This guide is part of Explore Santa Cruz 2020.
UCSC Arboretum
1156 High St., Santa Cruz, 831-427-2998, arboretum.ucsc.edu Â
Open daily from 9am-5pm, the revered arboretum boasts more than four decades of excellence in horticulture. But don’t expect to just see native flora and fauna, because the arboretum offers notables from around the globe. $5 general, $2 children.
Pacific to Redwoods Loop
Wilder Ranch State Park, 1401 Old Coast Road, Santa Cruz, 831-423-9703, 831-426-0505, parks.ca.govÂ
A 12-mile loop that offers great views and a wide variety of birds and wildlife along the California coastline. Parking fees are $10.
Neary Lagoon
Bay Street and California Street, Santa Cruz, cityofsantacruz.com Â
Navigate wooden walkways while admiring all sorts of wildlife. Entrances are located at the end of Chestnut Street, the end of Blackburn Street, and the corner of Bay and California streets.
West Cliff Drive
West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
A 2-mile coastal walk where you can watch the local surfers and sea otters during the day and view the lights of the Boardwalk at night.