your knowledge of the wildlife, plant life, and people who were here long before us. In order of easiest to most strenuous, we’ve narrowed the list down to a few of our favorites. Whichever one you choose, you’ll start the new year feeling healthy, recharged, and inspired to explore more state parks in Santa Cruz and beyond.