With it’s coastal redwood forests and it’s white sand beaches, Santa Cruz has it all. And what better way to experience this natural beauty than from viewpoints around the city?
No matter if you love hiking, wine-tasting, dining-out, or all of the above, there are plenty of spots where you can enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean and redwood forests.
Here are the five best viewpoints in Santa Cruz:
Lookout Trail in Pogonip
If you’re wanting to catch a good view of the city from up high, Lookout Trail in Pogonip is the best spot for this. This trail gives you unobstructed views of Santa Cruz’s redwood forests and the glistening ocean below.
You can arrive at this viewpoint by driving along Coolidge Dr. There’s a dirt parking lot located at the side of the road where you can park to take in the vista. From there, you have the option to hike through the Pogonip parkland.
If you’re looking to go on a more thorough hike through Pogonip to the viewpoint, start at the other side of the park near the end of Golf Club Drive. From there, you can work your way west. The effort is certainly worth the payoff!
Engelsman Loop Trail
Engelsman Loop Trail is another hike that has some of the best views in the city. Located in Wilder Ranch State Park, this trail has a lower elevation compared to Lookout Trail in Pogonip, but it’s views are nevertheless spectacular.
You can look over the ocean from atop the bluffs or from the hilltops in the redwood forests.
The wonderful thing about this hike is that you pass by several types of landscapes, from sweeping grassland to forested paths. All of this spans over 9.6 miles of trailway.
Wineries Along Summit Road
Napa Valley isn’t the only place in California that has world-renowned wineries. Santa Cruz is in the big leagues alongside them. Most of Santa Cruz’s wineries and vineyards are located in the city’s mountain range, so they have some of the best views of the city and ocean below. The wineries along Summit Road are most famous for their views.
Loma Prieta Winery has one of the most esteemed selection of wines in the city. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, their view will take your breath away. Watch over the ocean beyond the redwood forests and the vineyards. You feel like you’re on top of the world when you visit this beautiful winery.
Another great spot to check out is Soquel Vineyards which has an astonishing view of Monterey Bay. The best part about wineries is that you can enjoy the views while sipping on a glass of wine.
West Cliff Drive
West Cliff Drive to Santa Cruz is what Great Ocean Drive is to Australia. It’s a winding coastal street with some of the best views in the world.
West Cliff Drive is famous for its cliffs that drop down to the glistening ocean below. You can watch over the phenomenal horizon from Natural Bridges State Park all the way to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum and Lighthouse. This makes this road one of the top viewpoints in Santa Cruz.
To catch these views you can either drive along this road or walk the pathways that line the bluffs. Walking is the most popular choice, especially if you want to take pictures or visit some of the beaches along the way.
Crow’s Nest Restaurant
If you’re searching for a relaxing spot that overlooks the ocean and the sailboats in the marina, then Crow’s Nest Restaurant is the place for you. There is no other restaurant in the whole of Santa Cruz with a better view than this place! It’s located right on the water, so you’re guaranteed a gorgeous vista no matter where you sit.
If you’ve been in Santa Cruz for any time at all, you probably know about this infamous spot. It’s been around for over 50, serving delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can even catch live entertainment and comedy shows here to make your dining experience even better.
Want to know more about Santa Cruz? Contact Lauren Spencer today! She’s your guide to everything real estate in Santa Cruz.
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