The UC Santa Cruz Arboretum is actually older than the university itself – by one year. The Arboretum offers numerous paths that circle through flora and fauna from around the world. Plants in the Arboretum come from as far away as Chile, Australia and South Africa.
Norrie's Gift Shop is a tiny store dwarfed by the rolling hills of the Arboretum. It offers a variety of plants, gardening supplies – including chic painted watering cans – and garden-related home decor. Many local artisans sell items at Norrie's.
Parking for Norrie's is free. Parking for the Arboretum is included in the cost of admission. Maps highlight short and long tours ans well as which paths are handicap accessible.
Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz has much to offer photographers, children and other beach-goers. Don't be fooled by the name--though this beach used to have several natural bridges, it now has just one. However, the natural arch jutting into the ocean is perfect for photos and low tide brings myriad tide pools to explore.
Parking and public transportation at Natural Bridges State Beach
There is parking at this beach, but it can get crowded on the weekends. It costs about $5-7. Limited free street parking is also available, though it may take a few spins around the block to finally snag a spot. Three Santa Cruz Metro bus routes serve Delaware Avenue and Natural Bridges Drive, both close to the beach: 3, 20 and 20D.
Best and worst time to go to Natural Bridges State Beach
Santa Cruz beaches are always crowded on the weekends. Weekdays see much less traffic, especially from November through February. Natural Bridges State Beach is especially busy during monarch butterfly migration season, which is mid-October through late January.
Admission to Natural Bridges State Beach
Admission is free, though there is a parking fee.
Must see/do at Natural Bridges State Beach
In the fall, viewing the monarch butterflies in the Monarch Butterfly Grove is a must. Weekends from October-January showcase a guided tour of the grove. At other times during the year, visitors can catch a beautiful sunset with the bridge in the foreground.
Other places to visit near Natural Bridges State Beach
Nearby Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers amusement park rides, free concerts on Friday nights and numerous activities like mini golf and laser tag. Visitors who haven't had their fill of beaches should also check out Lighthouse Field State Beach, a dog-friendly beach with a surfing museum in the lighthouse.
Insider tip for visitors to Natural Bridges State Beach
Visitors interested in having the best chance at seeing the migrating monarchs should visit late-November through early December.
Author's bio: Elizabeth Xu is a freelance writer in the San Francisco Bay Area, though she hails from the Midwest. Follow her travels @ElizabethMXu.
Harvey West Park is a park and recreational area for all ages. It offers trails, picnic tables, basketball courts, a swimming pool and a playground as well as areas in which to play soccer, baseball, Frisbee and more.
The UC Santa Cruz Arboretum is actually older than the university itself – by one year. The Arboretum offers numerous paths that circle through flora and fauna from around the world. Plants in the Arboretum come from as far away as Chile, Australia and South Africa.
Norrie's Gift Shop is a tiny store dwarfed by the rolling hills of the Arboretum. It offers a variety of plants, gardening supplies – including chic painted watering cans – and garden-related home decor. Many local artisans sell items at Norrie's.
Parking for Norrie's is free. Parking for the Arboretum is included in the cost of admission. Maps highlight short and long tours ans well as which paths are handicap accessible.
The Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department oversees a city that is rich with open spaces, wild life, parks and beaches. Parks and Recreation runs year-round classes aimed at all ages: Junior Lifeguards is popular among the local youth, and adults regularly fill the yoga and Pilates classes offered by the city. The office also coordinates events on the Santa Cruz Wharf and manages the Surfing Museum.
This small neighborhood park has an off-leash dog area, a playground with new equipment and basketball half-court. With its awesome views of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk it is a perfect place for bringing the kids or a book. Parking is limited to the street.
San Lorenzo Park is a sprawling park that is frequently used for large events, including Earth Day and Santa Cruz Pride. There is a stage for concerts that is located in the middle of the park's duck pond. A large play area includes a brightly colored snake who's tail is a slide. A smaller playground is fenced off and is meant for smaller children. There are plenty of picnic benches.
Camping, dogs, alcohol and glass containers are forbidden in the park.
Located on top of Mission Hill, the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park features the last remaining structure of 12th California Mission, built in 1791. Guided tours are provided of the mission and the park features patios, gardens and a view of the city.
Lighthouse Field State Beach is a beach and park used for the enjoyment of residents of Santa Cruz and surrounding areas that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Lighthouse Field attracts surfers, bird-watchers and those just looking to relax and unwind. The park offers picnic tables, bathrooms and outdoor showers and is home to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum.