Overview
Santa Cruz is a coastal city (population about 65,000 in 2019) in Santa Cruz County, at the north end of Monterey Bay in California, about 40 miles (64 km) south of San Jose and 75 miles (120 km) south of San Francisco.
8 sights · 7 things to do · 25 places to eat · 10 bars & cafés · 14 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Santa Cruz
Mission Santa Cruz
The original Mission Santa Cruz was dedicated by Fermin Lasuen in 1791 as the 12th California mission. In its early years, the mission suffered due to violence among the Indians. The original mission buildings (save one)…
Mystery Spot
The famous ('as seen on TV') tourist trap, complete with anti-gravity cabin and amazing hillside of illusion.
University of California at Santa Cruz
This UC campus has a smaller student population (except for the brand new campus in Merced), with about 15,000 students. The main part of campus is spread over half of 2001 acres (8.1 km²), mostly covered with redwood fo…
Natural Bridges State Beach
Open daily, sunrise to sunset. State beach park with nature trails. Yearly monarch butterfly migration. Entrance free. Fee for parking.
The Beach Boardwalk
Founded in 1907, it is the only original boardwalk amusement park still operating on the West Coast. It features one of the oldest wooden rollercoasters still in use in the US as well as numerous modern attractions. Entr…
Municipal Wharf
Restaurants, gift shops, sea lions and pelicans, and great views.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–Nov. Summer highs reach about 77°F; winter lows dip to about 41°F. Wettest: Jan and Feb.
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- SJC Mineta San Jose International Airport, San Jose — 27 mi away (major hub). Directions
- MRY Monterey Regional Airport, Monterey — 29 mi away. Directions
The nearest airport is in San Jose (SJC). To get to Santa Cruz by car from there, take an airport shuttle or a ride hailing service. For mass transit, there is a free airport shuttle to the Diridon train station in downtown San Jose, where you will find the Highway 17 Express bus to downtown Santa Cruz; this shuttle might require a transfer.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Typical meal: about $8 per person at listed restaurants.
Options are grouped as Hotels, Camp in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Mission Santa Cruz, The Beach Boardwalk, Municipal Wharf
- Lunch Taqueria Jalapeños
- Afternoon Surfing Museum, Santa Cruz Roller Palladium
- Dinner Zachary's
- Evening Asti
Day 2
- Morning Mystery Spot, Delaveaga Disk Golf Course
- Lunch Chaminade Resort & Spa
- Afternoon Open Studios Art Tour, Cabrillo Music Festival
- Dinner Tacos Moreno
- Evening The Rush Inn
Day 3
- Morning Seymour Marine Discovery Center, Natural Bridges State Beach
- Lunch Red Restaurant and Lounge
- Afternoon University of California at Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County Fair
- Dinner Gabriella Cafe
- Evening Verve Coffee Roasters
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
The city imposes a 25¢ fee on all disposable cups – even for a cup of water, which would otherwise be free. You can bring your own water bottle, cup, or coffee mug to restaurants to avoid paying this fee. Some restaurants and cafes may also serve drinks in a non-disposable cup if the order is explicitly placed "for here."
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Santa Cruz is best known as a countercultural hub, with a bohemian feel and youthful vibe, and fun weekend tourist attractions like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the dubious Mystery Spot. The rather relaxed beach lifestyle is supplemented by some remaining high tech industry and a vibrant university culture. The University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) is regarded as one of the premier centers of higher learning in the region and was once well known for its strong emphasis on the arts and humanities.
The beaches north and south of Santa Cruz are considered some of the more pristine areas of natural beauty in central California. The beautiful beaches and the rather mild climate play a central role in local culture. Most visitors leave Santa Cruz amazed by the city's beauty and ambiance.
Climate
A variety of conditions prevail, depending on the beach. Few are suited for swimming due to temperature and northern Pacific current, and several are considered an expert surfer's cold, cold paradise. Don't expect a beach culture like Southern California: for much of the year, it's considered perfectly normal to wear a long-sleeved shirt or windbreaker with long pants to the beach.
