Nice popular park , plenty of restroom and a community garden. They even have a water refilling…read morestation . The play ground it huge and a cute theme too

Wow! We went to Leo's Haven at Chanticleer Park and it's amazing. I wish this park was closer to…read morehome. It was just built in 2020 so everything is in great condition. It was built in partnership with Shane's Inspiration (if you've been to Griffith Park, it's the same organization). So, many of the park features are universally accessible. The playground area is spacious and a wonderful safe space for children. There are some climbing areas and slides for toddler age but the larger playground is great for preschool-elementary age. There isn't a ton of shade so bring hats and sunscreen! There are some benches scattered around the park and a few tables outside of the gated area. There is a private lot and street parking. They have bathrooms and they are fairly clean!

Came here for a short stroll along the coast on a day trip to Santa Cruz... I was impressed!…read moreExpansive and well maintained trails matched with beautiful views and wildlife! You can even go down to beaches, although the water doesn't look the best for swimming. Many birds and seals, and I believe the trail is pet friendly as well!

I often stop here for a picnic on my ride on the rail trail from Santa Cruz. The new trail…read moreextension to Davenport is almost complete!! Wilder ranch is such a great place. I bought a patch last weekend. Can't wait to eat another picnic lunch here while biking between Santa Cruz and Davenport!

Beautiful trails with different abilities/stuff to see. I went down to the Garden of Eden because I…read morelove water features. Shady trails with lots of redwoods and water.

This is a beautiful scenic hike surrounded by nature. The river runs alongside the trail for most…read moreof the way, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere as you make your way toward the overlook deck. The views are breathtaking and the sound of the flowing water makes the experience even more enjoyable. If you're planning a picnic, head down to the river area -- the water is not very deep, making it a great spot for families and kids to enjoy. The steam engine train ride adds a special charm to the visit, offering a beautiful way to take in the scenery. There are also BBQ options available where you can purchase food, along with items from the general store. You can also bring your own food and spend the day soaking in the peaceful surroundings. A wonderful place to hike, relax, and enjoy the beauty of nature.

My friend recommended this place and I never knew it was a dog beach and I am so glad I checked it…read moreout. It is literally going to be one of my favorite places to visit. You HAVE to like dogs to come here. Like legit. If you don't, you seriously will be miserable! I came on easter sunday and it was soooo packed. Like 100 dogs. It was amazing. I was in heaven. I want to come here every week if I could, it really is THAT great. Parking is free, and what I've been told by many, I just came on a VERY busy weekend. Usually parking is easy from what the locals told me. You do have to go down a few stairs to reach the beach. It's a little cove with so many friendly people. Stay as long as you please. Bathroom across the street.

If you love lighthouses come see this one…read more Food and coffee close by. Closed to look at but the view is worth it. Lots of parking Lots of places to sit and listen to the water.

Don't come here for a kids birthday party without a reservation. They do not have public picnic…read moretables (mostly on weekends), when they are "reserved". Pretty ridiculous to have zero public tables at a public park

Really nice park with a lot of space. It is right by a school. There is a big playground for the…read morekids. If you head up the stairs, there is a huge field with a large running track around it which worked out well for me. BTW, what's the scoop with the blue balls all around, someone has a sense of humor!

5/10/2026--Mother's Day: My second-born daughter, Kris on my right side and first-born daughter,…read moreJoy on my right-strolled on the beach. It's awesome seeing people building sand sculptures, just chilling mesmerized by the ocean waves' sound, and zoning out hearing the seagulls cawing.

Second visit ever. Was already in the area for a day at the Boardwalk. Did street parking on a…read moreSaturday afternoon and walked in on a paved trail past the Monarch Trail and Visitors Center. Continue beyond the parking lot and across the beach to the water to see the famous rock formation. The beach was happening with families barbecuing and throwing footballs around. Nice smaller beach if you're looking for something a bit more secluded/quiet.

First, this is Not a dog friendly beach as some reviews have stated…read more Otherwise, it is a gorgeous landing spot for viewing the natural bridge and tide pools. There is a long, and slippery walk to get to the tide pools. Unless you can sneak past the waves, against the rocks, like my kids did. Very nice bathrooms. Definitely worth the $10 parking.

malibu barbie and her flock of zesty surfer kens have nothing against me and my beaches. i rule the…read moreocean world with my aesthetic beach pics and pink glitter goggles. i'm at the very top of the aquatic food chain. i am THE mermaid diva. just wanted to say that! anyway santa cruz isn't exactly malibu or socal or hawaii but it's quite nice. the beach has a cool hike with lots of wildlife like deer and birds and snakes! and there are tidal pools with mussels and crabs yum yum! the view is very pretty but it's quite windy. parking isn't bad, not too crowded, cool natural formations. the only thing i don't like is all the flies around the kelp on the shore...but that's nature for ya

What a gem! Beautiful park with biking and hiking trails, disc golf and golf courses, ball field,…read moreplayground and picnic areas. We came for a UCSC mountain bike race and got to watch some amazing athletes compete from up and down the state. Dogs on leash are allowed on trails. Parking is free.

Parking at the Enchanted Trail Trailhead parking area, I made my way up into De Laveaga Park for a…read morewalk through the Redwoods. I didn't have the chance to make it up to Henry Cowell State Park, but this location seemed a compromise since I was making my way to the Mystery Spot. I meandered through the trails just east of Branciforte Drive. The trails are well groomed, easy to hike with younger children and pets, and it was such a pleasant quiet morning for me. The trees were so tall and impressive, and I enjoyed being out in nature but close to civilization at the same time. If I had more time in the area, I would have spent more time here. I think it is a great location for locals to get out and enjoy nature!