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Outdoors · Santa Cruz

Outdoors in Santa Cruz

Parks, beaches and outdoor spots local hotels recommend, and marked walking and hiking routes in and around Santa Cruz.

13 picks · 12 free · updated 13 October

Eat & drinkWalking toursWellness & fitness
FreeSkyline To The Sea TrailRoute on OpenStreetMapFreeCalifornia Coastal TrailRoute on OpenStreetMapFreeBay Area Ridge Trail - 03 - South BayRoute on OpenStreetMapFreeBay Area Ridge Trail - 04 - San Francisco and PeninsulaRoute on OpenStreetMapFreeCoastal Rail TrailRoute on OpenStreetMapFreeCowell-Wilder Regional TrailRoute on OpenStreetMapFreeEntrance TrailRoute on OpenStreetMapFreeBlue LoopRoute on OpenStreetMapFreeOrange LoopRoute on OpenStreetMapFreeGreen LoopRoute on OpenStreetMapFreeMagenta LoopRoute on OpenStreetMapFreeYellow LoopRoute on OpenStreetMapHenry Cowell Redwoods State ParkFelton · ★ 4.8 on Google
What’s On Santa CruzEverything on in Santa Cruz this weekThe Top 10, tonight, food, walks and nights out.For hotels & hostelsRun something in Santa Cruz?Hotels and hostels on FreeGuides list their events, tours and favourite places here for free.

Outdoors in Santa Cruz, answered

What are the best outdoors picks in Santa Cruz?

Right now: Skyline To The Sea Trail, California Coastal Trail, Bay Area Ridge Trail - 03 - South Bay and Bay Area Ridge Trail - 04 - San Francisco and Peninsula. The list is refreshed several times a day from local hotels and hostels and their booking partners.

Are any of them free?

Yes: Skyline To The Sea Trail, California Coastal Trail, Bay Area Ridge Trail - 03 - South Bay and Bay Area Ridge Trail - 04 - San Francisco and Peninsula, and 8 more.

Can I plan a day around these?

Yes. Open What's On Santa Cruz and use Plan my day: it builds a day from these and everything else on in Santa Cruz, with a link to book each one. Ask Eli, FreeGuides' trip planner, to plan several days.