San Lorenzo Valley, CA Local Area Information

Visitors of all ages find delight in this adventure through the Santa Cruz Mountains and its towering redwoods trees. With two distinct routes disembarking from the historic train depot in Felton, the Roaring Camp Railroad harkens back to days of yore when locomotive was the only way to travel. Hitch a ride on a 19th century steam engine for a tour through towering redwood groves and up a winding... (read more)

Hike, climb, skip, jump and camp in the oldest state park in California. Big Basin is an oasis of trees and trails less than 30 minutes outside of Santa Cruz proper. Big Basin is noted for its thousands-years-old redwoods, but few know about the abundant waterfalls that flow freely in the spring and summer. It is home to over 10,800 acres of old-growth forest. Over 80 miles of trails of various di... (read more)

Upon entering Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, one of the most striking sights is a huge slice of tree trunk, perhaps 4 feet in diameter. The slice is suspended above the ground, and placed along the rings are little placards. Each placard marks a major historical event: the Pilgrims landing at Plymoth Rock, the height of the Aztec civilization, the signing of the Magna Carta. The purpose of this... (read more)

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With 34 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, Wilder Ranch State Park is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Santa Cruz County. While going for a nice stroll in the woods here is always a good time, many mountain bike enthusiasts are drawn to the Wilder Ranch Mountain Bike Trail, a multi-terrain, suitable for most levels dirt path that begs to be biked. It's a great trail for... (read more)

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Depending on your outlook, the Mystery Spot is either a reasonably priced tourist trap or a gateway to another dimension where the laws of physics are suspended. For just $5, you can be the judge. The spot offers a series of surprises that challenge the senses and defy reason. Even the most resolute skeptics usually stagger out of the experience dizzy and perplexed, struggling to regain their bala... (read more)

"Learn to SCUBA dive" is on many a bucket list, and what better time to learn than on vacation through one of the most trusted programs in Santa Cruz? Adventure Sports Unlimited offers comprehensive instruction to get individuals diving at a competent level. Learning to dive in the Monterey Bay prepares divers for many underwater adventures they may take in the future. And doing it through the lon... (read more)

It doesn't get much more "off the beaten path" than DeLaveaga Golf Course. Tucked away in the upper hills of Santa Cruz County, this public course weaves in and out of trees and offers openings to breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean. While it's no Pebble Beach, if hitting the links is your thing, along with affordability, than "DeLa" is an excellent alternative. Keep your swing sharp by hitti... (read more)

Santa Cruz, like many coastal California cities, has its own Spanish mission, the 12th built by Franciscans from Espana who came seeking to spread Christianity to the Americas. Santa Cruz's mission was build in 1791 but was toppled by an earthquake in 1879. Today, only one building from the original architecture stands, a simple, single-story adobe that was once used to house the mission's Native ... (read more)