The 30 Best Nature reserves with beaches in Santa Cruz, California

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Quality Inn & Suites Santa Cruz Mountains is a charming lodging establishment located at 9733 Highway 9 in Ben Lomond, California, United States. Nestled in the picturesque Santa Cruz Mountains, this hotel offers a peaceful retreat for travelers seeking a relaxing stay surrounded by nature. The rooms are comfortable and well-equipped with modern amenities, and guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning. The hotel also features a swimming pool, hot tub, and fitness center for guests to unwind and stay active during their stay. With its convenient location near popular attractions like Big Basin Redwoods State Park and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Quality Inn & Suites Santa Cruz Mountains is the perfect choice for a memorable stay in the area.

The Half Moon Bay State Beach Visitor Center, located in Half Moon Bay, California, is a travel agency that offers visitors the opportunity to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance. The center also provides information on guided hikes, public programs, and backpacking adventures through the Santa Cruz Mountains. The campground, now on the new reservation system ReserveCalifornia, offers tent and RV camping with electric hookups. The center is open on weekends and offers educational exhibits on the beach's cultural history. Visitors can enjoy four miles of sandy beaches, picnicking, fishing, and sunbathing. The Coastside Trail runs along the beaches, allowing for walking, jogging, and biking. Dogs are allowed on the trail but not on the beaches. The park offers an all-terrain beach wheelchair for wheelchair users to access the beach. Drones are not allowed in the park, and collecting natural beach features is prohibited. Special event permits are required, and field trips for school groups are available. The park is supported by the Coastside State Parks Association and the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks.

Welcome to Seacliff State Beach Parking and Campground Nestled in the scenic locale of Seacliff, California, our park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Known for its iconic concrete freighter, the SS Palo Alto, Seacliff State Beach is a beloved destination for both locals and visitors. While the ship is closed to the public for safety reasons, the beach remains a popular spot for swimming and relaxation, with its expansive sandy shores backed by picturesque bluffs.

Welcome to Sunset State Beach Campground, your perfect escape nestled in the scenic beauty of Watsonville, California. Located at Sunset State Beach, just 16 miles south of Santa Cruz, our campground offers a serene retreat under the shade of majestic pines, with breathtaking views of Monterey Bay. Whether you're planning a peaceful camping trip or a day of picnicking on the beach, Sunset State Beach is a must-visit year-round destination. Our location is easily accessible from Hwy 1 via the San Andreas Road exit. Simply head south to Sunset Beach Rd and proceed west to reach our beach entrance. For those interested in exploring the natural and cultural wonders of the area, we offer a variety of guided hikes and public programs. Visit our Parks Events page to view the schedule and make a reservation.

Welcome to Palm Beach Parking at Sunset State Beach, your gateway to a serene coastal experience in Watsonville, California. Conveniently located at 2660 Beach Road, just 16 miles south of Santa Cruz, our parking facility offers easy access to the stunning vistas and recreational opportunities of Sunset State Beach. Follow Hwy 1 to the San Andreas Road exit, proceed south to Sunset Beach Rd, and head west to reach our entrance. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of a peaceful campground nestled under the pines, enjoy picnicking on the sandy shores, and soak in the breathtaking views of Monterey Bay. Whether you're here for a day trip or an extended stay, Sunset State Beach is a favorite year-round destination.

Welcome to Seabright Beach, a scenic coastal park located at 21 East Cliff Drive in the beautiful city of Santa Cruz, California. Nestled along the stunning Monterey Bay, Seabright Beach offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational fun for visitors of all ages. Whether you're looking to relax under the sun, enjoy a picnic with family and friends, or take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, our beach provides the ideal setting for a memorable day out. Seabright Beach is renowned for its expansive sandy shores, gentle waves, and breathtaking views, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The beach is easily accessible and offers ample parking, ensuring a hassle-free visit. Enjoy beachcombing, building sandcastles, or simply soaking up the sun in this tranquil oasis.

Welcome to Twin Lakes State Beach & Schwan Lake, a picturesque park and tourist attraction nestled in the heart of Santa Cruz, California. Located at 995 Live Oak Avenue, our beautiful destination offers a serene escape for both locals and visitors alike. Twin Lakes State Beach boasts a stunning mile of sandy shoreline, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. Stretching parallel to East Cliff Drive and Portola Drive, our beach is conveniently situated near the small craft harbor in downtown Santa Cruz, making it an ideal spot for a day of relaxation and exploration.

