Outdoor Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Highlights
- Just a few miles south of Santa Cruz, Elkhorn Slough is the largest tract of tidal salt marsh in California outside of San Francisco Bay. More than 340 bird species reside in or migrate through here. In the spring months, birders head for the north marsh to see Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets nesting in a grove of Monterey pines.
- The arboretum at U.C. Santa Cruz is known not just for its plant collections but also for its excellent birding. A walk through the gardens may yield sightings of Anna's, Allen's, and Rufous Hummingbirds; California Quail; seasonal warblers, flycatchers, and sparrows; American and Lesser Goldfinches; and various raptors.
- Birding at Wilder Ranch State Park is best in the morning because of strong coastal winds in the afternoon. Walk the nature trail along the blufftops to an overlook above Wilder Beach, a prime nesting area for Snowy Plovers. Peregrine Falcons hunt the grasslands and agricultural fields. Gazing out to sea, birders can watch for shearwaters, Marbled Murrelets, jaegers, sea ducks, and loons.
- Birders have identified more than 270 species at Rancho del Oso where the land meets the sea at Waddell Beach. A wide dirt road travels up the valley past a few small farms where a variety of songbirds and raptors can be seen; but the real prize is the resident Pygmy Owl that is sometimes seen or heard in winter and early spring.
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Santa Cruz Travel Q&A
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Weekender Guides
In and Around Town (0 to 25 miles)
Top Parks & Public Lands within 25 miles
Day Trips (25 to 150 miles)
Top Parks & Public Lands within 25 to 150 miles
Overnighters & Long Weekends (150 to 300 miles)
Top Parks & Public Lands within 150 to 300 miles
Articles & Advice on Santa Cruz
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- Top Ten American Family Adventures
- Adventure need not stop now that kids are in tow. With a slight change in activities and destination, your adventurous side can continue on as always, except now you'll sport a car-seat and an extra suitcase.
- Top Ten U.S. Road Biking Routes
- Highway One, California
- Weekend Wanderlust
- Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail
- Riding California's Central Coast
- Nirvana on Horseback
- Weekend Backpacker San Francisco
- Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail
Package Trips:
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from $635USDfor 3 daysEnquire and Book
Operated by Intrepid Travel Inc. -
from $635USDfor 3 daysEnquire and BookOperated by Intrepid Travel Inc. -
from $995USDfor 5 daysEnquire and BookOperated by Slow Adventure
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