Santa Cruz County has many State and Local Parks and miles of unspoiled beaches that stretch both north and south of  the City of Santa Cruz.

For a larger selection of State Beaches north of Santa Cruz toward Half Moon Bay(5 to 40 miles), please click on San Mateo County Beaches or Parks and Open Spaces

 

State & Local Santa Cruz Parks and Nature Preserves

 

Big Basin State Park—Rancho Del Oso (Ocean end of the State Park)

Due to the August 2020 wildfires, this park is temporarily closed.

Located 20 miles north of Santa Cruz on Hwy. 1, the park has miles of trails, which serves hikers and equestrians, links Big Basin to Castle Rock State Park and the eastern reaches of the Santa Cruz range. Maps >>

One of our favorite short hikes – around 1 ½ hours round trip – is located in the Rancho Del Oso section of the park by the ocean. For more information about his really fun hike, go to https://explorer1.com/santacruz/big-basin-redwoods-state-park-rancho-del-oso/.

After your hike or nature walk, walk across the highway to Waddle State Beach. It’s a parasailer’s paradise. Almost always windy, so you get a chance to see the bright colored sails dancing across the waves.

Major rating websites rate Rancho Del Oso 4.7 stars out of 5 . We love this place. Our rating is a solid 4.7 stars.

Address: 3600 CA-1, Davenport, CA 95017
Phone: (831) 427-2288
Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=863

Big Basin Redwoods State ParkBig Basin State Park

21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA   (831) 338-8860

Due to the August 2020 wildfires, this park is temporarily closed.

The park has over 80 miles of trails. Be sure and pick up a map at park headquarters before your hike and take a look at the multimedia kiosk in the Sempervirens Room (next to park headquarters). There you will find great information, photos, and video of some of the most popular trails.

Address: 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA 95006
Phone: (831) 338-8861
Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=540

 

Nisene Marks State ParkThe Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

The park has 10,000 acres of rugged semi-wilderness, rising from sea level to steep coastal mountains of more than 2,600 feet.

Major rating websites rate the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park 4.3 to 4.8 stars out of 5 . We love this park. Because of the beautiful trails, trees and vegetation, we rate it a solid 4.6 stars.

Address: Aptos Creek Rd, Aptos, CA 95003
Phone: (831) 763-7063
website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=666

Harvey West Park — City Park

Harvey West Park is a 50-acre municipal park. Located just off the intersection of Highways 1, 9, and 17 and is truly Santa Cruz’ most complete central park complex. The park includes hiking trails, swimming pools, ball fields, play equipment, clubhouses, barbecue pits, picnic areas and more. It’s the perfect place for team sports, a Sunday picnic, an evening swim or just a walk on the trails.

Major rating websites rate Harvey West Park 4.0 to 4.4 stars out of 5 .

Address: 326 Evergreen St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831) 420-5270
Website: https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/parks-recreation/parks-beaches-open-spaces/parks/harvey-west-park

Neary Lagoon — City Park

Abundant wildlife viewing. Peaceful place for a walk. Interpretative signage and information available on site. No dogs allowed in wildlife refuge area.

Major rating websites rate Neary Lagoon 3.5 to 4.4 stars out of 5 .

Address: 110 California St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831) 420-5270
Website: https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/parks-recreation/parks-beaches-open-spaces/parks/neary-lagoon

Pogonip — City Park

A scenic 640-acre expanse of open meadows, woodlands and creeks., A multi-use trail (approximately 1 mile) is open to bicyclists and equestrians in the northernmost portion of Pogonip. This multi-use trail provides a connection between Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Pogonip, and UC Santa Cruz campus lands. Bicycles and horses are prohibited on all other trails in Pogonip.

Major rating websites rate Pogonip 4.0 to 4.6 stars out of 5 .

Address: 333 Golf Club Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831) 420-5270
Website: https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/parks-recreation/parks-beaches-open-spaces/open-spaces/pogonip

Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park

The site of a complex of buildings erected around the original Santa Cruz Mission.

Major rating websites rate Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park 4.0 to 4.5 stars out of 5 .

Address: 144 School St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831) 425-5849
website: https://thatsmypark.org/parks-and-beaches/santa-cruz-mission-state-historic-park/

Wilder Ranch State Park

The Park has 4,505 acres, with 34 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails winding through coastal terraces and valleys.

Major rating websites rate Wilder Ranch State Park 4.3 to 4.7 stars out of 5 .

Address: 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831) 423-9703
Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=549

Parks & Open Space North of Santa Cruz

 

To explore beaches further north of Santa Cruz, please visit https://explorer1.com/halfmoonbay/things-to-do/parks-open-spaces/.