With a show-stopping landscape and temperate climate, Santa Cruz is a bike riding nirvana. The county is laced with trails that lead alongside bay waters, through idyllic farmland, and into atmospheric redwood groves. Plus, a wealth of shops rent bikes and gear for every adventure type and skill level. From casual family rides to thrilling
With exceptional scenery and a year-round mild climate, a round of golf in Santa Cruz County is a sure shot. The region abounds with varied courses that take advantage of the striking landscape, from championship links with ocean vistas to welcoming fairways tucked amidst redwood forests. Plus, we’ve got options for disc golf enthusiasts, and
Whether you’ve been training for months, are a casual weekend jogger, or like to wear a brightly colored tutu with your Nike’s, there’s a race with your name on it in Santa Cruz County. Prefer running as a spectator sport? We’re known for hosting races that are highly entertaining from the sidelines. Starting in February,
For the second summer in a row, California State Parks is offering Naturalist-Led Backpacking Adventures through the Santa Cruz Mountains! Whether you’re new to backpacking or a seasoned nomad, there’s an adventure waiting for you! This year there will be five excursions throughout June to September with trips varying in length from one to three nights. These adventures will trek through Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Castle Rock State Park, Butano State Park, and Portola Redwoods State Park.
Many state parks in Santa Cruz County feature unbroken trails which begin in redwood-covered mountains and end on the rugged, windswept beaches of the Pacific Coast. The vast preserves of open spaces in Santa Cruz County are a tribute to conservation efforts that began over a century ago. Today, Santa Cruz County has an extraordinary number of state parks – 14 in all – and each offers a unique experience for visitors.