The Bonny Doon Ecological Reserve is a nature preserve of 552 acres (2.23 km2) in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California. The reserve protects several rare and endangered plant and animal species within an area known as the Santa Cruz Sandhills, an ancient seabed containing fossilized marine animals.
Pinto Lake County Park offers boating, fishing, picnic areas, a baseball diamond, volleyball court and an RV Park. You are welcomed to bring your own boat, raft, kayak, canoe or inflatable watercraft onto the lake, but you are subject to inspection and launch fees. The park consists of 78 acres, 70 of which are water and 8 are land.
The 855-foot Capitola Wharf provides locals and visitors alike with a fresh space to explore and enjoy. This historic landmark, integral to Capitola’s seaside charm, has reopened after undergoing a comprehensive reconstruction. Walking the full length of the pier offers breathtaking views of the Monterey Bay coastline, where wildlife enthusiasts can often spot sea otters, dolphins, and various bird species.
Bonny Doon Beach, located near Davenport, California, is a picturesque coastal destination known for its stunning natural beauty and unique features. Nestled between towering seaside cliffs, the beach offers a serene environment ideal for relaxation and outdoor activities.
Davenport Landing Beach is a picturesque coastal destination located just north of the town of Davenport, California. This small ocean beach is known for its scenic beauty, making it an ideal spot for relaxation, picnics, and enjoying sunsets.
Moran Lake Beach is located in Santa Cruz County, California. It's known for its natural beauty, popular among locals and visitors for its scenic views, surfing, and birdwatching opportunities. The area includes a lagoon and a creek that flows into the ocean, creating a diverse ecosystem that attracts various wildlife.
Pogonip is a scenic sloped park with hiking & biking trail network amid redwood forests in Santa Cruz, California. The Pogonip trail system totals approximately 11.5 miles; 3 of those mile are multi-use open to hikers, bicyclists and equestrians.
Pleasure Point County Park is a small park located in the Pleasure Point neighborhood of Santa Cruz County, California. The park is situated on East Cliff Drive and offers panoramic views of Monterey Bay and the surrounding coastline.
Rockview Drive County Park is a small park located in Santa Cruz County, California. The park is situated on Rockview Drive, off of East Cliff Drive in the Pleasure Point neighborhood of Santa Cruz. The park is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, and it offers a variety of recreational activities.
Sempervirens Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Big Basin Redwoods State Park near Boulder Creek, California. The falls are about 20 feet tall, creating a serene and scenic spot amidst the towering redwoods are surrounded by ferns, moss-covered rocks, and old-growth redwoods, offering a tranquil and beautiful setting for visitors.
Located at the northern end of Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz Harbor is a haven for fishing craft and vessels. Walton Lighthouse stands 41 ½ feet tall above the level of the west jetty, and 59 ½ feet above the mean low water mark. It weighs 350,000 pounds and is built to withstand a quarter million pounds of wave energy.
Capitola State Beach is a popular urban beach located in the heart of Capitola Village, California. It's known for its sandy beach, calm waters, proximity to shops and restaurants, and the colorful Victorian houses lining the beach.
Manresa State Beach features a beautiful expanse of sea and sand, with surf fishing, surfing and many recreation opportunities. Located in La Selva Beach, Manresa State Beach is ideal for enjoying every kind of view the county has to offer. Enjoy a picnic at the tables near the top of the bluff with panoramic views of both the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
Seascape Park Beach, located in Rio del Mar, California, is a stunning stretch of coastline known for its scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Situated along the Monterey Bay, Seascape Park Beach offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and is renowned for its pristine sandy shores and picturesque cliffs.
Fall Creek Unit is a redwood forest with a fern-lined river canyon and remnants of a successful lime-processing industry. Fall Creek is open for day use only, and includes almost twenty miles of connecting trails. Parking and trailheads are marked on Felton Empire Road off Highway 9.
Castro Adobe State Historic Park is a state park in the Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley, California. The Rancho San Andrés Castro Adobe is a historically and architecturally significant house located in the Pájaro Valley, California. The two-story Rancho San Andrés Castro Adobe is a historic rancho hacienda that was built between 1848 and 1849.
Elkhorn Slough is an estuary located in Moss Landing, near Watsonville, California. The Elkhorn Slough Reserve is a protected area that encompasses part of this estuary and is managed by the Elkhorn Slough Foundation. It is situated on the central coast of California, near Watsonville and Moss Landing. The estuary is part of Monterey Bay.
The trestle bridge in Santa Cruz is the Felton Covered Bridge, also known as the Roaring Camp Bridge. It's a historic covered bridge located in Felton, just a short drive from Santa Cruz. This bridge is part of the Roaring Camp & Big Trees Narrow-Gauge Railroad, a heritage railroad that offers scenic rides through the redwood forests.
Shark Fin Cove, also known as Shark Tooth Beach, is a stunning and unique coastal spot located along the Pacific Coast, just south of Davenport and approximately 10 miles north of Santa Cruz. It's easily accessible from Highway 1, making it a popular stop for travelers exploring the California coastline.
The Byrne-Milliron Forest is a privately owned and managed forested area that serves as a natural preserve, educational site, and research area. It is situated in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California, near the community of Corralitos. It is approximately 10 miles northwest of Watsonville and about 20 miles south of Santa Cruz.
