WHERE TO GO
Santa Cruz County
Nature
Nisene Marks: Hike through the majestic redwoods with over 40 miles of hiking trails and fire roads through 10,000 acres of variable terrain. Be sure to download a map beforehand. Long lines can form on weekends at the entry. Local tip: park near Safeway on Soquel and access the park via Aptos Rancho Road across the street. Wrap up your hike with the best BBQ in town at Aptos Street BBQ.
Wilder Ranch: Wilder is like two parks in one. The coastal side features the bluffs trail with spectacular panoramic ocean views. The inland side has miles of single track and fire road perfect for hiking or mountain biking. Can’t go wrong either way.
Laguna Beach: Looking for a remote beach where you can chill? Head north out of town and check out Laguna’s. There’s a small parking lot about 5.5 miles outside of Santa Cruz just past Laguna Road. The parking lot can fill up by noon, but it helps keep the crowd down. Access the beach via the small trail across the highway from the parking lot.
West Cliff Drive: Scenic 3 mile walking and biking path along the Pacific Ocean in Santa Cruz with epic views of the Monterey Bay. I would recommend staring at the north end near Natural Bridges State Park and making your way toward the municipal wharf. On your way out there, stop by Verve Coffee off Fair Avenue. On your way back, Humble Sea Brewery is the spot.
Attractions
Santa Cruz Boardwalk: Legendary beachfront amusement park. The Boardwalk has been operating since 1907. Lots of rides for all ages, but the Giant Dipper is not to be missed. More than 66 million visitors have experienced the Giant Dipper since it first opened in 1924 and it still delivers to this day!
Mystery Spot: A funky Santa Cruz gem. The Mystery Spot is a gravitational anomaly located in the redwoods just outside Santa Cruz. Experience strange natural phenomena on a guide tour.
Roaring Camp Railroad: Take a step back in time and ride the rails behind a historical train. They offer two different trip options: the redwood forest steam train or the Santa Cruz beach train. Both are great, but I’m partial to the redwood loop.
Seymour Marine Discovery Center: Small, well-curated and well-made interpretative center for local Monterey Bay marine life. Two large whale skeletons outside and a path to walk along the cliffs make this a free visit if you don't have money to pay to enter. Great views and great for kids.
Monterey County
Nature
Monterey Bay Coastal Rec Trail: Winding along the Pacific coast, the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and a great way to tour Monterey while enjoying the outdoors. The rail-trail currently extends 18 miles from Pacific Grove to Castroville. For bike rentals, check out Adventures by the Sea.
Elkhorn Slough: An ecological treasure at the heart of Monterey Bay. Centrally located between Santa Cruz and Monterey. Lots of trail options, but on the water is the best way to explore this location. If you’re adventurous, consider renting a kayak from Kayak Connection. Otherwise, Elkhorn Sough Safari has guided boat tours.
Big Sur: This is Northern California. Give yourself an entire day if plan on making the trip down to this epic end-of-earth coastline. On a clear day, the views off of Highway 1 are unparalleled and rival any stretch of coast in the world. Lots of state parks along the route for day hikes. Consider getting lunch at Nepenthe; perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific. Dress in layers as the fog can drop the temperature quite a bit.
17-Mile Drive: Great option for those that are less mobile. 17-Mile Drive is a scenic road through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove on the Monterey Peninsula including the Lone Cypress, Bird Rock and the 5,300-acre Del Monte Forest of Monterey Cypress trees. Admission is $10.75 per vehicle, but this can be reimbursed if you spend $35 or more at any Pebble Beach restaurant.
Attractions
Monterey Bay Aquarium: Consistently ranked as one of the best aquariums in the United States. This is our window to the world's oceans and features over 200 marine life exhibits. There's a lot to see and do, so set aside about 3-4 hours to explore this world-famous Aquarium on Cannery Row. No outside food or drink is allowed in the aquarium, but there are a number of great picnic sites within walking distance from the Aquarium.
Cannery Row: This is the waterfront street bordering the city of Pacific Grove and home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It was the site of a number of now-defunct sardine canning factories. Cannery Row itself is now has many shops, restaurants and hotels, several of which are located in former cannery buildings.
Carmel Village: Quaint European-style village with lots of charming shops, art gallaries, and restaurants. What makes Carmel-by-the-Sea so unique is a creative culture of locals who take pride in offering one-of-a-kind items and experiences. Even those who travel the world are unlikely to encounter another place that has so much to offer in one location.