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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Pacific Grove, California
Play Volleyball at Asilomar Conference Grounds
Asilomar translates to “refuge by the sea,” a phrase that accurately depicts the Asilomar Conference Grounds. The area started as a YWCA women’s empowerment camp in 1913 and has since transitioned into a well-preserved state beach. It is located in the beautiful Monterey Peninsula. If you find y...Read more -
Pescadero, CaliforniaCamp at Butano State Park
Butano State Park definitely flies under the radar. But for those who love quick escapes, small crowds, fun hikes, and beautiful redwoods, it's a favorite. The park features miles of hiking trails, 21 drive-in campsites and 18 walk-in campsites. Restrooms with running water are provided. Drinking...Read more -
Pacific Grove, California
Spanish Bay Trail
5.02.8 mi / 78 ft gainSpanish Bay Trail is an out and back trail that takes you past scenic views located near Monterey, California.Read more -
Pescadero, California
Año Nuevo and Goat Trail Loop
4.03.76 mi / 761 ft gainThis steep and winding trail takes you to the top of a ridge where you can see the Pacific coastline and the redwoods piercing through the forest canopy. To do this trail connect the Ano Nuevo Trail, Olmo Fire Road, Goat Trail and the Six Bridges Trail. If you don't have all day to do the Canyon ...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Hike the Little Butano Creek Trail
1.5 miThis short hike follows Little Butano Creek through a lush redwood forest. The trail crosses the creek multiple times as you walk over redwood pine needles and through pockets of ferns. Dogs can join on this trail, but must be on leash.Read more -
Pescadero, California
Hike the Canyon Rim Route in Butano State Park
5.011.7 miLocated deep within the Santa Cruz Mountains, Butano State Park boasts a large redwood canyon with many miles of hiking trails as well as campsites. This state park is one of the quietest and least visited parks on the peninsula making a perfect place to escape the hustle of the Bay Area Butano S...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Hike Russian Ridge
4.54 miRussian Ridge offers a great place to jump on the trail and in the right season, see some of the best wildflowers blooming. On top of that, you get access to amazing views from the ridge. Once you hit your parking space, add a little extra warm up before jumping on the trail to make this 3.7-mil...Read more -
Del Monte Forest, California
Relax at Spanish Bay
Spanish Bay is a beach with a view point at the southern tip. You can see waves crashing into rocks and the many different shades of blue. This is a great spot for anyone exploring 17 Mile Drive, as it is scenic and perfect for picnics. There is a golf course nearby that offers some of the mos...Read more -
Sand City, California
Bikepack Highway 1: Monterey to San Luis Obispo
130 mi / 9000 ft gainPlease be aware that this is NOT a route for beginning cyclist. It is a very hilly route and you will be sharing the road with cars for the entire route, the shoulder is sometimes very slim. This should not scare you from doing the trip, just be aware of the risks and dangers you might be facing....Read more -
Los Altos, California
Hike to Black Mountain and Stevens Creek Canyon
4.06 mi / 950 ft gainThis hike can be done during any season, but for the creek to be running and for more comfortable temperatures, it is best to go on a cool winter or spring day. Starting at the preserve parking lot, take the Stevens Creek nature trail, allowing you to witness spectacular views of a large, foreste...Read more -
Los Altos, California
Hike the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve Loop
4.52.9 mi / 600 ft gainThis hike is best done in the late fall, winter, and spring so that the creek is running and the hills are green. Starting at the preserve parking lot, the first half of the hike is predominantly downhill. At the main trailhead, start in the direction of the Stevens Creek Nature Trail, as told by...Read more -
Monterey, California
Scuba Dive Breakwater Cove
Located near Cannery Row, San Carlos Beach is home to Breakwater Cove. This is a great place for beginner scuba divers to practice their diving, get open water certified, and do their first ocean dives. San Carlos Beach is home to a large colony of sea lions, and also features a reef, anemones...Read more -
Morgan Hill, California
Backpack to Coit Lake
5.026 miThis trail can be started from Coe Headquarters or Hunting Hollow Trailhead. The trail from Coe HQ is 2 miles longer, almost all elevation but provides beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. These directions will be starting from Coe HQ.Follow the loop around the parking area to the backpa...Read more -
Morgan Hill, California
Backpack to Mississippi Lake
5.026.4 mi / 3600 ft gainIf you're tired of trying and failing to get reservations for backcountry camping around the bay area, then Henry Coe State Park is the perfect place to visit. No reservations need to be made prior to the trip. All you need to do is get to the HQ on the morning of your trip, get your permits and ...Read more -
La Honda, California
Hike the Brook Trail Loop
7.1 mi / 1500 ft gainThe Brook Trail Loop is a beautiful hike, starting off in Sam McDonald County Park and later entering into Pescadero Creek County Park. This adventure can be done in any season, with the trails almost entirely shaded for even the hottest summer days. Starting off from the Heritage Grove trailhead...Read more -
Loma Mar, California
Bike Pescadero Creek County Park
5.012.5 mi / 1350 ft gainPescadero Creek County Park and the connected Sam McDonald and Memorial Park are located deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains holding a vast network of secluded trails. From biking to backpacking, this area is a perfect place for a day or weekend adventure. This area also has the added bonus having r...Read more