Get in
By plane
The nearest airport is in San Jose (SJC). To get to Santa Cruz by car from there, take an airport shuttle or a ride hailing service. For mass transit, there is a free airport shuttle to the Diridon train station in downtown San Jose, where you will find the Highway 17 Express bus to downtown Santa Cruz; this shuttle might require a transfer.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland (OAK) aren't much farther away, and sometimes have cheaper flights. Caltrain provides a route from SFO to San Jose, though with a transfer with BART in Millbrae.
For private aircraft, there's 2000 ft runway about 10 mi northwest of downtown, near Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and a public general aviation airport in Watsonville.
By car
from & Highway 17 south from San Jose is the most direct route when driving from the more populated parts of the Bay Area. It is a winding and dangerous four-lane highway "over the hill" (the Santa Cruz mountain range), arguably the most hazardous in the state. Beware of fog and heavy gravel trucks, as well as "hurried" drivers, and drive with caution, especially when roads are wet. Going into San Jose Hwy 17, becomes I-880 at its intersection with I-280.
to To merge from Highway 17 to Highway 1 in Santa Cruz to continue south, you must merge at the dreaded "fish hook". Congestion usually lasts M-F 3PM until 6PM, from just south of 41st Ave. on Highway 1, spilling back onto Highway 17 going south.
is a slower, longer, and more scenic route over the mountains, but it can get congested, and is often subject to extended periods of closure due to landslide damage during the winter. It's also very popular with both bicyclists and motorcyclists, so if driving a car over it, be vigilant.
A much more beautiful, but slower, approach to Santa Cruz is on Highway 1, either from the north, San Francisco and Pacifica (about 65 mi), or from the south, Monterey and Big Sur (about 35 mi). During stormy seasons, check for rare, but often long-term road closures. The most notorious location for road-closing landslides in this stretch, called Devil's Slide, has been bypassed by a tunnel.
By bus
Go Santa Cruz Metro
Santa Cruz Metro serves as public transportation in Santa Cruz and to adjacent cities & communities around Santa Cruz County. The River Front Transit Center (Trader Joe's @ 700 Front Street) serves as hub for Santa Cruz Transit buses, Greyhound Connect and Amtrak Thruway.
* 17- Amtrak Hwy 17 Express to San Jose Diridon Station where passengers transfer to Greyhound/Flixbus, Amtrak, Altmont Corridor Express (ACE), Caltrain, and VTA. This route serves as the Amtrak Thruway bus and a Greyhound Connect (partner) route between San Jose and Santa Cruz. Therefore, tickets for this route can be part of an onward Amtrak or Greyhound ticket to/from Santa Cruz booked through their respective sites or paid for separately. * 35 to San Lorenzo Park via Boulder Creek in Scotts Valley on CA-Hwy 9 * 40 to Davenport on CA-Hwy 1 * 71 & 91x to Watsonville where passengers transfer to the Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) bus to Salinas (MST #28 or 29). Route 71 goes towards Watsonville on Soquel Dr & Freedom Blvd while 91x travels on CA-Hwy 1.
By train
There is no train service in Santa Cruz. The San Jose Diridon Station is the central station for Amtrak, Altmont Corridor Express (ACE) and Caltrain. Metro's "17 Express" bus serves as the Amtrak Thruway bus (#35) between San Jose and Santa Cruz.
Get around
By foot
The main downtown strip is pedestrian friendly, and it's a 20-minute stroll from there to the beach. Walking to the University of California Santa Cruz from downtown is a little more difficult, with a steep climb.
By bus
Santa Cruz Metro provides bus service within the city.
By car
While driving is certainly an option, parking is tight, so be careful to not get ticketed.
By bike
Santa Cruz can be a wonderful town for cycling, but be careful because drivers are no better here than in many other places. Around town and along Highway 1 is easy, but roads in the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains are steep, winding, and challenging for many cyclists. Be careful. Collisions between bicycles and cars are often reported. A number of pedestrian and car collisions have also happened in the downtown area.
See
See Mission Santa Cruz
The original Mission Santa Cruz was dedicated by Fermin Lasuen in 1791 as the 12th California mission. In its early years, the mission suffered due to violence among the Indians. The original mission buildings (save one) fell down in an 1857 earthquake, and in its place was built a Catholic Church with the anglicized name Holy Cross Church. However, a replica of the old mission was constructed nearby at half-scale in the 1930s by a wealthy benefactor. This exists today as Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park. The remaining original mission building now hosts a small museum with displays depicting the history of the site.
