Santa Cruz and the surrounding area has a diverse range of geographic terrain with hiking opportunities to fit every level and preference. Immerse yourself deep in redwood forests. Hike to the brilliant coastline with it’s rugged cliffs jutting down to the Pacific Ocean. As Santa Cruz natives, we’ve hiked our way up and down these trails and, as mothers, have sought out the most kid-friendly hiking destinations in Santa Cruz to teach our littles the joy of hiking. Below is a list of our favorite outdoor spots in the Santa Cruz area.
Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Hiking Destinations in Santa Cruz County:
West Cliff
West Cliff is a stunning, completely paved, 4 mile walk loved by locals and tourists alike. This expanded sidewalk is sandwiched between the rugged cliffs and sandy beaches lining the Pacific Ocean on one side and a blend of modern architecture and stately victorians homes lining West Cliff Drive on the other.
The best things to do on West Cliff:
- The pavement is in great shape and perfect for wheels. Bicycling, roller skating, skateboarding, and even uni-cycling are popular.
- Backing into a parking spot, popping your hatchback trunk, and hanging out. During COVID we frequently got breakfast from Zachary’s and had a picnic in the back of my SUV. You’ll frequently see people with vans or RVs parked here.
- Join or host a drum circle or yoga class at Lighthouse Field.
- Sit on a bench and watch the sunset.
- Feeling a certain kind of adventurous? Hit the nude beach (18+) and get rid of those tan lines.
Nearby spots we recommend:
Steamer Lane Cafe has great coffee, tacos and baked goods. You can sit in their outdoor seating area and listen to the waves while the kids play with blocks or climb trees in Lighthouse Field.
If you’re visiting in October, head to Natural Bridges State Beach at the North end of West Cliff to see the monarch butterflies during their annual migration. Thousands of butterflies rest their wings in the tall eucalyptus trees and flutter around you. It’s a magical experience for any nature lover and one that you shouldn’t miss.
The Seymour Marine Discovery Center, located on the other side of Natural Bridges, has beautifully landscaped trails featuring native plans. The inside is great for kids of any age and has loads of interactive activities based around marine science. Even if you can’t go inside, the trails are worth a visit. The trails are a mix of paved and tightly packed gravel. They are bike and stroller friendly.
Land of Medicine Buddha
I have frequented the Land of Medicine Buddha for many, many years. A very unique spot; it is 108 acres of redwood groves with a Buddhist temple and shrines scattered throughout it. To me this forest is a sanctuary and holds the purest feeling of peace that I’ve ever known.
There are quite a few trail loops here. My personal favorite is called The 8 Verses Loop Trail. It’s roughly 4 miles long. My 4 year old is able to complete it with a few stops to rest along the way.
Throughout the trail, you will find 8 different stopping points, each containing a sign with some beautiful buddhist wisdom. Each stop contains many tiny gifts that people choose to leave, like coins, trinkets, sometimes candy, or even flowers. Mid-way through the loop, there is a small side trail with a sign that reads “Enchanted Forest”. This is where the true magic lives. A massive peace sign weaved from sticks and twigs lies on the ground, then just above it, there is a large tree stump that holds dear memories. This is where people leave photos, poems, and different objects. Many who have died are honored here. Their memory living on in the trinkets left behind. Some of the objects left there are to signify letting go and moving on. This sacred space holds a palpable energy.
Many of the trails by the entrance are paved or have tightly packed dirt which is great for strollers. I would not recommend using one of the small umbrella strollers here. You could take a stroller onto most of the 8 Verses Loop Trail but I would suggest turning around mid-way because the trail does narrow out at the end.
Nearby spots we recommend:
The Land of Medicine Buddha is just up the road from Soquel Village. Soquel is a great jumping off point for anyone who loves antiquing or wineries. We could dedicate an entire blog post to all of the great wineries in this area.
