The 30 Best Picnicking spots in Santa Cruz, California

Vasona Lake County Park is a picturesque park located in Los Gatos, California. Situated at 333 Blossom Hill Road, this park is a popular tourist attraction known for its stunning views of Vasona Lake and the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as picnicking, hiking, biking, and boating. The park also features playgrounds, picnic areas, and a train ride for children. With its serene atmosphere and beautiful scenery, Vasona Lake County Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers and families looking to spend a relaxing day outdoors.

Skypark is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 361 Kings Village Road in Scotts Valley, California, United States. Nestled in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Skypark offers visitors a serene and natural setting to relax and unwind. With its lush greenery, walking trails, and picnic areas, Skypark is the perfect destination for a day out with family and friends. The park also features a playground for children, making it a great spot for families to enjoy quality time together. Whether you're looking to explore the outdoors, have a picnic, or simply take in the natural beauty of the area, Skypark is a must-visit destination in Scotts Valley.

Trescony Park is a charming and picturesque park located on Trescony Street in the heart of Santa Cruz, California. This popular tourist attraction offers visitors a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with lush greenery, tranquil walking paths, and beautiful flower gardens. Whether you're looking to relax with a book, have a picnic with loved ones, or simply take a leisurely stroll, Trescony Park is the perfect destination. With its peaceful atmosphere and stunning natural beauty, this park is a must-visit for anyone exploring Santa Cruz.

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.

Cable Car Beach is a popular tourist attraction located in Santa Cruz, California, United States. This park offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is known for its iconic cable car that runs along the beach. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking on the sandy shores, or take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk. The beach is also a great spot for surfing and other water sports. With its picturesque setting and relaxed atmosphere, Cable Car Beach is the perfect destination for a fun day out by the sea.

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.

Natural Bridges Tidepools, located in Santa Cruz, California, is a beautiful park and beach offering a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the ocean. The tide pools are teeming with colorful sea life such as sea stars, shore crabs, and sea anemones, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts. The park also features a Monarch Grove where thousands of Monarch Butterflies overwinter, creating a breathtaking sight in the eucalyptus trees. Visitors can enjoy guided hikes, educational programs, and special events throughout the year. The park is also home to freshwater wetlands, salt marshes, and native wildflowers, providing a diverse and vibrant ecosystem to explore. With a $10 vehicle day-use fee, visitors can enjoy picnicking under the eucalyptus and pine trees, but camping is not allowed. Safety measures are in place to protect the delicate ecosystem, including restrictions on collecting, drone use, and alcohol consumption. Volunteers play a crucial role in maintaining the park, especially during the Monarch butterfly season and tide pool seasons. Whether you're interested in learning about wildlife, exploring the tide pools, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the coast, Natural Bridges Tidepools offers a memorable experience for all ages.

Bean Hollow State Beach is a beautiful park located on New Years Creek Road in Pescadero, California. This park offers a one mile stretch of San Mateo Coast shoreline with two parking lots: Pebble Beach and Bean Hollow Beach. Pebble Beach is known for its rounded, ocean-polished rocks, while Bean Hollow Beach features a small sandy cove and rocky tide pools. Visitors can enjoy activities such as fishing, picnicking, and beachcombing, but collecting of any kind is prohibited. The park also offers the Arroyo de los Frijoles Trail, which connects the two beaches and features interpretive panels for a self-guided tour. Swimming is not recommended at this beach due to cold water, rip currents, and heavy surf. Dogs are allowed on leashes, but beach fires, collecting, fireworks, and drones are not permitted. Camping is not available at this park, but nearby state park campgrounds include Half Moon Bay State Beach and Butano State Park.

Mitchell's Cove Beach is a stunning natural feature located in Santa Cruz, California, United States. This picturesque beach offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and is a popular spot for relaxation and recreation. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing on the sandy shores, swimming in the refreshing waters, or exploring the tide pools teeming with marine life. The beach is also a great place for picnicking, beachcombing, and watching the sunset. With its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, Mitchell's Cove Beach is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and beachgoers alike.