Welcome to Campground | New Brighton State Beach, a serene escape nestled in the charming town of Capitola, just south of Santa Cruz, California. Located at 1500 Park Avenue, our campground offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. New Brighton State Beach boasts stunning coastal bluffs, picturesque views of Monterey Bay, and a sandy shoreline perfect for fishing, beachcombing, and swimming during warmer months. Our forested bluffs provide ample opportunities for hiking and exploring, while our well-maintained campground offers over 100 campsites, including 11 RV hookup sites, ensuring a comfortable stay for both tent and RV campers.

Welcome to Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry For those seeking a truly remote getaway filled with adventure and breathtaking scenery, Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry offers an unparalleled backcountry camping experience on Santa Cruz Island. Located at 1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, California, our unique campground is nestled within the stunning landscapes of Channel Islands National Park, providing an ideal escape for experienced backpackers.

Neary Lagoon Park is a charming urban oasis nestled in the heart of Santa Cruz, California. This serene park offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with its tranquil lagoon, lush greenery, and scenic walking paths. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, picnicking, and relaxing by the water's edge. The park is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from near and far to experience its natural beauty and peaceful ambiance. Located at 110 California Street, Neary Lagoon Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to unwind and reconnect with the great outdoors.

Located at 3341 South Bascom Avenue in Campbell, California, the Bristol Hotel is a unique lodging institution inspired by world travels and built out of collected experiences. Unlike big box chains, this boutique hotel is independently owned and operated, with 100% female-owned/BIPOC ownership. The hotel is known for its character and unique decor, including a piece of the Berlin Wall in the event space. Guests can enjoy complimentary parking, breakfast, coffee, and Wi-Fi in the vintage-style, spacious guest rooms equipped with amenities such as a coffee maker, microwave, mini fridge, wet bar, and large desk. The hotel is pet-friendly and welcomes all types of travelers. The Bristol Hotel is conveniently located minutes away from downtown Campbell, Willow Glen, and Los Gatos, offering easy access to shopping, restaurants, farmer's markets, wine tasting, hospitals, clinics, beaches in Santa Cruz, and nature reserves in Saratoga. Guests can enjoy great discounts on their stay with seasonal specials, business-friendly deals, or romantic getaway packages. The hotel also offers room blocks for weddings or events at affordable group rates.

West Cliff Dr Tide Pools is a captivating natural wonder located in Santa Cruz, California, United States. This park and tourist attraction offers visitors the opportunity to explore a diverse and vibrant ecosystem of tide pools along the beautiful West Cliff Drive. Visitors can marvel at the colorful array of marine life, including sea stars, anemones, and crabs, while enjoying stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful and scenic escape, West Cliff Dr Tide Pools is a must-visit destination in Santa Cruz.

Welcome to Fall Creek Unit, a serene park and tourist attraction nestled in the heart of Felton, California. Located at 1101 Felton Empire Road, this enchanting destination offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue, perfect for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Explore the Trails: The Fall Creek Unit is a second-growth redwood forest featuring nearly twenty miles of interconnected trails. Wander through fern-lined river canyons and discover remnants of the area's lime-processing heritage. This area is open for day use only, providing a tranquil escape into nature.

Welcome to Fall Creek Unit | Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, a breathtaking natural escape nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains at 1561 Felton Empire Road, Felton, California. This park is renowned for its majestic 40-acre grove of old-growth redwood trees, offering an awe-inspiring experience for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Explore the diverse landscapes of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, which spans over 4,650 acres of pristine forested and open land. Discover the towering redwoods, some reaching up to 277 feet tall and over 1,500 years old, alongside diverse habitats including grasslands, river/riparian zones, and unique sandhills. The park is also home to a rich variety of wildlife, from banana slugs and black-tailed deer to coyotes and steelhead trout.

