Santa Cruz beaches is our #1 pick -- Picnicking, swimming, building sandcastles, sunbathing, and kite flying are just a few of the activities that the whole family can enjoy at any of the Santa Cruz beaches.

West Cliff Drive / Lighthouse Field is our #2 pick.  The wide paved path that parallels West Cliff Dr. is ideal for walking, strolling, biking and skating.  You can also just sit, relax and and take in the sweeping Monterey Bay views from the bluff top benches or watch the surfers at Steamer Lane next to the historic lighthouse.

Roaring Camp & Big Trees Railroad is our #4 pick -- The Santa Cruz, Big Trees & Pacific Railway Company operates the train between the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Roaring Camp.  Although, the beach train ride is enjoyable, our favorite train is the narrow-gauge steam locomotive that operates from Roaring Camp and travels into towering redwood groves, over trestles, and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain. 

Seasonal Family-friendly Activities

Christmas Tree Cutting -- During the Holidays, you can create a cherished family memory by cutting your own tree at one of the Christmas tree farms located in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Half Moon Bay is world famous for its pumpkins -- A great Fall activity is to take the whole family out to a Half Moon Bay pumpkin patch and select the perfect pumpkin.  Most of the larger farms have other activities too that range from gigantic hay labyrinth to petting pens to pony rides and haunted houses.

Berry Picking -- During the Spring and Summer, many local farms between Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay open their fields to the public for berry picking.  This can be fun, educational, and yummy activity for the whole family!