Strawberry Beach, located in Santa Cruz, California, is a picturesque park and popular tourist attraction. With its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and sandy shores, Strawberry Beach is the perfect destination for a day of relaxation and fun in the sun. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, swimming, surfing, and beachcombing in this beautiful coastal setting. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun or take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, Strawberry Beach offers a little slice of paradise in the heart of California.

Sand Plant Beach is a picturesque park located in Santa Cruz, California, United States. This beautiful sandy beach offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is a popular spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and swimming. Visitors can also enjoy surfing or simply relax and unwind by the water. With its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty, Sand Plant Beach is the perfect destination for a day of outdoor fun and relaxation.

Moran Lake County Park is a beautiful park located at 22775 East Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz, California, United States. This park is a popular tourist attraction with its serene lake, lush greenery, and scenic views. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking, birdwatching, and fishing in this peaceful oasis. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, making it a great spot for nature lovers. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day in nature or some outdoor adventure, Moran Lake County Park has something for everyone.

Garden of Eden - Henry Cowell Redwood State Park is a stunning tourist attraction located at California 9, Felton, California, United States. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, with the Visitor Center open daily from 10am to 4pm and the Mountain Parks Foundation Nature Store open from 11am to 5pm. Visitors can reserve campsites and lodging up to six months in advance and enjoy activities such as hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming, and camping on over 4,650 acres of forested and open land. The park is most famous for its 40-acre grove of towering old-growth redwood trees, some of which are over 1,500 years old. The park also features diverse habitats including grasslands, river/riparian areas, sandhills, and redwoods. Visitors may spot wildlife such as banana slugs, black-tailed deer, coyotes, and more. The park also offers guided hikes and public programs, as well as naturalist-led backpacking trips through the Santa Cruz Mountains. Additionally, visitors can pay parking fees using the Yodel app on their smartphones. The park is a Crumb Clean environment, protecting the endangered marbled murrelet bird that nests in the area. Visitors can learn about the history and ecology of the park on the Redwoods Experience trail, a flat loop trail through the old-growth redwood grove. The park also offers camping facilities, and nearby Roaring Camp Railroad provides historic train rides through the redwoods.

Panther Beach is a stunning coastal destination located in Santa Cruz, California, United States. With its golden sands, crystal clear waters, and picturesque rock formations, Panther Beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and exploring tide pools. Visitors can also enjoy surfing, beachcombing, and picnicking while taking in the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day at the beach or an adventure-filled outing, Panther Beach offers something for everyone to enjoy.

Los Gatos Creek County Park is a beautiful park located at 1250 Dell Avenue in Campbell, California. This popular tourist attraction offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with lush greenery, winding trails, and the tranquil waters of Los Gatos Creek. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking, biking, and wildlife watching in this scenic park. With its convenient location and serene atmosphere, Los Gatos Creek County Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

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 John Franks Park Nestled in the heart of Santa Cruz, California, John Franks Park offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Located at 418 Marnell Avenue, this charming park is a beloved local gem where nature and community come together.

Welcome to La Selva Beach, your premier destination for relaxation and recreation in the picturesque community of Watsonville, California. Nestled along the stunning coastline of Santa Cruz County, La Selva Beach offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor seeking a peaceful retreat, our charming beachside locale promises a unique blend of natural beauty and friendly community spirit. At La Selva Beach, you'll find pristine sandy shores perfect for sunbathing, beachcombing, and picnicking with loved ones. The gentle waves and breathtaking ocean views provide the ideal backdrop for surfing, swimming, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll along the water's edge. Our community is proud to maintain a clean and welcoming environment, ensuring a pleasant experience for all who visit.

