The Best Park / Open Space in Santa Cruz & Monterey

Small and quaint and the perfect place to relax under a giant shade tree. Designed by landscape architect Walter Guthrie, the garden demonstrates the use of drought-tolerant species appropriate to the Carmel area. Many of the garden's plants are foun... more

Redwood Canopy Tours at Mount Hermon

The Redwood Canopy Tours at Mount Hermon Adventures offers guests exciting eco-adventures into the redwood forest canopy. Experience these majestic trees from the unique perspective that only a zipline can offer. The two hour guided tour includes... more

San Lorenzo Park

Overlooking the San Lorenzo River. Pedestrian bridge connecting to downtown and Pacific Avenue. Home to several special events. No dogs allowed. more

Santa Cruz Mission Historic Park

The Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park sits atop Mission Hill offering a patio, gardens, and excellent views of the city.  The park features the only building left of the 12th California Mission, Misión la Exaltacion de la Santa Cruz,... more

Scholze Park Community Center

SCZ All Stars Cheerleading

Trip Experience: Excellent Wish tour was longer, would gladly do a tour that is 4-5 hours, LOVED it! Fun, Friendly tour guides. Only issue was booking the reservation, and GPS directions sent me in circles for almost an hour, just made scheduled tim... more

Seabright Beach

A long sandy beach between the Boardwalk and the Santa Cruz Harbor. Fire rings are available. Dogs are permitted on leash. more

Seacliff State Beach

Fish, swim and visit the SS Palo Alto - one of the most unusual attractions in the Santa Cruz area. This long stretch of sand and bluffs has great accessible facilities including picnic areas, an interpretive center and RV camping. This beach is k... more

Sherwood Park

The park includes tennis courts, an aquatic center, playground area, Tatum's Garden and Sherwood Hall. more

Shoreline Park - Pacific Grove

Shoreline Park is the designation applied to those portions of the publicly-owned waterfront not otherwise named from Hopkins Marine Station at its eastern boundary, aroiund the shoreline along Monterey Bay and the Pacific Ocean, to the foot of Asilo... more

Skypark

Skate, picnic, take your dog for a walk and to socialize with other furry friends, go for a run or walk; it's all there at Skypark. more

Soledad Rotary Park

Spreckels Memorial Park

A large and well-maintained park with a ball field and playground. (The tennis court is only open to local residents.) more

Steamer Lane

The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

Off the beaten path, The Forest of Nisene Marks is a refreshing retreat from the busy towns and beaches along Highway 1 near Santa Cruz. Its dense second- and third-growth redwood forest rises from near sea level to steep coastal mountains. Most... more

Toro County Park

Toro County Park is located six miles from downtown Salinas, and 13 miles from the Monterey Peninsula. First opened to the public in 1971, the park’s 4,756 acres have been a haven for thousands of visitors. The park is also home for many types... more

Toro Park

Toro County Park is located six miles from downtown Salinas, and 13 miles from the Monterey Peninsula. First opened to the public in 1971, the park’s 4,756 acres have been a haven for thousands of visitors. The park is also home for many t... more

University Terrace Park

Great for pick-up soccer and Frisbee. Wonderful family park. Adjacent to the Arroyo Seco Canyon Trail. Large, fenced Dogs off-leash designated area available. more

Vista Lobos Park

Small park with vistas of Point Lobos. There are outdoor tables, a barbecue, benches and restrooms. There is also a free city parking lot, where you can park your car all day and walk to town. more

Watsonville Nature Center

Wilder Ranch State Park

The park has 4,505 acres, with 34 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian rails winding through coastal terraces and valleys. Several restored buildings once belonging to the Wilder family are preserved. The park has tours and living history demonstra... more

Palo Corona Regional Park

Patriot Park

Piccadilly Park