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Get outside play! Enjoy pristine coastal redwood forests, 29 miles of beaches, and endless opportunities to explore Santa Cruz County’s great outdoors and wildlife adventures. Try birding, tide pooling, hiking, whale watching, surfing, mountain biking, sailing, kayaking, and more.
Enjoy the birthplace of mainland surfing at full capacity. Take a surfing lesson with Club Ed Surf School or Richard Schmidt’s Surf School. Boards, wetsuits and good vibes are available for beginners and those who have tried a time or two.
Are you more of a nature and wildlife aficionado? Order a free Wildlife Watching Guide or download it digitally and see how many birds you can identify in state parks, at the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, from the Santa Cruz Wharf, and other locations. Hop aboard a seasonal whale watching excursion or take a trip to see the elephant seals north of town.
Take it outside and see below for a full list of outdoor and wildlife activities in Santa Cruz County!
Here are a few recommendations to create a successful, adventure-filled family vacation.
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This guide provides a list of some of the best places to view wildflowers in Santa Cruz County that are accessible to everyone!
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Take a peek into the wildlife haven of Quail Hollow Ranch County Park. The 300-acre natural preserve has a dazzling variety of flora and fauna.
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