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
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Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Hike along the Carmel River Beach Trail
4.01 mi / 100 ft gainKnown as "Ribera Beach" by locals, this stretch of land nestled between Carmel River State Beach and Monastery Beach is not to be missed! The trails are easy to get to and can be accessed by 4 locations. The first entrance is on Highway 1 at the Bay School (between Ribera Road and Monastery Beach...Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Surf Carmel River State Beach
5.0Carmel State beach is located in Monterey county. It's your typical beach break with both lefts and rights. One thing that is super unique about Carmel is that the water is some of the clearest in all of California. Depending on the sandbars, this can be a really fun wave! It's also a great p...Read more -
Salinas, California
East Ridge & Cougar Ridge Loop
5.74 mi / 1483 ft gainJust a short drive from downtown Monterey you will find yourself amongst the rugged yet serene hills of Toro Park. For a day-use admission fee ($) you will have access to 20+ miles of trails that climb through canyons and run along ridgelines to peaks with views of the ocean in the distance. Whi...Read more -
Fremont, California
Mission Peak via Hidden Valley Trail
4.26.16 mi / 2116 ft gainBreathtaking views of the Bay Area are your reward for making this climb to the top of Mission Peak. It’s a 3-mile trek to the top of the peak and then back down the same way. This is a moderate hike that provides a nice workout – so be prepared. Park at the Stanford Avenue entrance gate. There ...Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Inspiration Point
5.03.75 mi / 650 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. ...Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Carmel Meadows Trail
5.00.55 mi / 49 ft gainThe Carmel Meadows Trail in California is a 0.6-mile scenic loop along the rugged coastline near Carmel-by-the-Sea. With breathtaking ocean views, sandy paths, and opportunities to see wildflowers and coastal wildlife, this easy trail is ideal for a short, relaxing hike. It’s a family-friendly ...Read more -
Emerald Hills, California
Sylvan Loop Trail
2.53 mi / 522 ft gainSylvan Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Redwood City, California.Read more -
Emerald Hills, California
Edgewood Loop
4.03.29 mi / 607 ft gainEdgewood Park and Natural Preserve rests in San Mateo County, California. The sweeping hillsides exemplify the true native flora of California, as the foundation of rock and soil is poor in nutrients. Only a few specialized native plants are adapted to live here--don't miss the unique wildflower ...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Whittemore Gulch and Harkins Ridge Loop Trail
4.66.43 mi / 1772 ft gainThere 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
Whittemore Gulch and Purisima Creek Loop Trail
9.27 mi / 2165 ft gainThe Whittemore Gulch and Purisima Creek Loop Trail, nestled in the scenic Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve near Redwood City, California, is a popular choice for hikers looking for a moderately challenging yet rewarding experience. This 9-mile loop trail winds through lush redwood fo...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Whittemore Gulch Trail
4.06.79 mi / 1791 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
Cordilleras & Dusty-Footed Woodrat Loop
3.73.83 mi / 676 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 Cord...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Hassler Loop Trail
4.01.48 mi / 289 ft gainExperience the natural beauty of the San Francisco Peninsula on the scenic Hassler Loop Trail, a 1.5-mile moderately challenging hiking trail nestled in Redwood City's Emerald Hills neighborhood. This beloved local trail offers hikers, nature enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers a perfect blend...Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Cypress Grove Trail
5.00.79 mi / 36 ft gainIf you want a short but deeply evocative walk that blends forest, ocean, and coastal geology, the Cypress Grove Trail is a must do. It’s one of the most celebrated hikes in Point Lobos, partly for its unique grove of Monterey cypress trees and partly for the dramatic seaside views that greet yo...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Whittemore Gulch via Purisima Creek Road
6.44 mi / 1870 ft gainThis 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. Starting Options:Start at Purisima Creek Roa...Read more
