Soquel, California
The Soquel Demonstration State Forest is a must-visit for the best trails and outdoor activities in Soquel, California. The hiking trail is moderately difficult, winding through towering redwood trees and offering scenic views of the surrounding forest. Along the way, you may spot unique rock formations and the clear, bubbling Soquel Creek. This trail is also popular for mountain biking. In the vicinity, Capitola Beach offers a different kind of outdoor adventure with opportunities for surfing, paddleboarding, and fishing. The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is another top spot nearby, with over 30 miles of trails through redwood groves and along Aptos Creek. These outdoor attractions in and near Soquel provide a variety of scenic, engaging activities for all.
Top Spots in and near Soquel
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Saratoga, California
Hike the Seven Springs Trail Loop
2.8 mi / 500 ft gainThe Seven Springs loop is only one great option of several in the preserve. Starting from the Prospect Rd parking lot the loop is 2.8 miles of rolling hills in and out of the shade. Most of the trail is at least 2 person width so easy to walk with a friend or furry companion. There have been larg...Read more -
Los Gatos, CaliforniaLost Mine Trail Run
Communes, dairy, and gold. These words are not often associated with trail running, but out on Monte Bello Ridge and Black Mountain which rise high above Silicon Valley, you might just hear them uttered.From the parking area in Skyline Open Space we start our run by crossing Skyline Boulevard and...Read more -
Marina, California
Surf, Run, or Catch a Sunset at Marina State Beach
From the moment you turn into the parking lot, you know Marina State Beach is special. Grab a parking spot in the large lot and then run down the dunes and onto the shoreline! The beach feels spacious on this section of the shore and gives plenty of room to run around or to put down a blanket to ...Read more -
La Honda, CaliforniaHike through Portola Redwoods State Park
4.87 miLike redwood hikes? We do too, they're always very scenic and take you away from the hustle and bustle of the bay area. Not to mention, they also stay cool during the summer months. If you want a hike in the middle of the peninsula, this is a great bet.When starting this hike, head out from headq...Read more -
La Honda, California
Hike Peters Creek and Long Ridge
4.05.7 miFrom the parking lot, take the connector trail towards the Peters Creek Trail for 0.4 miles. As you descend into a small valley, notice the sound of running water that appears. When you reach the first trail intersection, turn left on the Peters Creek trail. This will give you your first encounte...Read more -
Marina, California
Explore Fort Ord Dunes State Park
5.0One of the best parts of Monterey is the beaches – but their popularity is also their weakness, so if you want seclusion head to the lesser-known Fort Ord Dunes for solitude and beautiful views of Monterey Bay and the Pacific Coast. Historically, this location was chosen as the location for Fort ...Read more -
Pescadero, United StatesRelax at Costanoa Lodge
3.0Looking for a quick escape from the city, but sleeping on the ground isn’t really your thing? Look no further than Costanoa Lodge in Pescadero, an upscale "glamping" experience just an hour south of San Francisco with tons of hiking options. This is a really fun option for anyone who enjoys being...Read more -
Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, California
Hike Deer Hollow Farm Trail
4.02.7 mi / 259 ft gainRancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve has many beginner to intermediate hiking trails. Deer Hollow Farm Trail Loop is a hiking trail for beginners, families, or anyone wanting to go on a short hike with nice views of the bay. The trail passes by a farm and deer can often be seen wandering aroun...Read more -
Pacific Grove, California
Visit the Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary
1 miThousands of monarchs can be found here October through February. It's a small park with a path through the center. Park near the Monarch Grove hotel at the sign that says "Caution: Butterflies present", and cross the street to walk down the short path (pink houses will be on your right) and to t...Read more -
Pacific Grove, California
Explore Lovers Point
5.0LOVERS POINT PARK AND BEACH:According to local legend, this park was originally called "Lovers of Jesus Point," back in the era when Pacific Grove was a Methodist retreat camp. Since the late 1800s, the beach at Lovers Point in Pacific Grove has been a popular spot for boating and swimming, and o...Read more -
Pacific Grove, California
Paddle Lover's Point
Lover's Point is great place to SUP or kayak. There are tons of jellyfish in the water (so be careful). This beach is also popular for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are rocks surround a small sandy beach and a place to rent kayaks and sups on the beach. There is a small parking lot as well a...Read more -
Pacific Grove, California
Relax at Lover's Point Beach
4.8Getting there: Drive to the bottom of Ocean View Boulevard in Pacific Grove, California. You will reach a small parking lot. Unfortunately, the parking here is limited. On the bright side, this means the crowds never get too big! The ocean has open swells for surfers, diverse marine-life for snor...Read more -
Pacific Grove, California
Catch Sunset on Asilomar State Beach
Asilomar, or “refuge by the sea” definitely lives up to its name. The beach is expansive and less-populated than other nearby destinations. With large sandbars and rocky outcroppings, it is a great place to enjoy sunset. This beach is also known for its premium surf, so expect a show from the lo...Read more -
Pacific Grove, California
Bike at Asilomar State Beach
At Asilomar State Beach, adventure is accessible in many forms. I had the opportunity to rent a bike from Adventures by the Sea. Rentals start at $25, and while you are not permitted to ride along the boardwalk that leads you to the beach, you may walk your bike through the exquisite sand dunes A...Read more -
La Honda, California
Mountain Bike Skyline Ridge Preserve
4.03.5 mi / 313 ft gainThere are a bunch of beginner to intermediate mountain biking trails at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve (click here for a trail map). There are some beginner mountain biking classes that come here to learn. You can find specific trails that match your ability at MTB Project. There is a Chris...Read more -
Pacific Grove, California
Exploring Asilomar's Ancient Sand Dunes
4.0Asilomar State Beach covers 107 acres of land. It is home to a delicate ecosystem that has been sustained through the years after it was almost destroyed. The intricate dunes at Asilomar are what have survived after the over-grazing back in the early 1900's that damaged about 480 acres of dunes. ...Read more
