Santa Cruz County

Parks in Santa Cruz County

California Parks and Nature

Explore the diverse ecosystems of Santa Cruz County, ranging from the old-growth forests of Henry Cowell and Big Basin Redwoods State Parks to the rugged coastal bluffs of Davenport. This collection highlights significant natural landmarks, including the sandstone formations of Castle Rock, seasonal waterfalls like Berry Creek Falls, and the surfing heritage sites along Pleasure Point. Many locations offer distinct geological features such as sea caves and observation decks providing panoramic views of the Monterey Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains.

California Parks and Nature — Map

Ken / CC BY 2.0

A

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a state park of California, United States, preserving mainly forest and riparian areas in the watershed…

Pinecar / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Big Basin Redwoods State Park is a state park in the U.S. state of California, located in Santa Cruz County, about 36 km northwest of Santa…

C

Shingle Mill Creek

Park featuring a restored historical resort kiosk that served as a gateway to recreational activities from 1923 to 1975.

D

Pleasure Point Park

Coastal park overlooking a world-renowned surfing break on Monterey Bay.

Pleasure point / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Pleasure Point Beach County Park

Pleasure Point is a census-designated place in Santa Cruz County, California. Pleasure Point sits at an elevation of 33 feet.

Dipsey / Public domain

F

Lighthouse Field State Beach

Lighthouse Field State Beach is a protected beach in the state park system of California, United States.

G

Seacaves View

Elevated vantage point overlooking coastal rock formations and natural sea caves along the Pacific shoreline.

H

Ocean View

Coastal viewpoint featuring a sheltered bench with views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

I

Castle Rock Falls

A 75-foot waterfall that drops over a sandstone cliff within Castle Rock State Park.

J

Berry Creek Falls viewpoint

Observation point for a 60-foot waterfall surrounded by redwoods and ferns in Big Basin Redwoods State Park.

K

Overlook

High-elevation vantage point offering views of the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains and coastal forests.

L

Telescope

Public viewing instrument located along West Cliff Drive for observing marine life and the Santa Cruz Breakwater.

M

Davenport Overlook

Coastal bluff viewpoint providing panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged cliffs near Davenport.

N

Overlook Bench

Resting spot along the Redwood Grove Loop trail with views of the San Lorenzo River watershed.

O

Whale Point

Coastal observation site used for spotting migrating gray whales and harbor seals along the Santa Cruz coastline.

P

Observation Deck

The highest point in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, offering a 360-degree view of the Santa Cruz Mountains and Monterey Bay.

Q

Scott Creek Falls

Multi-tiered waterfall located in the Scott Creek watershed within the Santa Cruz Mountains.

R

Basin Falls

Waterfall located within the forest of Mt. Madonna County Park, accessible via the Sprig Lake trail.

S

Basin Falls

Waterfall in Mt. Madonna County Park, part of the tributary system feeding Uvas Creek.

T

Mt. McAbee Overlook

High-altitude viewpoint in Big Basin Redwoods State Park providing vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the Waddell Creek drainage.

Other Lists

Santa Cruz County Must-Sees Beaches and Coastal Gems Camping and Outdoor Adventures Wineries and Craft Art