Santa Cruz County, California
For top outdoor adventures in Santa Cruz County, California, the Skyline to the Sea Trail is a must-visit. This scenic 29.5-mile trail takes you from the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, offering breathtaking views of redwood forests, waterfalls, and creeks along the way. The trail is moderately difficult, making it suitable for most hikers. For a shorter hike, try the 4.7-mile Wilder Ranch State Park Loop, which features stunning ocean views and historic farm buildings. For a unique outdoor attraction, visit the Natural Bridges State Beach, home to a natural rock arch in the sea. So, if you're looking for the best trails and outdoor activities, Santa Cruz County has plenty to offer.
Top Spots in and near Santa Cruz County
-
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Hike to the Top of Inspiration Point
5.01.3 mi / 850 ft gainThis magnificent trail was recently converted into part of the Monterey Regional Parks System. Walk through pastures of cows, through coast oaks, up a steep incline with vast views of Carmel Valley, Carmel and the Pacific Ocean up to the top where a picnic table awaits you at Inspiration Point. T...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Hike Purisima Creek Redwoods OSP
4.67 miThere are two places to park for this specific loop- the main parking area on Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard) and a smaller parking lot on the western end of the park. I would recommend parking at whichever is closest. Find directions to both on Openspace.org. From the main parking lot, the trail ...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Mountain Bike at Purisima Creek
This beautiful mountain bike ride can be started at the Purisima Creek Road Trailhead or on Skyline Boulevard. There are many trails in the Purisisma Creek Redwoods, but Whittemore Gulch is by far the most beautiful and fun single track to descend on. If you are starting from Skyline Boulevard, i...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Hike Whittemore Gulch at Purisima Creek Redwoods OSP
4.09.3 mi / 2109 ft gainThis trail starts out going downhill towards the ocean for the first half, which makes for a tough end to the hike as you trek back up the ridge. However, there are nice ocean and hilltop views that are worth the climb. On this trail, you'll pass 60+ banana slugs if conditions are right. They ar...Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Whalers Cove Loop
4.31.42 mi / 253 ft gainPoint Lobos is one of the hidden gems of the California coast. Located just off of Route 1 right after Monterey, Point Lobos is a state park on the coast. The cost to explore inside is ten dollars, but so worth it. As you explore, be sure to hike around Whalers Cove, which is incredible at sunse...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Hike the Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve Loop
3.75.5 mi / 1000 ft gainGetting there: exit Highway 280 at Edgewood Road, travel .75 miles east, turn left on Crestview Drive, then immediately left again on Edmonds Road.Once parked, there are several different path options through the park. All of them connect in a large loop, and return to the parking lot. The Cordil...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Purisima Creek Trail and Craig Britton Trail Loop
4.06.95 mi / 1411 ft gainThis hike is perfect for any time of year, always staying cool because it is near the coast, and there are multiple creeks that flow year-round. Even on foggy days, the fog condenses on trees to make it seem like it is "raining." Be warned that this hike has a lot of elevation change and is stre...Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Cypress Grove Trail via South Shore Trail
5.01.72 mi / 121 ft gainCypress Grove Trail via South Shore Trail is a family-friendly loop hiking trail located near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Along this hike in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, you'll get a chance to see beautiful coastal views with rugged cliffs, views across Monterey Bay, and Cypress trees as...Read more -
Carmel, California
Point Lobos Natural Preserve Loop
4.77.14 mi / 640 ft gainPoint Lobos contains headlands, coves and rolling meadows, and its offshore area forms one of the richest underwater habitats in the world, popular with divers. Wildlife includes seals, sea lions, sea otters, migrating gray whales (from December to May), and thousands of seabirds, who also make t...Read more -
Sunol, California
Little Yosemite via Canyon View Trail
4.03.01 mi / 705 ft gainPlease note this is a fragile ecosystem and watershed. There is NO swimming allowed in Alameda Creek and trespassing is prohibited on Water Department lands that are not accessible to the public. You can learn more about the restrictions and the area at ebparks.org. After entering the kiosk you...Read more -
Cowell Ranch Beach Access, California
Picnic at Cowell Ranch Beach
5.0Hike half a mile to this beautiful, secluded beach. There are high cliffs with a steep staircase down to the beach. The beach has wonderful rock formations on one side. It is a great place to watch the sunset or bring a picnic. A great place for a beach day if you are looking for something le...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Bike the Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail
4.0This trail begins at the Cowell State Beach parking lot and is only open on the weekends. From the lot, take the short Cowell Ranch Access trail to a scenic overlook. There are steps down to the secluded pocket beach just above the main trail. The trail playfully meanders along the cliffside with...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Hike the Cowell-Purisma Trail
5.07 mi / 400 ft gainThis is a popular trail that has beach access to Cowell Ranch Beach. Along the trail, there is a steep staircase that goes down to the beach. The trail also features fields, a bridge, and beautiful views of California's rugged coastline. This trail is paved in some parts, and can also be biked...Read more -
Fremont, California
Lake Elizabeth Loop
3.02.1 mi / 69 ft gainLake Elizabeth is located in central Fremont. It offers a nice break from the city streets and can be enjoyed by walkers, joggers, and bikers alike. It is a park for all ages. Other attractions include volleyball nets, multiple playgrounds, and aqua adventure park, geese, and peddle boats. ...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail
3.64 mi / 322 ft gainHalf Moon Bay Coastal Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see local wildlife located near Half Moon Bay, California.Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Goat Yoga at Lemos Farm
5.0This is a great way to destress and have fun! Goat yoga is like normal yoga, but with goats. Goats tend to like higher ground and flat surfaces. So, when you are in table top position, they are highly likely to jump onto your back! These goats are still young, and so do not weigh as much as f...Read more
