The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Santa Cruz
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Family friendly hiking trails around Santa Cruz, California, offer a diverse range of landscapes for outdoor exploration. The region features a unique combination of ancient redwood forests, dramatic coastal bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and varied ecosystems including canyons and oak-covered hills. This geographical blend provides a wide array of hiking experiences, from serene forest paths to expansive ocean vistas, suitable for different skill levels.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Santa Cruz
- The most popular family friendly hiking route…
Last updated: May 11, 2026
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1.91km
00:30
10m
0m
Take an easy stroll along the Santa Cruz Wharf, offering expansive views of Monterey Bay and the lively Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This accessible 1.2-mile (1.9 km) route involves a…
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852m
00:13
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Hike the easy West Cliff Drive Trail for 0.5 miles (0.9 km) along the Santa Cruz coast, enjoying ocean views and the Mark Abbott Memorial Li
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32.0km
08:26
280m
270m
Hike a challenging 19.9-mile loop through redwood forests, coastal bluffs, and along the Santa Cruz Riverwalk, gaining 914 feet.
15.8km
04:16
120m
370m
Hike 9.8 miles (15.8 km) from UCSC to the Pacific Ocean, enjoying coastal bluffs, sea views, and natural preserves.
19.4km
05:21
310m
370m
The Wilder Ranch Loop is a difficult 12.1-mile hike in Wilder Ranch State Park, offering diverse scenery and ocean views.
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Popular around Santa Cruz
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Tips from the Community
Views all across the ranch, now a state park, south to the old cove at the ocean.
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Fern Grotto Beach is a nice sandy beach in a deep rocky cove, surrounded by sandstone walls on all sides. The grotto is a shallow cave at the back of the beach with ferns draping down over the entrance. The mouth of the cove isn’t large. From Old Cove Landing Trail a small footpath descends into the back of Fern Grotto Beach. The main trail wraps around the back of the beach and continues to Sand Plant Beach to the north, or Wilder Beach to the south.
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While there are more formal memorials to the sport of surfing a little ways south at the Lighthouse and north at the official Surfer Memorial Sculpture, this spot is more personal. Here along West Cliff Drive is the famous surfing spot known as Steamer Lane. For all its fame and pleasure, surf conditions, accidents and bad luck exact a fatal toll. An informal memorial up on the cliff remembers surfers who have died.-It's next to a staircase leading down to the beach. The wooden plaques are all custom, hand-routed tributes by friends or family. The carved messages, lacking biographical details (because they are well-known locals?) are sometimes adorned with flower arrangements and small keepsakes along the fence. While these memorials of surfer deaths are also sad, there is a somewhat relaxed atmosphere at this spot. The surfers were doing what they loved, and knew the risks.
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Small protected cove below the cliffs, visible from the trail above.
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Stunning Natural Bridge Beach is known for its natural arches made of fine clay or mud rock, carved by time, water, and wind. The beach is also known for being home to a colony of monarch butterflies, with over 150,000 coming to live here for the winter. If you're lucky, you might even spot whales!
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Heading out to the end of the pier around sunset is always a good choice. Bring your camera, have a quick stretch, then continue on your run.
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This is a great place to stop and have a look over the water. The cliffs and ocean area treat on their own, but the surfers and sailboats add an extra touch to the scene.
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Sitting here in the evening and watching the sunset is magnificent. The view stretches across the entire Monterey Bay.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available around Santa Cruz?
There are over 60 family-friendly hiking trails around Santa Cruz, with the majority, more than 50, being rated as easy. This means you'll find plenty of options suitable for various ages and skill levels.
What kind of natural features can we expect to see on family hikes in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz offers a remarkable diversity of natural features. You can explore ancient redwood forests, walk along dramatic coastal bluffs with ocean views, and discover unique ecosystems with canyons, creeks, and oak-covered hills. Many trails also feature stunning viewpoints and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Are there any trails suitable for strollers or very young children?
Yes, for very young children or those with strollers, consider flatter, paved, or well-maintained paths. The Santa Cruz Wharf Walk offers easy access and ocean views, as does the West Cliff Drive Trail, which runs alongside the Pacific Ocean.
Where can we find redwood trees on a family hike?
Santa Cruz is famous for its majestic redwood forests. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is an excellent choice, known for its towering ancient redwoods. The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park also offers trails winding through tall redwoods and Douglas firs, with interesting features like a twisted redwood grove.
What are some interesting landmarks or points of interest along these trails?
Many trails offer access to fascinating landmarks. You can visit Natural Bridges State Beach with its iconic rock formations, or explore the coastal beauty of Old Cove Landing Trail ⛱️ Wilder Ranch SP. Other highlights include the Fremont Tree and the serene Cathedral Redwoods.
Are there any dog-friendly family hiking trails in Santa Cruz?
While many state parks have restrictions, some trails and areas in Santa Cruz are dog-friendly, often requiring dogs to be on a leash. It's always best to check the specific park or trail regulations before you go, as policies can vary.
When is the best time of year to go hiking with family in Santa Cruz?
The Mediterranean climate in Santa Cruz makes hiking comfortable almost year-round. However, fall is particularly recommended due to fewer crowds, beautiful light, and the arrival of monarch butterflies. Spring also offers pleasant conditions with lush greenery.
Are there any circular routes suitable for families?
Yes, there are several circular routes that are great for families. While some longer loops like the Emma McCrary, Wilder Ranch, and Santa Cruz Riverwalk Loop are more challenging, many shorter, easier loops can be found within parks like Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, offering a complete experience without retracing your steps.
What do other hikers enjoy most about family-friendly trails in Santa Cruz?
The komoot community highly rates the family-friendly trails in Santa Cruz, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning diversity of landscapes, from towering redwoods to breathtaking ocean views, and the accessibility of many trails for all ages.
Are there any trails that lead to lakes or beaches?
Absolutely! Many trails in Santa Cruz offer access to beautiful lakes and beaches. You can find trails near Moran Lake Beach and Park, Schwan Lake, and Twin Lakes State Beach, providing opportunities for lakeside strolls or beachside adventures.
What are some good options for a moderate family hike?
For families looking for a bit more of a challenge than the easiest paths, but still manageable, consider routes that offer varied terrain without extreme elevation. The UCSC to the Sea trail is a moderate option that provides a scenic journey with some elevation changes, leading towards the coast.
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