Lighthouse Field State Beach
"Santa Cruz is a vibrant coastal city known for its boardwalk, surf culture, and lively downtown. Locals and tourists enjoy easy access to Lighthouse Field SB for beach outings and scenic walks."
A picturesque coastal park in Santa Cruz featuring a historic lighthouse and oceanfront recreation.
By Related names: Baldwin, Levi Meder, Moses A Bolocoff, Jose, Public domain
Wilder Ranch State Park
"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.
Seacliff State Beach
"Santa Cruz residents enjoy quick access to Seacliff’s sandy beaches and unique attractions, making it a popular spot for day trips and family outings."
Seacliff State Beach is a popular coastal park featuring sandy beaches, a historic ship, and family-friendly amenities.
Rancho San Andrés Castro Adobe Property
"Santa Cruz residents and tourists enjoy easy access to the park, combining beach visits with a journey into California’s Rancho past."
Historic adobe site showcasing California’s Mexican Rancho heritage.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
"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.
Año Nuevo State Park
"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.
Bean Hollow State Beach
"Santa Cruz locals appreciate Bean Hollow's unique pebble beaches and quiet atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing coastal outing."
A picturesque coastal park with tide pools, pebble beaches, and ocean vistas.
Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park
"Santa Cruz locals and tourists alike come for the stunning coastal scenery, tidepools, and peaceful picnic spots near the lighthouse."
Historic lighthouse park with ocean views and maritime exhibits.
Pescadero State Beach
"Santa Cruz visitors come for a change of scenery, exploring new beaches and the unique marsh habitats at Pescadero."
A scenic beach with sandy shores, tide pools, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Marina State Beach
"Santa Cruz is a lively beach town with a famous boardwalk and surfing culture. Its residents and visitors often travel to Marina State Beach for quieter beaches and unique dune landscapes."
A scenic coastal park known for sandy dunes, ocean views, and hang gliding.
San Juan Bautista State Historic Park
"Santa Cruz residents enjoy the park’s unique blend of history and scenic Central Coast landscapes."
A historic park showcasing 19th-century California life and architecture.
Asilomar State Beach
"Santa Cruz is famous for its beaches and boardwalk. Locals and tourists alike enjoy day trips to Asilomar for its tranquil setting and tide pools."
A picturesque coastal park with sandy beaches, dunes, and rocky shores in Pacific Grove.
Carmel River State Beach
"Santa Cruz is famous for its boardwalk and surf culture. Beachgoers and nature lovers from Santa Cruz visit Carmel River State Beach for a change of scenery and birdwatching."
A picturesque coastal park known for its lagoon, wildlife, and scenic beach.
Monterey State Historic Park
"Santa Cruz visitors often travel to Monterey for its renowned historic sites, scenic waterfront, and cultural events, offering a change of pace from their own vibrant beach town."
A collection of historic adobes and gardens in downtown Monterey highlighting California’s early history.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
"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.
San Gregorio State Beach
"Santa Cruz visitors often explore San Gregorio for a change of scenery and to experience the unique bluffs and lagoon."
A picturesque coastal park with sandy beaches, bluffs, and a creekside lagoon.
Point Sur State Historic Park
"Known for its beaches and boardwalk, Santa Cruz residents often visit Point Sur for a day trip to enjoy historic tours and ocean vistas."
Historic lighthouse park with coastal views and guided tours.
By Pacific Southwest Region USFWS from Sacramento, US, Public domain
Andrew Molera State Park
"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.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
"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.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
"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.