Emma McCrary Trail to U-Con Trail

No matter the time you'll decide to visit the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, you'll have thousands of interesting plants and birds to see and watch. The Arboretum is located on the west side of UCSC campus, between the main campus entrance and the west entrance. Parking is 5$ for adults and 2$ for children (6-17 years old) and free under 6. The arboretum is spread out with well marked paths, so you ...

The Rincon Fire Trail Starts at a small dirt parking lot next to CA-9 and traverses down the mountain to the San Lorenzo River Connecting with the Pipeline Trail. The trail can be a simple one of a mile out and back or up to 5 miles depending on your preference. The elevation will change by about 300 feet, and the trail can be slippery when wet so take caution Rincon Road to the San Lorenzo Ri...

Cowell's Cove is located just south of Santa Cruz’s iconic Steamer Lane. The break is a slow pealing right, and is a very user-friendly wave for beginners. It can get crowded on weekends, especially when it's sunny, but no need to worry, there are a lot people out on foam boards and most are beginners as well. If you want a friendly and easy place to surf or are looking for a trip to Santa Cruz...

This is a wide, beautiful beach that's an amazing spot to spend the day and enjoy a bonfire at night in one of the designated fire rings. Seabright is probably the most popular spot in Santa Cruz for a bonfire, due to its convenient proximity to the Beach Boardwalk. But luckily, this beach is tucked in between the San Lorenzo River and the Santa Cruz Boat Harbor, and is just far enough away to ...

This beach is less crowded compared to other beaches in Santa Cruz.  I got there early on a Saturday and found easy street parking.  There was plenty of space to spread out on the soft sand.  Later in the day I saw dolphins several times!  This is close to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum.  It’s also not too far from the boardwalk.  Expect to see Monarch butterflies if you come in the winter as i...

This is a paved trail that can be used for hiking, jogging, or walking.  It offers over 2 miles of beautiful California coast.  Walk through flowers, see the jagged cliffs, and of course the lighthouse at the end!  This walk can be done from either direction.  Start at Natural Bridges and head West to the lighthouse, or vice versa.  Relaxing at Natural Bridges and exploring the tide pools is a ...