See The Beach Boardwalk
Founded in 1907, it is the only original boardwalk amusement park still operating on the West Coast. It features one of the oldest wooden rollercoasters still in use in the US as well as numerous modern attractions. Entrance is free, rides cost between $2–4 each (but less than $1 on selected summer evenings). Day, month, and yearly passes available.
See University of California at Santa Cruz (UCSC)
This UC campus has a smaller student population (except for the brand new campus in Merced), with about 15,000 students. The main part of campus is spread over half of 2001 acres (8.1 km²), mostly covered with redwood forests with the occasional stunning view of the bay. There is an UCSC Arboretum specializing in native plants and plants from Australia. Mountain bike and hiking trails criss-cross the upper part of campus, connecting Wilder Ranch State Park to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (get a trail map and a parking permit from the kiosk as you enter campus). The Bay Tree Bookstore sells clothes with the UCSC mascot – the banana slug. The critters themselves are fairly common in the surrounding redwood forest - their bright yellow color tells would-be predators that their skin secretes a foul-tasting poison. Keep your eyes open for mountain lions seen (but rarely) in undeveloped parts of the campus.
Do
Events
Santa Cruz County is home to talented artists, musicians, and writers. Check out some of the locals' favorite art, music, and literary events:
Do Open Studios Art Tour
A program of the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County which was created in 1985 to give the public with an opportunity to collect art and to meet and learn from Santa Cruz County artists. Approximately 275 artists open their studios (which are usually in their homes) to the public. The tour runs for three consecutive weekends each fall.
Do Salsa By The Sea
Santa Cruz boasts a lively salsa dancing scene, with Salsa By The Sea a key attraction. Every Sunday year round (weather permitting), locals come to the Boardwalk to dance in the open air by the beach. Hours vary by the time of the year, but sometime in the afternoon, and always free. Other regular events are at the Vets Hall every Tuesday and the Palomar every Friday.
Do Cabrillo Music Festival
The Cabrillo Music Festival, Marin Alsop at the podium, is an internationally acclaimed celebration of contemporary orchestral music that opens during the end of July. Musicians from key orchestras around the country attend without pay for the experience of playing new works by the leading composers of our time who are usually in attendance. Many rehearsals are open and free to the public, as are workshops for new composers and conductors. The Festival, which began in 1962, lasts two weeks and is perhaps the most exciting and prestigious festival of contemporary music anywhere.
Beaches
Santa Cruz is a beach town, with a beach to match almost any interest. Main Beach and Cowell Beach attract large crowds to the boardwalk area on sunny summer weekends. Flocks of novice surfers balance on their boards in the quiet waters just north of the municipal wharf, in front of the big hotel that locals still call the [https://www.dreaminnsantacruz.com/ Dream Inn]. Volleyball nets are strung just south of the wharf. The boardwalk amusement area is adjacent to main beach. Heading north, Steamers Lane isn't a beach, but the famous surf break in front of the lighthouse. In the summer, its sometimes hard to see what the fuss is about, but the winter can bring big waves and spectators line the rail watching the surfers and the sea lions.
North of the lighthouse are a series of little pocket beaches, some that disappear entirely in the winter. The first one, It's Beach, and across the street at Lighthouse Field (see www.folf.org) are two of the few places in town that dogs can be run off leash (before 10AM and after 4PM only) you will often dozens of dogs are chasing sticks, balls, and each other. Mitchell's Cove, just north, also allows dogs. Natural Bridges State Beach, whose famous monarch butterflies are discussed above, is a popular windsurfing beach. Natural Bridges is also known for its tide pools - little pockets in the rocky formation just north of the main beach that are exposed at low tide and house all sorts of small marine creatures. Kids love them but keep a close eye on them as the rocks can be slippery and the ocean unpredictable. The name is misleading: one of the two stone bridges collapsed a few years ago. Just south of Natural Bridges is the tiny clothing-optional 2222 Beach.
The beaches north of the Boardwalk, especially those on the open ocean instead of the bay, can have huge waves and strong currents, so care should be taken in the water, even by strong swimmers.
There are lots of beaches south of Main Beach as well, but you'll need another guide for them.
Hiking
Santa Cruz is also surrounded by a great number of open space parks. There are two types of parks to choose from. There are inland wooded parks, (like Henry Cowell State Park) with redwood groves, and swimming in the river, and open space preserves built on the coastal hills.
Henry Cowell, as a state park, has a parking fee at its main entrance in Felton, but trails can be accessed from other places. One popular hike is the Fall Creek trail, which leads to historic lime kilns. The trailhead is just up Felton Empire Road.
Wilder Ranch is a state park sitting in the hills adjacent to the coast (just west of town on Hwy 1). It has expansive views of the Monterey Bay as well as sweeping views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The ranch also includes many old historic building, staffed with docents to demonstrate the workings of the historic ranch.
The Pogonip is within the city boundaries adjacent to the university and accessible from Spring Street and from Highway 9 (via Golf Club). The Pogonip is an old country club which has reverted to a fairly natural state. It sits on the side of a hill and has great views as well as great natural items. Numerous springs fill the creeks, as well as a special fish pond along the Spring Box Trail.
Buy
Shopping on Pacific Avenue includes surf shops, plant shops, clothing and various boutiques.
Shop Book Shop Santa Cruz
A large independent bookstore that has been in downtown Santa Cruz since 1966. of new, used, and sale books, magazines, cards, gifts, and toys. It has comprehensive children’s and new release sections, and strong sections in travel, politics, cooking, science, and fiction.
Eat
The city imposes a 25¢ fee on all disposable cups – even for a cup of water, which would otherwise be free. You can bring your own water bottle, cup, or coffee mug to restaurants to avoid paying this fee. Some restaurants and cafes may also serve drinks in a non-disposable cup if the order is explicitly placed "for here."
Budget
Eat Taqueria Jalapeños
Mexican fast food. Seating is very cramped at Laurel St. location, so don't plan on being able to eat there with all your family and friends.
Eat Pizza My Heart
Tasty cheap pizza by the slice or the pie, salads. $2–5. Great Santa Cruz souvenir: slice of pizza and Pizza My Heart T-shirt for $5.
Eat Tacos Moreno
Award-winning tacos, burritos and quesadillas. Family-owned. Limited dining and parking space. A local favorite and worth a visit.
Eat Taqueria Vallarta
There are many taquerias in town, but this one attracts Mexican-American families, college students, and visitors from up and down the coast who come just for the huge traditional style meals.
Eat Taqueria Santa Cruz
A great taqueria with unquestionably some of the most authentic Mexican food you will find in Santa Cruz. The 49er Burrito on their menu ($6.50) is a super burrito with red sauce and cheese poured on top (like an enchillada) and is one of their specialties.
Eat
Eat
Eat Top-A-Lot Yogurt
Self-serve frozen yogurt shop. The flavors are changed daily and rather than paying for a size, you pay 42 cents an ounce for all the ice cream and toppings you want. Pick from pumpkin or jasmine yogurt to cheesecake and cookie dough toppings. If you do not like the taste of frozen yogurt, this is a good place. It tastes just like soft serve ice cream. Average cup is $3–5.
Mid-range
Eat Chaminade Resort & Spa
Two amazing restaurants featuring menus using only the freshest produce from local farms. If you're in town on a Sunday, Chaminade's Sunset Restaurant has an award-winning Sunday morning Champagne brunch. Happy hour is every Tuesday-Thursday, 4-6PM.
Eat Charlie Hong Kong
An oddly small colorful building which contains a restaurant of decent inauthentic Thai/Vietnamese fusion. There is half-outdoor seating complete with heat lamps, foliage, and colorful decorative lighting. Very vegan/vegetarian friendly.
Eat El Palomar
Open every day for lunch and dinner. Reservations are taken only for large parties on weeknights, and the wait can be very long on weekends. Great Mexican food in dramatic dining room, but not cheap. Brighter cantina in back is a good lunch spot that becomes a bar at night, serves some of the best tacos in town for $2.50 a pop and has specials on Tuesday nights. Lots of seafood specialties. Homemade tortillas are excellent, as are the margaritas. Strolling guitar players some evenings. Kid friendly.
Eat Kianti's
This is a great downtown Italian spot. The food is quite good, and it's a very entertaining place to eat. On weekend evenings, you may even get a fully choreographed performance by the entire staff.
Eat Malabar
Excellent curried mangos and Kofta Joe. The service can be surly, but don't worry about it. Eat and be happy. Sunday night dinner is a fixed menu consisting of naan, salad, various curries and rice (in small amounts) and a dessert; however, the price is determined by what you think it is worth. Only have $5? It's okay. Feel like it's worth $20, that works too.
Eat Mobo Sushi
Innovative sushi and jazz club. Check local listings for music.
Eat Oswalds
Classy Californian cuisine using organic and fresh ingredients. Reservations recommended on the weekend.
Eat Red Restaurant and Lounge
Features a plush lounge and an elegant dining room. Menu consists of happy hour bites (3-7PM) appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, salads, and nightly dinner specials. Organic local produce from the downtown farmer's market provides fresh, healthy, and delicious food. Chef Bobby Madrid. Exquisite cocktails featuring an array of house-infused liquors - you don't want to be in Santa Cruz without experiencing the Red.
Eat Seabreeze Cafe
Still often called "Linda's" even though the personable owner sold this cafe to her business partner Tex Hintze quite a few years ago. Often a wait on weekends but you can start your mug of coffee while you wait. Cinnamon Rolls on the weekend are a must! Best breakfast in town! Vegan-friendly, kid friendly.
Eat Shogun
Excellent sushi restaurant in a convenient downtown location. The exceptionally fresh ingredients and talented sushi staff make this some of the best sushi available in Santa Cruz County. They offer all the traditional sushis, as well as lots of variations, some of which are veggie/vegan friendly. Of particular interest is the "korokke," a potato croquette served with tonkatsu sauce, which you won't find in many local Japanese restaurants. Serves lunch and dinner through the week, dinner Saturdays, closed Sundays.
Eat Silver Spur Restaurant
It's letting the secret out of the bag to tell you that Linda of Seabreeze Cafe fame bought this larger venue to sling her famous fabulous food. Vegan-friendly, kid-friendly.
Eat The Buttery Café
The café serves breakfast foods, sandwiches, salads, and, of course, delectable fresh bakery items.
Eat Walnut Avenue Cafe
American breakfast and lunch. Fresh ingredients, friendly service, and a complete lack of trendiness. A favorite of Santa Cruz locals—long waits on the weekends.
Eat Zachary's
Fantastic breakfasts featuring homemade bread French toasts, fruit salads, home fries, and more. Finishing Mike's Mess is a worthwhile challenge. Expect a line Saturday and Sunday.
Eat Zoccoli's Deli
Amazing sandwich place. It's where all the locals go. The Castroville Italian sandwich and the tiramisu are to die for.
Splurge
Eat Crow's Nest
Steak and seafood restaurant. Ocean view and full bar that's a favorite of locals. In the top three annually for "best happy hour" award from the local weekly paper.
Eat Gabriella Cafe
Amazing local, organic food and great wine list.
Drink
For its size, Santa Cruz has a large number of drinking establishments from Irish pubs to nightclubs. Many of the bars are located along Pacific Avenue. A serious pub crawl can be done starting at either the Asti (listing below) and ending about 7 blocks away at the Rush Inn or the other way around.
Bars
Drink Asti
End your pub crawl here and have a photo of your bare butt added to the lovely collage on the wall. Lots of cheap beer and college students in this dive bar.
Drink Blue Lagoon
Also known as "the meat market." Has $2 drinks on Tuesdays, attracting a huge crowd of cheap drinkers. Thursday is 1980s night drawing a large college crowd. Monday is Goth/Industrial night.
Drink The Rush Inn
Has a reputation for allowing cigarette smoking indoors for many years after state law prohibited it.
Coffee and tea
Drink Lulu Carpenter's
Free WiFi access point.
Drink Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting Company
Drink Coffeetopia
Free WiFi plus computers available. Great espresso.
Drink The Ugly Mug
Free Wi-Fi. The Mug is a full service coffeehouse down the road a little, in the Soquel neighborhood east of the city proper. It's a place where you can socialize, study, and conduct business meetings in a warm friendly atmosphere. All local, all organic.
Drink Verve Coffee Roasters
Free Wi-Fi. They roast to order so you can sample far-out blends from all around the world and not have to buy the bag just to get a taste.