Welcome to Sweetiegirl Farm, your serene escape nestled in the heart of Santa Cruz, California. Located at 346 Woodpecker Ridge, our enchanting park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and tranquility, making it an ideal destination for families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat. At Sweetiegirl Farm, you can explore lush landscapes, wander through picturesque trails, and enjoy the sights and sounds of local wildlife. Our park is thoughtfully designed to provide visitors with a refreshing outdoor experience, whether you're picnicking under the shade of majestic trees, enjoying a leisurely stroll, or simply relaxing in the open air.

Welcome to Upper Campus Dwarf Forest, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Santa Cruz, California. Located at Santa Cruz, CA 95064, our unique park offers visitors a serene escape into nature, where towering redwoods and enchanting dwarf trees create a magical landscape unlike any other. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, families, and adventurers alike, Upper Campus Dwarf Forest provides a tranquil setting for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife observation. Explore our well-maintained trails that wind through the forest, offering breathtaking views and the opportunity to connect with the natural world. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or an educational outing, our park is dedicated to preserving the beauty and biodiversity of this special ecosystem. Come and discover the wonders of Upper Campus Dwarf Forest, where every visit promises a new adventure. We look forward to welcoming you to our enchanting haven in Santa Cruz.

Welcome to Cave Gulch Trailhead, a serene and picturesque park nestled in the heart of Santa Cruz, California. Located on Empire Grade, this hidden gem offers a peaceful escape into nature, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Explore the lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems that make Cave Gulch Trailhead a must-visit destination for hikers, bird watchers, and nature lovers. Our well-maintained trails wind through towering redwoods and vibrant wildflowers, offering breathtaking views and a refreshing retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, Cave Gulch Trailhead has something for everyone.

Welcome to Spring Box Trailhead, your gateway to nature's beauty nestled in the scenic landscapes of Santa Cruz, California. Located at Spring Box Trail, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, our park offers a serene escape for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With its lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere, Spring Box Trailhead is the perfect destination for hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking. Explore well-maintained trails that wind through picturesque woodlands, offering breathtaking views and a chance to reconnect with nature. Whether you're seeking a peaceful stroll or an adventurous hike, our park provides an ideal setting for all ages. Visit Spring Box Trailhead and immerse yourself in the natural splendor of Santa Cruz. We look forward to welcoming you to our little slice of paradise.

Welcome to Lookout Trail Trailhead, your gateway to nature's beauty in the heart of Santa Cruz, California. Nestled in the lush landscapes of this vibrant coastal city, our park offers a serene escape for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or simply looking to enjoy a leisurely walk, Lookout Trail Trailhead provides a variety of trails that cater to all skill levels, each offering breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature. Explore our well-maintained paths that wind through verdant forests, open meadows, and offer glimpses of the stunning Santa Cruz coastline. Our park is perfect for a day of adventure, picnicking with loved ones, or simply unwinding amidst the tranquility of nature. Conveniently located in Santa Cruz, we are easily accessible and offer ample parking for visitors.

Welcome to Arroyo Seco Canyon, a tranquil oasis nestled in the heart of Santa Cruz, California. Located at 104 Alamo Avenue, Arroyo Seco Canyon offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Our park is a perfect destination for nature lovers, families, and adventure seekers alike. Explore our scenic trails that weave through lush landscapes, offering breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're hiking, picnicking, or simply enjoying the fresh air, Arroyo Seco Canyon provides a peaceful setting for relaxation and recreation. Our well-maintained facilities ensure a comfortable visit for all guests.

Welcome to Lighthouse Neighborhood Park, a charming oasis nestled in the heart of Santa Cruz, California. Located at 251 Lighthouse Avenue, this picturesque park offers a serene escape for both locals and tourists alike. Lighthouse Neighborhood Park is the perfect destination for families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone looking to unwind amidst beautiful surroundings. As a beloved community gem, the park boasts lush green spaces ideal for picnicking, leisurely strolls, and outdoor activities. Children will delight in the playground area, while adults can enjoy the tranquil walking paths and scenic views. With its proximity to the coastline, you can also experience refreshing ocean breezes and stunning sunsets.

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 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.