The Best Park / Open Space in Santa Cruz

DeLaveaga Park

The park is named after Jose Vincente DeLaveaga, a businessman who lived during the mid to late 1800's. The area where DeLaveaga park now stands was the land was the site of his former vacation home. The land used to house many horse stables, exotic... more

Harvey West Park Clubhouse

Harvey West Swimming Pool

The Harvey West swimming pool also has a wading pool for the kids. more

Lighthouse Point

Also known as Point Santa Cruz, this area forms the northern boundary of Monterey Bay. It is one of the last open headlands in any California urban area. Surfers, tourists, birds - including the rare black swift - and wintering monarch butterflies ar... more

Mission Plaza

Mystery Spot

The Mystery Spot is an area about 150 feet in diameter located in the redwood forests just outside of Santa Cruz, California. Within the Mystery Spot you will be baffled as the laws of physics and gravity cease to exist. Discovered in 1939 and opene... more

Natural Bridges State Park

Natural Bridges State Beach is world-renowned for its yearly migration of monarch butterflies. Visitors can see thousands during the butterflies’ peak season. The best time to see monarchs in the park is usually from mid-October to late January... 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

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

Steamer Lane

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

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

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