Parks & Rec

Parks & Recreation

Go Play Outside!

Moore Creek Preserve has few people and big views. Explore more beautiful Santa Cruz beaches and parks.

Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument

The view up the coast before entering the forest at Cotoni-Coast Dairies. Credit: Mike Kahn.

A jewel on Santa Cruz’s north coast.

Manresa State Beach

Sundown sets of nature's fireworks at Manresa State Beach. Photo by Dg251273, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Miles of empty beach in either direction.

Arana Gulch

A remnant of coastal prairie, Arana Gulch has wild grasses galore. Photo by Garrett McAuliffe.

Remnant of an ancient ecosystem in the middle of town.

West Cliff Drive

The Surf Museum at Lighthouse Point.

A 2.5-mile bike and pedestrian path skirting the cliffs.

San Vicente Redwoods

Finished trail with oak regrowth and cleared hazard trees. Brian Homberger for Land Trust Santa Cruz County

Trails and Future Trails in Resilient Redwood Forest

Santa Cruz Mission Adobe

The Mission Adobe and courtyard in high summer. Friends of SC State Parks photo.

A jewel hidden in plain sight.

Wheelchair-Friendly Trails

The ADA-compliant Redwood Grove Loop at Henry Cowell inspires awe and lots of grins. Photo courtesy Shared Adventures.

Four wheels welcome here!

Accessible Beach Guide

That's how you roll in a beach wheelchair, available at a number of Santa Cruz area beaches. Photo courtesy Shared Adventures.

'Cause everyone likes to play in the sand.

Antonelli Pond

A path branches off from the main trail, opening up to a sweet view of Antonelli Pond on the Santa Cruz Westside.

Floatable, fishable, walkable, dog-friendly Westside fun.

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