Welcome to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Parking, conveniently located at 101N North Big Trees Park Road, Scotts Valley, California. Our parking facilities serve as the gateway to the breathtaking Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, renowned for its majestic 40-acre grove of ancient redwood trees and diverse natural habitats. Parking Options: - Day-Use Area: From Hwy 17, take the Mt. Hermon Rd. exit, follow Mt. Hermon Rd. to Graham Hill Rd., turn right, then left onto Hwy 9. The entrance is approximately 2 miles down on the left. Parking fee: $10 for regular-sized autos, $9 for seniors (62 ), $50 for buses (10-24 passengers), and $100 for larger buses (25 passengers).

Welcome to the Henry Cowell Redwoods Public Safety Office, your local government resource located at 101 North Big Trees Park Road in Felton, California. Nestled within the breathtaking Santa Cruz Mountains, this office serves as a gateway to the renowned Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, famous for its majestic 40-acre grove of ancient redwoods. Visitors to the park can explore a variety of natural wonders and recreational activities across its expansive 4,650 acres. Whether you're interested in hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming, or camping, the park offers something for everyone. Discover the historical significance and awe-inspiring beauty of the towering redwoods, some of which reach an impressive height of 277 feet and are around 1,500 years old.

Welcome to Margaret’s Bridge, a serene gateway nestled in the heart of The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, located at Loma Prieta Grade, Aptos, California. Just four miles north of Aptos on Aptos Creek Road, our park offers a tranquil escape from the bustling towns and beaches near Highway 1, Santa Cruz. Explore the lush second- and third-growth redwood forests that rise from sea level to the steep coastal mountains, offering over 30 miles of rugged trails perfect for hiking, jogging, or biking. Whether you're picnicking near Aptos Creek or embarking on a guided hike, Margaret’s Bridge promises a refreshing retreat for nature lovers.

Welcome to The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park Nestled just four miles north of Aptos on Aptos Creek Road, The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is a hidden gem and a refreshing retreat from the bustling towns and beaches along Highway 1 near Santa Cruz, California. This captivating park sprawls across a dense redwood forest, rising from near sea level to the steep coastal mountains, offering a unique semi-wilderness experience for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

Welcome to New Brighton State Park, a stunning coastal haven located at 1500 Park Avenue, Capitola, California. Just south of Santa Cruz, this beautiful park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational activities, making it a must-visit tourist attraction for both locals and travelers. Nestled along the scenic bluffs, New Brighton State Park boasts breathtaking views of Monterey Bay and provides a serene beach setting ideal for fishing, beachcombing, and swimming during the warmer months. The park is easily accessible via the New Brighton/Park Avenue exit off Highway One.

Welcome to Porter Family Picnic Area Nestled within the serene beauty of The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, the Porter Family Picnic Area offers a tranquil retreat for families and nature enthusiasts alike. Located just four miles north of Aptos on Aptos Creek Road in Aptos, California, this picturesque area is a perfect escape from the bustling towns and beaches along Highway 1 near Santa Cruz.

Welcome to Lone Tree, an enchanting gateway to The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, located at Aptos Creek Fire Road, Aptos, California. Nestled just four miles north of Aptos, this park offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of nearby towns and beaches along Highway 1 near Santa Cruz. Immerse yourself in the lush beauty of second- and third-growth redwoods that stretch from sea level to the dramatic coastal mountains. Visitors can enjoy 30 miles of trails ideal for hiking, jogging, or biking through a rugged semi-wilderness landscape. The park is a testament to nature’s resilience, with its redwood forest gradually healing since the logging era ended in 1923. Today, The Forest of Nisene Marks stands as a monument to regeneration, honoring its namesake, Nisene Marks, whose family generously donated the land to the state in 1963.

Welcome to Carmel Fields by Wedgewood Weddings, a stunning wedding venue nestled along the breathtaking central California coast in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Located at 4860 Carmel Valley Road, this venue offers unparalleled views across Monterey County, making it a perfect choice for both destination weddings and local Monterey couples seeking a picturesque setting for their special day. At Carmel Fields, you have the option to exchange vows at the intimate garden ceremony site, surrounded by lush trees and the natural beauty of Palo Corona Regional Park, or opt for a romantic beach wedding at Monastery Beach with the dramatic coastline as your backdrop. This Spanish Colonial-style venue is surrounded by towering oaks and pines, offering a serene and enchanting atmosphere for your "I Do's."