Music
Drink The Catalyst
Large venue with bar/restaurant in the front and music venue in the back. Pool tables. Happy hour. Check local weekly papers for line-up.
Drink The Kuumbwa Jazz Center
"Kuumbwa" (pronounced koo-um-ba, silent "w"), a Swahili word meaning "act of spontaneous creation." Kuumbwa Jazz is an internationally recognized nonprofit jazz venue. It's one of the longest weekly nonprofit jazz presenters on the West Coast, established in 1975. When we aren't presenting our own weekly jazz series, the venue is available for outside promoters to bring in acts such as bluegrass, folk, Celtic and world music. The venue is also available for special occasions such as receptions, private parties, and community events.
Sleep
Santa Cruz offers everything from cheap drive-up motels along Ocean Street to cute B&Bs to one somewhat shabby high-rise hotel on the beach.
A medley of factors allows for de facto legal camping throughout town on city-owned property. There are encampments scattered throughout town. Downtown alone features an encampment of dozens of tents adjacent to San Lorenzo Park. Many people sleep and live in cars and RVs throughout the area, though some neighborhoods may tolerate it less or more than others.
Hotels
Stay Chaminade Resort & Spa
156 rooms & suites on a scenic mountain ridge, overlooking the Monterey Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Offers two restaurants, a spa, fitness center, heated outdoor swimming pool, two outdoor Jacuzzis, four lighted tennis courts, geocaching and 3 mi of hiking trails.
Camp
For our bohemian friends passing through (keep Santa Cruz Weird!), sleeping on city beaches cannot be recommended. Try the more chill beaches along the cliffs northwest of town, or along the sandy banks of the San Lorenzo, upriver in the gorge, along Highway 9.
Stay safe
There is much crime in the downtown area, often drug-related. You will probably be safe during the day and early evening, but keep your wits about yourself. Mountain lions exist in the more rural areas, but are uncommon. Attacks by mountain lions on humans are much rarer still, but have happened. If you should see one, do not approach it, and if it approaches you in a seemingly aggressive manner, stand as tall as possible and wave your arms; this will usually intimidate it.
During most of the year, the ocean is cold enough to quickly give you hypothermia, and there are dangerous rip currents at many beaches. Unless you're a qualified diver and you've done your homework, you're best off leaving it to the local surfers, who typically wear full-body wetsuits and know what they're doing.
If you are a skilled surfer, be aware that Santa Cruz's surfing culture is unfortunately notorious for its "locals only" attitude, and while in reality most surfers there are perfectly reasonable and friendly, if you are surfing there and you do get into a confrontation, it's best to just walk (or swim) away.
Go next
Nearby destinations:
- Aptos
- Boulder Creek
- Capitola
- Davenport
- Felton – You can take a scenic train trip from Santa Cruz to Felton.
- Scotts Valley
- Soquel* Watsonville
Nearby attractions:
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park. The oldest state park in California. It features stately redwood groves and the Skyline-to-Sea Trail. Hike from Big Basin Park headquarters to Waddell Creek State Beach. Completely closed in 2020 due to catastrophic wildfire damage, with parts still smoldering six months later.
Place Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Henry Cowell State Park is located along highway 9 just north of town. It has a great nature center and little trail with old growth redwoods. This is a heavily wooded park containing many historic redwood trees. The San Lorenzo River flows through the park forming a canyon that makes you feel you are somewhere far away. Make sure to visit Big Rock Hole; a quaint swimming hole with room to splash around and even a rope swing! Right next door is Roaring Camp Railroads where you can ride either the beach train to the Boardwalk or the steam train to Bear Mountain.
For a longer trip:
- Drive up to the mountains of Santa Cruz.
- Drive 50 minutes south along the coast of Monterey Bay to the city of Monterey.
- Head up the coast towards San Francisco via Half Moon Bay
Nearby
Capitola
City / town · 20 listings · 4 mi away
Scotts Valley
City / town · 9 listings · 5 mi away
Felton
City / town · 8 listings · 6 mi away
Aptos
City / town · 13 listings · 7 mi away
Boulder Creek
City / town · 6 listings · 12 mi away
Watsonville
City / town · 40 listings · 15 mi away
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Park · 17 mi away
Moss Landing
City / town · 11 listings · 18 mi away
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