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Experience Santa Cruz…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n With its wealth of beaches<\/a>, parks and open spaces and the great Pacific Ocean, Santa Cruz has a plethora of indoor and outdoor recreational activities for you to enjoy. Whether it’s a day hike through the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park<\/a>, biking down the Wilder Ranch State Park<\/a>\u00a0single track or riding the Big Dipper rollercoaster at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz is a recreational paradise. And after the fun and games are over, take a breather and enjoy one of its fine restaurants or pick out that perfect gift at one of the unique boutiques along the Pacific Garden Mall.<\/p>\n Click on the following items to see more.<\/p>\n [expand title=”Biking” tag=”h2″ trigclass=”arrowright”]<\/p>\n || Guided Tours<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 || Rentals<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 || Trails<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Santa Cruz Bike Tours<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Watsonville, CA 95076\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (831) 722-BIKE (2453)<\/p>\n Shuttle Smith Adventures <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Aptos, CA \u00a0\u00a0 (831) 234-3383<\/p>\n Mountain bike through the Redwoods! Shuttle Smith Adventures offers bike shuttles daily to the top of\u00a0 the Forest of Nisene Marks SP, where you can ride the challenging singletrack loops of Soquel Demonstration Forest, one of the leading freeride and cross-country destinations in the world! Pacific Ave Cycles <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n 320 Pacific Ave.,\u00a0Santa Cruz Ca 95060 \u00a0(831) 471-2453<\/p>\n Family Cycling Center <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n 914 41st. \u00a0Ave., Santa Cruz\u00a0 (831) 475-3883 <\/a><\/p>\n Local Article: Wednesday Night Rides in the Forest of Nisene Marks SP<\/a><\/p>\n Local Article: Riding in the Forest of Nisene Marks SP & the Soquel Demonstration Forest<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Regional Transportation Commission<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n 1523 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA\u00a0\u00a0 (831) 460-3200<\/p>\n This web site provides two very detailed city and county bike route maps.<\/p>\n Wheels Shall Overcome<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n An old article dedicated to the best biking trails in the Santa Cruz Area.<\/p>\n Wilder Ranch State Park<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Located north of Santa Cruz, immediately west of Hwy 1\u00a0 831-423-9703<\/p>\n The Park has 4,505 acres, with 34 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails winding through coastal terraces and valleys.<\/p>\n DeLaveaga Park<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n 850 N. Branciforte Drive, Santa Cruz, CA<\/p>\n Trails are open to hikers and bicyclists. Please stay on designated trails.<\/p>\n Pogonip Park<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n 333 Golf Club Drive, Santa Cruz, CA\u00a0 (831) 420-5270<\/p>\n Pogonip features approximately 8 miles of hiking trails. In the northernmost portion of Pogonip, a multi-use trail (approximately one mile in length) is open hikers, bicyclists and equestrians. This multi-use trail provides a connection between Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Pogonip, and the upper UCSC campus. Bicycles and horses are prohibited on all other trails. Bicyclists must ride responsibly and at a safe speed.<\/p>\n University of California Santa Cruz – UCSC<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA\u00a0 Campus Police at (831) 459-2231<\/p>\n UCSC has many excellent bike trails on campus lands adjacent to the Campus Natural Reserve. Use of the campus trails, are encouraged. Riding bicycles in the reserve, on the trails or elsewhere, is prohibited<\/p>\n Forest of Nisene Marks State Park<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Aptos Creek Road, Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA\u00a0\u00a0 831-763-7062<\/p>\n The park offers rugged semi-wilderness, rising from sea level to steep coastal mountains of more than 2,600 feet.\u00a0 It has over 30 miles of hiking, jogging and biking trails.<\/p>\n Soquel Demonstration State Park<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection<\/p>\n 4750 Old San Jose Road, Soquel, CA\u00a0 (831) 475-8643<\/p>\n Offering almost 5 miles (out and back) trails, this preserve is extremely popular with mountain bikers.