Coasting in Santa Cruz

Summer heat is still on, so keep on coasting with a little help from Santa Cruz County. Here are some hikes, bike rides, and brewpubs to keep your cool.

Week: 08.02.2023
Regions: Northern CA

Into the Wilder

Coastal hike and bike ride at Wilder Ranch in Santa Cruz County

Cool summer breezes, stunning seaside cliffs, sweeping coastal views, and sandy beaches—this 8-mile hike or bike ride at Wilder Ranch is the perfect summertime treat, with a craft brewery bonus for extra refreshment.
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Medford's Made for Summer

Summer Vacation Road Trip to Medford, Oregon

Located in the heart of Southern Oregon’s sublime Rogue Valley, Medford is a road-trip basecamp made for summer getaways!
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Bike, Beach, Craft Brew

Bike from Watsonville to Sunset State Beach in Santa Cruz County

This 12-mile (round-trip) gravel trail leads cyclists from Watsonville to the sandy shores of Sunset State Beach, with a brewpub bonus for a post-ride thirst quencher.
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Stairways to Santa Cruz

Explore Santa Cruz by taking its mural and mosaic stairways

Golden beaches, beautiful Pacific views, and famous surf … don’t just take the famous boardwalk to see Santa Cruz: Take the stairs! This 2.6-mile urban hike features four cool stairways through Santa Cruz’s lively downtown and beautiful neighborhoods—rich with history.
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Serene Las Gallinas

    A serene stroll alongside marshland, passing ponds and grasses frilled in seasonal wildflowers, with Mount Tam a beacon in the background … how nice. As part of the esteemed Bay Trail, San Rafael’s Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop and Wildlife Ponds comprises about 3.5 miles of wide-open trail.

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  2. Sponsored

    Redding Lights and Silent Nights

    Give your holiday events calendar a major glow up this winter in California’s sunniest city. Redding is a revelation: Surrounded by iconic scenery like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

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  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

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  4. Hike at Olompali State Historic Park in Marin

    Historically Serene

    Olompali State Historic Park is a small park that packs big California history. Go on a mostly easy 3-mile loop hike where oak trees, big-leaf maples, and madrones are stunning in autumn.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

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  2. A woman walks the path next to the beach at sunset at Palisades Park in Los Angeles County

    Santa Monica’s Most Beautiful Walk

    With its sweeping views of Santa Monica Bay and the Santa Monica Pier, the 26-acre Palisades Park, perched along the beach bluffs, may be a tourist’s delight for its quintessential California vibes–but it’s just as beloved by locals. Follow this 2.5-mile loop to experience it like one.

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  3. The Undead Ghost Town

    Every Halloween, the worlds of the living and the dead blur together. In the “living ghost town” of Randsburg that condition is permanent. This strange gold-rush town near the El P

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  4. Montebello Mission

    Adorable animal feeding, peaceful bird watching, and delicious beer drinking? Hello, Montebello! This northeastern city has fantastic views of the hulking San Gabriels and a variety of green spaces, not to mention great spots for beer(s)!

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