Choose from 2 Fun Things to Do in Santa Cruz
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Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Located just outside Santa Cruz, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is most famous for its massive old-growth redwood trees, some of which are 1,800 years old. The San Lorenzo River winds through the park’s landscape, which ranges from thick forest to chaparral and contains roughly 20 miles (32 kilometers) of hiking trails.
The Basics
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park encompasses more than 4,650 acres (1,882 hectares) of wilderness and offers a peaceful escape from Santa Cruz, San Jose, or San Francisco. Popular activities in the park include hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming, camping, and fishing. The park’s famous redwoods flank the San Lorenzo River, while farther north you can stroll through a green, fern-lined canyon.
To experience the area’s historic roots, hop on the Redwood Steam Train and enjoy a ride through the Santa Cruz Mountains. Railroad tours typically include admission to Roaring Camp in Felton, and allow you to learn about former logging camps and regional history from your conductor.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a must-see for nature and history lovers.
- Visitor facilities include a picnic area, visitor center, and bookstore.
- Remember to bring sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and plenty of water.
- The weather can change throughout the day, so it’s a good idea to dress in layers.
- The park’s Redwood Loop trail is fully accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, while some other trails are partially accessible.
How to Get There
Henry Cowell Redwoods is located in California’s Santa Cruz Mountains, near the town of Felton on Highway 9. By road, it lies roughly 10 minutes from Santa Cruz, 40 minutes from San Jose, and 1.5 hours from San Francisco. Public transportation to the park is limited, but you can get there by taxi, rental car, or independent vehicle.
When to Get There
You can visit Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park year-round, although summer is the most popular—and warmest—time. To avoid crowds and still have a good chance of lovely weather, go in September or October. Catch and release fishing is allowed in the San Lorenzo River during the steelhead and salmon season, typically from November through February.
Must-See Attractions at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Explore the park’s 40-acre (16-hectare) old-growth redwood grove, which houses the famous hollowed-out Fremont Tree as well as the 0.8-mile (1.3-kilometer) Redwood Loop interpretive trail. On hot days, the Garden of Eden is a popular spot to cool off and swim in the San Lorenzo River.
Address: 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 29
Roaring Camp Railroads
See the California redwoods the way loggers did in the 1800s at Roaring Camp Railroads, which operates two train routes from its starting point in the forest just north of Santa Cruz. The authentic steam engines date back to 1890 and are some of the oldest and best preserved in the United States.
The Basics
There are two routes to choose from, depending on the time of year. The Redwood Forest Steam Train chugs through redwood groves from Roaring Camp to the summit of Bear Mountain; the round-trip journey takes more than an hour.
In spring, summer, and fall, the Santa Cruz Beach Train rolls through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, across a 1909 steel truss bridge, and through an 1875 tunnel to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk; you can go on a round-trip ride, or go one way in either direction.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Parking is available for a fee.
- Wheelchairs are available to rent at the ticket office.
- You can buy food at Roaring Camp or bring your own; picnic tables are available to rent.
- The trains have both covered and open-air passenger cars; if you opt for open-air seating, bring a jacket and consider bringing sound-blocking headphones for babies and young children.
How to Get There
Roaring Camp is located in the small town of Felton, a short drive inland from Santa Cruz via Graham Hill Road. From San Jose, it’s a longer drive via State Route 17.
When to Get There
Depending on the season and day of the week, the Redwood Forest train departs once a day or up to four times a day at varying times. The beach train departs Roaring Camp twice a day and the boardwalk twice a day. While the beach train does not run during the winter, a Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train is offered on select days.
Themed Rides
Roaring Camp Railroads hosts a series of themed train rides and events during the year, such as a Moonlight Train Dinner Party and Great Train Robberies. If you’re traveling with kids, check out the Thomas the Tank Engine events in the summer and fall; these are limited-time train rides and are very popular, so make sure to buy those tickets early.
Address: 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, California 95018, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 26