<\/p>\n Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n 101 North Big Trees Park Road, Felton, CA\u00a0\u00a0 (831) 438-2396<\/p>\n This park features 15 miles of hiking and riding trails through a forest that looks much the same as it did 200 years ago.<\/p>\n Big Basin State Park<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA\u00a0\u00a0 (831) 338-8860<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Long Ridge Preserve<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Located at Peters Creek trailhead on the west side of Skyline Boulevard, about 3.6 miles north of its intersection with Highway 9, and approximately 3.3 miles south of its intersection with Page Mill Road.<\/p>\n Since one can take short hikes or rides to scenic overlooks or longer loop trips, the preserve is very popular with hikers, cyclists, and equestrians.<\/p>\n Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35) and Highway 9 intersection<\/p>\n The two mile multi-use Saratoga Gap Trail provides great opportunities for hikers, bikers, and equestrians.<\/p>\n See Also State Parks and Beaches…<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n [\/expand]<\/p>\n [expand title=”Bird Watching” tag=”h2″ trigclass=”arrowright”]<\/p>\n Elkhorn Slough Foundation<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Box 267, Moss Landing, CA 95039\u00a0 (831) 728-5939<\/p>\n Elkhorn Slough harbors the largest tract of tidal salt marsh in California outside of San Francisco Bay. This ecological treasure at the center of the Monterey Bay coastline provides much-needed habitat for hundreds of species of plants and animals, including more than 340 species of birds.<\/p>\n Docent-led tours of the Reserve are held every Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. There is also an early birding walk the first Saturday of every month at 8:30 a.m.<\/p>\n Santa Cruz Bird Club<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The Club sponsors birding walks in and around Santa Cruz County.\u00a0 For a very detailed list of the best birding locations, please review the Club’s Guide to Birding in Santa Cruz County, California<\/a>. || \u00a0 Protecting the Snowy Plover<\/a> – New Rules and Regulations<\/p>\n || \u00a0 Sequoia Audubon Society<\/a> – Environmental Education and Conservation<\/p>\n [\/expand]<\/p>\n [expand title=”Bowling” tag=”h2″ trigclass=”arrowright”]<\/p>\n Boardwalk Bowl<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n 115 Cliff St., Santa Cruz\u00a0 (831) 426-3324<\/p>\n [\/expand]<\/p>\n [expand title=”Day Spas” tag=”h2″ trigclass=”arrowright”]<\/a><\/p>\n [\/expand]<\/p>\n [expand title=”Fitness Centers” tag=”h2″ trigclass=”arrowright”]<\/p>\n [\/expand]<\/p>\n [expand title=”Hiking” tag=”h2″ trigclass=”arrowright”]<\/a><\/p>\n Santa Cruz<\/strong> is home to a number of wonderful areas that are perfect for hiking and nature walks.<\/p>\n To review our listings of hiking trails and nature walks, please click here for a complete list of trails.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/expand]<\/p>\n [expand title=”Horse Back Riding” tag=”h2″ trigclass=”arrowright”]<\/p>\n Monterey Bay Equestrian Center<\/a><\/strong> — Beach rides<\/p>\n 19805 Pesante Rd., Salinas\u00a0 (831) 663-5712<\/p>\n Horse-N-Around<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 The Mitchell Ranch<\/p>\n 980 Travers Lane, Watsonville, CA\u00a0 95076\u00a0 (408) 528-5461<\/p>\n Horse-n-Around offers horseback riding lessons to beginner riders of all ages.\u00a0 We have a unique children’s Discovery Program designed to introduce children to the world of horses.\u00a0 We also offer summer camps.<\/p>\n See Also State Parks and Beaches…<\/a><\/p>\n [\/expand]<\/p>\n [expand title=”Kayaking” tag=”h2″ trigclass=”arrowright”]<\/a><\/p>\n Elkhorn Slough Foundation<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Box 267, Moss Landing, CA 95039\u00a0 (831) 728-5939<\/p>\n Elkhorn Slough harbors the largest tract of tidal salt marsh in California outside of San Francisco Bay. This ecological treasure at the center of the Monterey Bay coastline provides much-needed habitat for hundreds of species of plants and animals, including more than 340 species of birds.<\/p>\n For the kayak lovers, the reserve is absolutely wonderful! Click here to read how to protect the reserve and where to launch and land your kayak<\/a> >><\/p>\n Adventure Sports<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n 303 Potrero, Santa Cruz\u00a0 (831) 458-3648<\/p>\n Kayak Connection<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n 413 Lake Ave., Santa Cruz\u00a0 (831) 479-1121 Monterey Bay Kayaks<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n 693 Del Monte Ave., Monterey\u00a0 (800) 649-5357<\/p>\n Venture Quest Kayaking<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n 2 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 \u00a0\u00a0(831) 425-8445 <\/p>\n [\/expand]<\/p>\n [expand title=”Rock\/Wall Climbing” tag=”h2″ trigclass=”arrowright”]<\/a><\/p>\n Castle Rock State Park<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Along the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Castle Rock State Park contains 3,600 acres of coast redwood, Douglas-fir, and madrone forest. Steep canyons are sprinkled with unusual rock formations that are popular with rock climbers, and hikers can enjoy the 32 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails.<\/p>\n Pacific Edge Rock Climbing Gym<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n 104 Bronson, Santa Cruz\u00a0 (831) 454-9254 <\/p>\n [expand title=”Roller Skating” tag=”h2″ trigclass=”arrowright”]<\/p>\n Santa Cruz Roller Palladium<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n 1606 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz\u00a0 (831) 423-0844<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/expand]<\/p>\n [expand title=”Sailing Schools” tag=”h2″ trigclass=”arrowright”]<\/p>\n Lighthall Yacht Charters<\/a><\/strong> — Sailing School<\/p>\n 790 Mariner Park Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 \u00a0(831) 429-1970 Pacific Yachting & Sailing<\/a> <\/strong>— Sailing School<\/p>\n 790 Mariner Park Way, Santa Cruz\u00a0 (831) 423-7245 U.C. Santa Cruz Boating Center<\/a> <\/strong>— Sailing School<\/p>\n Mariner Park Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 \u00a0(831) 425-1164 <\/p>\n [\/expand]<\/p>\n [expand title=”Scenic Boat Tours\/Rentals” tag=”h2″ trigclass=”arrowright”]<\/a><\/p>\n Chardonnay Sailing Charters <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n 790 Mariner Pkwy. #A, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 \u00a0(831) 423-1213 O’Neill Yachts<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n 275 Lake Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 \u00a0(831) 818-3645 Pacific Yachting & Sailing<\/a><\/strong> — Sailing School<\/p>\n 790 Mariner Park Way, Santa Cruz\u00a0 (831) 423-7245<\/p>\n Santa Cruz Yacht Club<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n 244 Fourth Ave., Santa Cruz\u00a0 (831) 425-0690<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/expand]<\/p>\n [expand title=”SCUBA Diving” tag=”h2″ trigclass=”arrowright”]<\/p>\n Adventure Sports<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n 303 Potrero, Santa Cruz\u00a0 (831) 458-3648<\/p>\n Aqua Safaris Scuba Center<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n 6896 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz\u00a0 (831) 423-3483 Bamboo Reef<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n 614 Lighthouse Ave., Santa Cruz\u00a0 (831) 372-1685<\/p>\n [\/expand]<\/p>\n [expand title=”Skateboarding” tag=”h2″ trigclass=”arrowright”]<\/p>\n Ken Wormhoudt Skate Park<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n 225 San Lorenzo Blvd at Riverside Ave., Santa Cruz, CA<\/p>\n Derby Park<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n 508 Woodland Way, Santa Cruz, CA<\/p>\n Among the first public skateboard tracks. A favorite of street stylists<\/p>\n Jim Keefe Skate Park at Highlands County Park<\/p>\n 8500 Highway 9 Ben Lomond, CA\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (831) 336-5366<\/p>\n Ramsay Park<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n 1301 Main St., Watsonville, CA<\/p>\n Sky Park<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n 361 Kings Village Rd Scotts Valley, CA<\/p>\n [\/expand]<\/p>\n [expand title=”Theme Parks” tag=”h2″ trigclass=”arrowright”]<\/a><\/p>\n The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA<\/p>\n Explorer1.com Review – \u00a0The boardwalk has the prefect blend of thrill rides and beautiful beaches.\u00a0 Although it’s great for older teens, the park also has an area dedicated for younger visitors with tame rides and various activities.\u00a0 <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n The best part of the boardwalk is its proximity to the beach, waves and the municipal wharf.\u00a0 When the park crowds become too much, you can always break away and enjoy the beach life.\u00a0 <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n Gilroy Gardens<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n 3050 Hecker Pass Rd Gilroy, CA 95020 (408) 840-7100<\/p>\n Explorer1.com Review – \u00a0Excellent family oriented theme park — especially for families with younger children. The rides are pretty tame and there are lots of activities gear toward the little ones.\u00a0 <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n Although the food at the park seems to be better than most theme parks, most families opt to bring their own snacks and drinks. It’s healthier and a lot more cost effective.