We also loved Natural Bridges State Beach where we saw a gorgeous sunset (it’s also where the butterflies are in November).įor surfing, Pleasure Point Beach and the Hook is the most popular Santa Cruz spot, as well as Four Mile Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park and Steamer Lane on West Cliff Drive. Main Beach is best for families, and Cowell Beach is a classic surfing spot, perfect for beginners.įor a quieter, local beach, try Seabright State Beach, Sunny Cove and Twin Lakes State Beach. The two most popular (and busy) beaches are Main Beach, which is right in front of the Boardwalk, and Cowell Beach, on the other side of the wharf. Santa Cruz isn’t short on gorgeous beaches. There are over 80 miles of trails and many waterfalls, including Berry Creek Falls, which can be reached by an 11-mile track that climbs 1000 feet.īig Basin is California’s oldest state park and some of the redwoods there are over 2,000 years old! It’s definitely one of the most beautiful things to see in Santa Cruz. Please note that Big Basin State Park and the hike to Berry Creek Falls is currently closed due to the CZU fire in 2020.īerry Creek Falls is One of the most beautiful hikes in Santa Cruz County is the Berry Creek Falls Trail at Big Basin State Park. Photo courtesy of Visit Santa Cruz County We gave it a miss as we were travelling with our baby, so didn’t want to take the risk. Instead it’s best to go the long way round, which is detailed in this blog post. There’s a hiking trail that leads straight down to the beach, which is very steep and treacherous, so not recommended. If you’re the perfect Instagram photo, join the influencers and head to Davenport where there’s a swing hanging from part of an abandoned pier on the beach, which has become one of the most popular photo spots on the California coast. Take an Instagram photo at the Davenport swing And locals love the trails at DeLaveaga Park.
Other good options are West Cliff Drive, East Cliff Drive and Seascape Beach Resort. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot dolphins, seals and humpbacks.
One favourite is the Old Cove Landing Trail at Wilder Ranch State Park which takes you on a magnificent 7.5 mile coastal track. There are some beautiful coastal hikes in Santa Cruz. Either way, the lighthearted optical illusion attraction can be a fun way to spend an hour, taking improbable photos of your friends in mid-air.īuy tickets in advance online to avoid disappointment. The Mystery Spot calls itself a gravitational anomaly where the laws of physics go haywire.