The Bagelry, with a location in Soquel Village, is a great locally owned spot that has been producing Santa Cruz’s version of a bagel for decades. Keep it simple or try one of their awesome sandwiches. They also have a great locally made chai tea.
Beer Thirty Bottle Shop and Pour House, nestled between Soquel and Capitola village, is a go to spot in the area for hanging out, having a drink and catching up with friends. It’s one of those places where you rarely go without seeing someone you know. They don’t serve food and you are welcome to bring your own. The seating area is gated and kid friendly.
Garden of Eden
Local watering hole Garden of Eden is a hidden gem nestled in the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Finding it can be a little tricky. Drive about 20 minutes North on Highway 9 (coming from Santa Cruz City) and you will approach a large gate. Park on the side of the highway and walk through the gate down the hill. Once you hit the train tracks, turn to walk parallel to them. You should be turning to go deeper into the forest and away from the direction of the highway. Walk until you see a sign that tells you “No Diving”- about 15 minutes of walking. This is where the Garden of Eden starts. You can walk along the river to find a place to settle for the day.
The terrain is flat and easy for kids. We don’t recommend a stroller as it would be difficult to push along the river. My 4 year old loved coming here on hot days, lounging in the shallow spots and playing with his monster trucks. In the summertime it can get very crowded. You can walk down the river to find a more secluded spot or go in the off season to completely avoid the crowds.
Please please make sure to pack your trash and leave Garden of Eden as beautiful as you found out. In recent years as word has gotten out some visitors have chosen not to clean up after themselves. Don’t leave your mess!!
Nearby spots we recommend:
Keep heading North on Highway 9 to the town of Felton for some great local coffee and baked goods.
The White Raven is our favorite coffee shop in Felton. They have a great outdoor seating area perfect for kids to lounge in or run around a little bit. Parking is on your left as you enter Felton.
If world class Italian pastries and gelato are your thing, La Placa Family Bakery is worth the drive. We stop here every time we’re in the area or even remotely close. They tend to sell out early in the day so for the best selection go before your hike. They have indoor and outdoor seating and ample parking.
Wilder Ranch State Park
Wilder Ranch State Park is a 7,000 acre wilderness that runs along the Pacific coast and rolls inland towards the Santa Cruz mountains. Popular features of the park include an 1800’s dairy farm and a Victorian house which have been fully preserved. The ranch often has chickens, horses, and goats and they regularly hold public and educational events there. Our boys love wandering the farm, looking at the animals and climbing the gnarly old trees. We highly recommend bringing a picnic blanket and some lunch on a sunny day.
The historical grounds are easily accessible by foot or stoller from the parking lot via a paved road (the road is closed to car traffic).
In addition to the ranch, there is an extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails. Generally these are not stroller friendly. The trails along the sea cliffs can get very windy. Even on warm days it is best to bring a jacket.
Nearby spots we recommend:
Highway One runs along the coastline all the way up to San Francisco and beyond. If you’re hungry, the small town of Davenport, about 25 minutes North of Wilder Ranch, has a great brunch spot called Whale City Bakery. Along highway one you’ll also find Fambrini’s farm stand featuring local produce, u-pick berry picking, and an excellent non-profit with the best pie in the area. Check online before you go as many of these places are open seasonally.
I’ve spent many days driving along highway one and stopping at places that looked interesting. Highway one is an incredible stretch of highway lined with some of the world’s best surf breaks, award winning restaurants and artisan made foods and crafts. It is absolutely worth a trip whether you live nearby or are visiting.
Final thoughts. . .
Santa Cruz has an abundance of kid-friendly hiking destinations throughout the county and surrounding areas. West Cliff, the Land of Medicine Buddha, Garden of Eden, and Wilder Ranch State Park are the four we love the most. Santa Cruz is a great stopping point on a highway one road trip and a nature lovers paradise thats worth taking the time to explore!
Our biggest piece of advice to visitors is don’t limit yourself to staying in one part of town. The whole county is beautiful and worth taking time to explore.
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