<\/em><\/p>\n Gilroy can be extremely hot in the summer, so make sure to take plenty of water and sun screen!<\/em><\/p>\n Paramount Great America<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n 4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Looking for a major theme park with really cool rides? Click here to expand your search<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/expand]<\/p>\n [expand title=”Tours – Guided” tag=”h2″ trigclass=”arrowright”]<\/a><\/p>\n Culinary and Walking Tour<\/a> \u2500 <\/strong>Santa Cruz Food Tour<\/p>\n 529 Chestnut St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060\u00a0(800) 838-3006<\/p>\n Santa Cruz Food Tour offers a 3.5-hour cultural and culinary walking tour where you taste delicious food in out-of-the-way places and explore history and architecture in hidden neighborhoods. Come hungry and leave full. Rain or shine this is a non-touristy adventure you won’t find anywhere else. People who have taken our tour have made us the number 1 Santa Cruz tour on TripAdvisor.com. Our downtown tour is 30% off at $52.50 and includes all the food and drink along the way (enough for a full meal).<\/p>\n Elkhorn Slough Safari Nature Tour <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n (831) 633-5555 <\/p>\n [\/expand]<\/p>\n [expand title=”Train Rides” tag=”h2″ trigclass=”arrowright”]Train Rides<\/p>\n Roaring Camp Big Trees Railroad<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Graham Hill Rd., Felton (831) 335-4484<\/p>\n [\/expand]<\/p>\n [expand title=”Walking” tag=”h2″ trigclass=”arrowright”]<\/p>\n Circle Trail — Santa Cruz<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n A walker’s guide to some of the most scenic areas Santa Cruz has to offer.<\/p>\n Santa Cruz Mission Hill<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park 140 School Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060<\/p>\n The Mission Hill District is the birthplace of Santa Cruz and the first permanent European settlement in Santa Cruz County.<\/p>\n Walnut Avenue Downtown Santa Cruz<\/strong><\/p>\n With its uninterrupted Victorian buildings and mature tree cover, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll down one of the most beautiful streets in the City.\u00a0 Building ages range from 1870 to 1938. Click here for Walking Tour brochure (PDF) <\/a><\/p>\n Ocean View Avenue<\/strong><\/p>\n Established in 1871, this street is made up of many large homes that were originally built by wealthy year-round residents of San Jose and Central Valley residents looking for fine summer homes.\u00a0 Attractions<\/a><\/h2>\n
Beaches<\/a><\/h2>\n
<\/a>Guided Bicycle Tours<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nBicycle Rentals<\/h3>\n
Family Cycling Center is a bike shop located on 914 41st Ave, Capitola CA. We carry Santa Cruz Bikes, Specialized, Electra Cruisers & more.<\/p>\nBicycle Trails<\/h3>\n
Organizations and Articles of Interest:<\/strong><\/p>\nCamping<\/a><\/h2>\n
Childrens Day & Summer Camps<\/a><\/h2>\n
Eco-Tourism<\/a><\/h2>\n
Family Favorites<\/a><\/h2>\n
Fishing<\/a><\/a><\/h2>\n
Gardens\/Ag-Tours<\/a><\/h2>\n
Golf Courses<\/a><\/h2>\n
2370 Hwy 1, Moss Landing\u00a0 (831) 724-5692<\/p>\n
Venture Quest Kayaking of Santa Cruz offers a unique opportunity to explore the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary from a kayak!<\/p>\nMusic Venues<\/a><\/h2>\n
Parks, Open Spaces, and Preserves<\/a><\/h2>\n
Santa Cruz. 50 feet high. Leading, top-roping and bouldering. Gear shop. Parties. Courses offered.<\/p>\n
Sail Santa Cruz with Lighthall Charters, We offer Private Charters, Mixer Cruises, Sailing Lessons, Burials At Sea, Ash Scatterings, Scatterings at Sea, and Bare\u00a0…<\/p>\n
Sailing instruction on Monterey Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Located in the Santa Cruz yacht harbor.<\/p>\n
Santa Cruz 27 keelboat sailing infront of the harbormouth. rowing shells leaving the harbormouth headed out to sea. Junior sailing class sailing Coronado 15s\u00a0..<\/p>\n
Tours of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary aboard the 70′ ultralight sailing yacht Chardonnay II. Charters include whale watching, wine tasting,\u00a0…<\/p>\n
Come aboard the 65′ Team O’Neill catamaran and experience an adventure on the … OYC offers a smooth, stable sailing experience for all aboard, as we cruise\u00a0…<\/p>\n
Aqua Safaris has been the Santa Cruz County go-to for all things SCUBA for over 25 years. Travel, equipment sales & rental, repairs, and training.<\/p>\nSurfing<\/a><\/a><\/h2>\n
Theater – Live<\/a><\/h2>\n
Redwood Adventures
P.O. Box 1191, Boulder Creek\u00a0 (831) 338-1191<\/p>\n