There’s so much you can explore right in your Santa Cruz County backyard. Check out these five local state parks and beaches before summer ends.
Located on Highway 35, Castle Rock is a gateway to one of the highest ridges in the Santa Cruz Mountains. With sculpted sandstone, lush forests and sweeping vistas, park visitors enjoy hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, trail camping and rock climbing. A welcoming picnic area and kid-friendly climbing zone add a neighborhood park-like feel to Castle Rock.
Over 35 miles of hiking trails are open, including segments of the famous Skyline to the Sea Trail. While the full length of the trail is still closed due to damage from the CZU Fire, portions of it are open and not to be missed. Want to stay the night? Reserve a site at a trail camp and backpack in.
Pro Tip: Go in the morning to beat the heat! Castle Rock offers visitors an above-the-fog sunshine boost, so we recommend explorers come prepared with sunscreen, water (water refill station available at the parking lot) and layers.
Sunset State Beach features 3 miles of expansive and spectacular shoreline, a one-of-a-kind experience in Santa Cruz County. Get away from the crowds, walk and run for miles, fish from the shore or relax at the picnic area for the afternoon. If one day isn’t long enough, Sunset features a wooded campground, as well as a designated group campground.
Visitors enjoy broad vistas of Monterey Bay from two main overlooks – great places to keep your eyes peeled for large groups of bottlenose dolphins and other marine life!
Special Bonus: beach wheelchairs are available for free. Fill out this form to make a reservation at least five business days in advance of your visit. Learn more.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Parks
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is known for its magnificent redwoods, with the famous Redwood Loop a must-see. Visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming, camping and fishing on more than 4,650 acres of forested and open land. Dogs and bikes are allowed on specific trails.
Henry Cowell is unique for its four impressive and diverse habitats: grassland, river, sandhills and redwoods. Explore the various habitats on 20 miles of trails – we recommend hikers end up at the Observation Deck for unobstructed views. Plan to end your hike (or skip the hike entirely!) and lounge in miles of freshwater along the San Lorenzo River.
Just north of Santa Cruz, Wilder Ranch includes over 35 miles of multi-use trails for mountain bikers, hikers and runners. Equestrians are welcome on backcountry trails that explore the meadows and forests. For history buffs, original farm buildings belonging to the Wilder family have been restored and are open to tours. Docents lead living history demonstrations in the blacksmith shop and other areas of the historic area on weekends, and there are goats, chickens and cows to say hello to any day of the week.
There is truly something for everyone at this park!
Time for a staycation! New Brighton State Beach is in the center of Santa Cruz County and not to be missed. Make a camping reservation at Reserve California. Loved your visit? Shop online for a souvenir (we recommend the beanie).
For day-trippers, bring your boogie boards and enjoy a day at the beach. New Brighton is family-oriented and pet-friendly – making it the perfect destination for all groups! Plus, anyone can reserve the large group picnic area for special events. Learn more and make a reservation.
Parking at all five parks is $10 and helps Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks support the parks. Annual State Park passes are also available.
