California spring arrives with one of nature’s most dramatic seasonal shifts, as winter rains give way to hillsides, cliffs, and open spaces filled with wildflowers. Santa Cruz County’s unique ecosystem of coastal bluffs, grasslands, wetlands, and protected open spaces creates the perfect environment for epic spring blooms. From bright orange poppies to sweeping fields of lupines, spring transforms familiar landscapes across the county. Whether you’re looking for a hike, a short stroll, or an urban area to view from a paved trail or even your car, there is an option for everyone looking to experience the bounty of wildflowers across the county. This guide provides a list of some of the best places to experience spring wildflowers in Santa Cruz County that are accessible to everyone!
Glenwood Open Space Preserve
Glenwood Open Space Preserve consistently offers one of the most rewarding spring wildflower displays in Santa Cruz County. The preserve is divided into east and west sections, each with a distinct landscape and bloom pattern. In spring, the west side stands out for its sweeping hillsides of purple lupine lining the trails and spreading across open slopes, with California poppies adding bright bursts of orange throughout the grasslands. The east side centers around a seasonal pond, where water lilies bloom alongside bullfrogs and birdlife, and the surrounding shores fill in with a mix of spring wildflowers. This area is especially popular for picnics during the spring months. A network of interconnected trails allows visitors to choose anything from short, flat walks to longer loop hikes, making it easy to experience a wide variety of blooms at your own pace.
West Cliff
West Cliff Drive offers one of the most accessible and visually rich spring wildflower experiences in Santa Cruz, with blooms appearing all along the coastal path. As you walk the paved route, Lighthouse Field becomes a major highlight, where spring brings expansive patches of wild radish spreading across the open fields in soft whites and purples. Recent native plant rehabilitation efforts have restored large sections of the bluff, resulting in vibrant, healthy bloom zones that overlook Its Beach. Along the cliff edges throughout West Cliff, sea lavender appears in scattered clusters, while mustard grass and oxalis add bright seasonal color against the deep blue of the ocean. The combination of wildflowers, restored coastal habitat, and uninterrupted ocean views makes West Cliff Drive one of the most reliable spring stops for flower viewing without leaving the pavement.
Davenport Beaches
The beaches and coastal bluffs north of Santa Cruz toward Davenport host some of the most striking spring wildflower displays in the county. In spring, the cliffs and open terraces erupt with color as fields of white alyssum spread across the bluffs alongside bright yellow mustard grass. These blooms spill over the rugged coastline, creating dramatic contrasts against the dark cliffs and the deep blue of the Pacific. Areas like Four Mile Beach offer short coastal walks where wildflowers line the trail, while pull-offs near Shark Fin Cove allow visitors to take in sweeping views of flower-covered slopes without leaving the road. This stretch of the north coast feels especially expansive in spring, pairing wide-open scenery with some of the county’s most memorable seasonal blooms.
East Cliff Drive
East Cliff Drive offers an easy, coastal way to experience spring wildflowers alongside one of Santa Cruz’s most recognizable surf corridors. The paved path runs from Pleasure Point toward The Hook, tracing the cliff edge with uninterrupted ocean views. In spring, poppies, alyssum, and mustard grass bloom along the bluffs, adding bright color to the coastline below. Patches of oxalis often appear as well, filling in the grass with small bursts of yellow. The path remains mostly flat and fully paved, making this a strong option for walkers, families with strollers, and anyone looking for a short outing with high visual payoff. The combination of seasonal blooms, coastal access, and active surf culture makes East Cliff Drive a simple but rewarding spring stop.
UCSC Arboretum
The UCSC Arboretum offers one of the most educational spring wildflower experiences in the county. Spring brings peak bloom to the California native plant gardens, where seasonal wildflowers appear alongside established shrubs and trees that show how these species function within local ecosystems. Many of the same flowers found across Santa Cruz County can be seen here in one place, clearly labeled and arranged to reflect regional habitats. Beyond the native gardens, the Arboretum’s global collections add additional color and variety, allowing visitors to move between local spring blooms and plants from Mediterranean climates around the world in a single walk. Wide, well-maintained paths make the Arboretum accessible for visitors of all ages, while interpretive signage throughout the grounds supports learning and deeper engagement with the landscape.
Moore Creek Trail
This 246-acre City of Santa Cruz greenbelt land offers hiking trails through open meadows with scenic views of the Monterey Bay. Due to the sensitive resources within the Preserve, public use is limited to hiking only – no bikes or dogs allowed. Cattle are grazed on the Preserve to benefit native plant and animal species and to reduce fire hazard. There are approximately 2½ miles round trip in this westside springtime wildflower haven. Moore Creek Preserve has two walk-in entrances: one entrance is located on the north side of Highway 1, across from Shaffer Road. The other entrance is located at the end of Meder Street. Parking is limited, please consult the Moore Creek Trail Map for entrance, parking info, and more.
