Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz, California has many great spots for outdoor adventurers. With its stunning beaches, lush parks, and scenic trails, there is something for everyone. From kayaking and paddleboarding to beach volleyball and surfing, there are plenty of water activities to enjoy. For those who prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of trails to explore, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Visitors can also explore the nearby redwood forests and take a stroll along the Area Santa Cruz Boardwalk. For a unique experience, take a whale watching tour or a boat ride to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. There are also plenty of must-visit attractions in and near the area, such as the Santa Cruz Wharf, Natural Bridges State Beach, and the Mystery Spot. With so many options, Santa Cruz is the perfect destination for those seeking an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Top Spots in and near Santa Cruz
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Half Moon Bay, California
Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail
4.65.51 mi / 220 ft gainStart at the visitor center along Kelly Avenue. Take note that the day parking fee is $10 in 2024 for each vehicle. You will then be able to enjoy both the Coastside Trail and Francis Beach (plus other beaches) with access to the amenities such as coin-operated showers and a semi-private beach. ...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 -
Half Moon Bay, CaliforniaCamp at Francis Beach Campground
4.0If you love to log as much water time as possible, this little gem is the campsite for you. Half Moon Bay State Beach is actually four smaller beaches, with a total of two miles of sandy shore, but you'll be camping right at Kelly Ave., one of Half Moon Bay's most consistent surf spots. Keep in m...Read more -
San Mateo, California
Sugarloaf Mountain
5.01.64 mi / 417 ft gainSugarloaf is tucked away in Laurelwood Park which is located in a residential neighborhood right off of Hwy 92 in San Mateo, making this a great hiking & trail running option for Peninsula residents. I always park on Glendora Dr. and follow the paved path down towards the playground. At the ...Read more -
Monterey, California
Bixby Bridge
4.7You can't miss this bridge if you are driving north on highway one. The best time for capturing sunsets behind the bridge is December. The positioning of the sun will better coincide with the location of the bridge.There are four main angles to capture the bridge: The first two are up close on ...Read more -
Foster City, California
Paddle the Foster City Lagoon
5.0The Foster City Lagoon is one of the most calm waters to paddle on. This is a great spot for beginners to learn how to paddleboard for the first time. The lagoon gets very still and makes it the perfect spot for reflection photos. On sunny days, there are many kayakers, SUP, small boats, and ev...Read more -
San Mateo County, California
Sawyer Camp Trail
5.011.61 mi / 1152 ft gainThe Sawyer Camp Trail is a popular paved trail that stretches alongside the Crystal Springs Reservoir all the way to Hillcrest Blvd. The sixth mile crosses over the San Andreas Dam with nice views of San Andreas Lake. There are markers every half mile which makes timing and tracking your run eas...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Paddle Half Moon Bay Jetty
5.0The Half Moon Bay Jetty is a calm place to paddle as it is covered on all sides. There is an opening into the ocean on the far side, but is mostly calm with plenty of beach area to launch. Keep in mind, there are boats in the harbor so keep an eye out. There is also a scenic hike nearby the West ...Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Pat Springs via Skinners Ridge
3.513.18 mi / 3645 ft gainBackpacking to Pat Springs is a way to see Big Sur and the San Lucia mountains from a perspective that few get to experience. The Ventana Wilderness is rugged and remote, yet Pat Springs is one of the most beautiful campgrounds around that will allow you to take in this amazing terrain. To get ...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Catch the Sunset at Maverick's Beach
5.01 miMaverick's beach is most well-known for the Maverick surf competition and the gnarly waves which surface here in the winter months. For the rest of the year, the beach is still a site to see. With huge waves crashing ¼ mile off shore and bluffs towering 100 feet above you, it’s a picturesque plac...Read more -
Sunol, California
Hike the Pleasanton Ridge Trail
4.36.4 mi / 1443 ft gainPleasanton Ridge Trail is a 6.4 mile loop. The loop is shared by dog walkers, trail runners, hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. From the ridge your viewpoints will include Mount Diablo and the San Francisco Bay. This hike from the Foothills Staging Area is an excellent introduction ...Read more -
Moss Beach, California
Pillar Point Bluff Loop
4.71.84 mi / 154 ft gainSitting on a 140 acre bluff top, the Pillar Point Bluffs are a simple, easy hike with breathtaking views throughout. The bluffs are 22 miles from San Francisco – a 30 minute drive depending on the traffic. There is a small 10 car or so parking lot off of Airport Blvd, but there are two additional...Read more -
Livermore, California
Murietta Falls
4.012.3 mi / 3947 ft gainGet ready for one of the toughest, lung busting hikes in the east bay with over 6-miles and 4,000ft of climbing in one direction. When you make it to the hike, it's also important to realize that without recent rain, there many not actually be a waterfall. With that said, you're still getting in ...Read more -
Livermore, California
Paddle Lake Del Valle
4.0Lake Del Valle is a reservoir located in Livermore, California. The lake has boat motor boats, pedal boats, patio boats, canoes, and row boats available for rent. There is a dock and rental house in the marina.The lake is also a popular destination for picnics, barbecues, and camping. Parking fi...Read more -
Moss Beach, California
Cypress Tree Tunnels at Moss Beach
4.50.79 mi / 105 ft gainThe Cypress Tree Tunnels are a quick jaunt from San Francisco (22 miles) and make for a great half-day trip. Getting here depends on traffic, but 30 minutes from the center of the city is doable. Parking is relatively easy. You can either park at the south end of the area at the Cypress Cove entr...Read more -
Livermore, California
Del Valle Regional Park
4.5Looking for a quick summer escape filled with stand up paddling, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and picnics? Look no further than Del Valle Regional Park. Consistently considered one of the best campgrounds in the Bay Area, the centerpiece of Del Valle is a 5-mile long lake that allows swimming, fish...Read more
