Discover 11 parks for hiking within driving distance of Santa Cruz
"Santa Cruz is a vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, boardwalk, and surf culture. Residents and visitors enjoy quick access to Wilder Ranch for hiking, biking, and exploring California’s coastal history."
Historic ranchlands and coastal bluffs with miles of trails near Santa Cruz.
"Santa Cruz visitors enjoy quick access to the park's redwoods and hiking trails, making it a popular day-trip destination for nature lovers and families."
A tranquil redwood forest park with hiking, biking, and rich natural history.
"Santa Cruz locals and visitors love Big Basin for its proximity and the chance to explore ancient forests, hike scenic trails, and experience peaceful wilderness."
California’s oldest state park, famous for its towering redwoods and scenic beauty.
"Santa Cruz visitors enjoy the park’s mountain scenery and trails, just a short drive from the coast."
Castle Rock State Park offers scenic hiking, rock climbing, and panoramic views in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
"Santa Cruz locals enjoy quick access to Año Nuevo’s scenic trails and elephant seal tours, making it a popular day trip for families and nature lovers."
Año Nuevo State Park is famous for its elephant seal rookery and coastal landscapes.
"Santa Cruz locals enjoy visiting Butano State Park for its serene trails and opportunities to explore less-crowded redwood forests close to home."
A peaceful redwood forest park with hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
"Santa Cruz visitors appreciate the park’s cool forest environment and hiking opportunities, just a short drive from the coast."
A serene redwood forest park with hiking, camping, and creekside beauty.
"Santa Cruz is a vibrant beach town with a famous boardwalk and surfing culture. Nature lovers from Santa Cruz visit Point Lobos for hiking and wildlife viewing."
A spectacular coastal reserve famous for scenic beauty, wildlife, and hiking.
"Santa Cruz is famous for its boardwalk, surf culture, and redwood forests, attracting visitors who want to experience both coastal and forested landscapes."
A redwood-filled park along the Big Sur River with hiking, camping, and stunning scenery.
By Pacific Southwest Region USFWS from Sacramento, US, Public domain
"Santa Cruz is a lively beach town known for its boardwalk and surf culture. Its proximity to Big Sur makes Andrew Molera State Park a popular destination for hiking and nature getaways."
A scenic Big Sur park featuring coastal trails, beaches, and redwood groves.
"Santa Cruz is a vibrant beach city with a lively boardwalk and surf culture, attracting visitors who wish to explore the natural beauty of the Central Coast."
A stunning Big Sur park known for McWay Falls and coastal redwoods.
