Watsonville, California
One of the top outdoor activities in Watsonville, California is hiking the Mount Madonna County Park trail. This moderate difficulty trail offers a scenic view of the redwood forest and sweeping vistas of the Santa Clara Valley. If you're lucky, you might spot deer, wild turkeys, or even the rare white fallow deer. Another must-visit is the Pajaro Valley Historical Association, where you can take a leisurely walk through history. For those who prefer water activities, Watsonville Slough is perfect for kayaking and bird watching. For a unique outdoor adventure, visit Gizdich Ranch for a fun day of apple picking. The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Watsonville surely offer something for everyone.
Top Spots in and near Watsonville
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Boulder Creek, California
Berry Creek Falls Loop (Closed)
4.810 mi / 2310 ft gainUnfortunately, this trail is closed due to a past fire. See CA.Gov for updates on trails in Big Basin. Nestled in California's oldest state park, the popular Berry Creek Falls Loop hike begins at the Big Basin park headquarters. If you're up for 11 miles, a thousand feet of elevation gain throu...Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Hike the Ocean View Summit Loop
4.06 mi / 600 ft gainThis hike begins at the Big Basin park headquarters. If you're up for 6 miles through giant redwoods and along serene creeks, and with an ocean view, then this is the hike for you. Ocean view summit loop starts on the Gazos Creek Road bridge, next turn right on to the Middle Ridge Fire Road, whic...Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Camp at Big Basin Redwoods State Park
4.00.5 miBig Basin is currently closed including the campgrounds. Please visit the Parks.ca.gov site for updated details. An hour away from the thrumming city of San Jose, ancient immense trees live in a forest full of vibrant ferns and rushing waterfalls. Big Basin Redwoods State Park encompasses 10,00...Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Hike the Old Growth Redwoods Trail
4.50.5 miQuick half-mile stroll through the old growth Redwoods that will show you the nature of the ever-living redwood tree.Redwoods are capable of withstanding storms, floods, fire, droughts, and even termites. These legendary trees can live for over 2,000 years and possess incredible strength, vigor, ...Read more -
Davenport, California
Kitesurf Waddell Beach
4.0Just north of Santa Cruz at the far west end of Big Basin State Park, Waddell Beach offers one of California's top spots for kiteboarding. Each spring and summer, you'll find consistent northwesterly afternoon sea breezes. With the added bonus of consistent waves from wind and ground swell, Wad...Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Soberanes Point
1.82 mi / 295 ft gainGarrapata State Park is located along California's Highway 1, roughly 5 miles south of Carmel, California. The park is entirely free with multiple pull-outs and serves as one of the first grand views travelers encounter while heading south from the Monterey Peninsula to southern California. Garra...Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Secluded Beach Near Soberanes Point
5.00.32 mi / 121 ft gainWhen we stumbled upon this beach we were thrilled to have such great views with no crowds. There is plenty of room to lay out in the sun, you can swim in the ocean to cool off, and the beach is surrounded by beautiful landscape. If you decide to swim be very careful as the waves and currents can ...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Pick Berries at Swanton's Berry Farm
4.0Take a spectacularly scenic drive or bike ride out to this quaint coastal berry farm. Look out onto the shimmering ocean while you pick the ripest and sweetest berries yourself. Head inside their shop to enjoy pre-made jams, pies, chocolate covered strawberries, and so much more. While you're ins...Read more -
San Jose, California
North Rim Trail to Eagle Rock
5.01.94 mi / 240 ft gainNorth Rim Trail to Eagle Rock is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near San Jose, California.Read more -
Cupertino, CaliforniaBlack Mountain via PG&E, Quarry and Black Mountain Trail
3.011.72 mi / 3901 ft gainBlack Mountain via PG&E, Quarry and Black Mountain Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Cupertino, California.Read more -
La Honda, California
Peters Creek and Long Ridge
4.05.5 mi / 1007 ft gainFrom 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 -
Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, California
Deer Hollow Farm Trail
4.02.46 mi / 312 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 arou...Read more -
La Honda, California
Portola Redwoods State Park Loop
4.88.21 mi / 1924.54 ft gainTake in the best of Portola Redwoods State Park: towering redwoods, a waterfall, wildflowers, and a mix of narrow singletrack and wide old logging roads. This loop comes in around 8 miles, with a shorter 5-mile option if you’re looking for something more mellow. Redwood hikes are always a trea...Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Calla Lily Valley
4.60.31 mi / 46 ft gainParking for Calla Lily Valley is available along the dirt pullout at Gate 19 for Garrapata State Park, near mile-marker 63. Signs are small and difficult to see. Follow the path between the guide wires and take the right fork, heading north to the bluff overlooking the beach. Continue north and f...Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Garrapata Beach
4.5A wonderful roadside beach and state park. Easy parking on both sides of Hwy. 1 with short access trails. There are almost 2 miles of coastline trails heading north and south from the parking area. The north end of the beach is great for swimming and surfing when the sea is calm and the south ...Read more -
La Honda, California
Sunny Jim and Christmas Tree Trails
4.02.99 mi / 531 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. There is a Christmas tree farm that usually has small Christmas trees growing. On a r...Read more
