While hitting the beaches in Santa Cruz may seem like the obvious way to pass time, the area boasts some wonderfully vibrant parks that shouldn’t be overlooked.
To discover six fantastic family-friendly options, keep reading – your little ones will be sure to thank you!
Neary Lagoon Park
For a park featuring abundant wildlife, Neary Lagoon Park is an easy choice.
Located in the Lower Westside neighborhood of Santa Cruz, the park serves as a wildlife refuge for migratory birds, so you may spot some ducks, geese and herons, among many other birds! In the western turtle pond, race to see who can find the most turtles,
With one mile of gravel trails to explore, you’ll have no problem pushing a stroller as you wander around the lagoon. And, a boardwalk cuts through the center of the lagoon, giving you the opportunity to truly enjoy some panoramic views!
Two playgrounds, a basketball half court, bbq pits and a tennis court are just some of the features you’ll find within. And, with bathrooms located near the park's entrance, you won’t have to worry about accidents.
Just a reminder, dogs are not allowed at Neary Lagoon Park.
Ocean View Park
Fortunately, you furry friends can join you at this park, so long as they remain on leash (unless you find yourself in the designated off-leash area).
You’ll find a basketball half court, restrooms, a large playground, and picnic tables perfect for enjoying those mid-afternoon snacks.
Boasting beautiful views of the historic Boardwalk and Monterey Bay, you’re sure to enjoy some scenic surroundings.
Riverside Gardens
Combining outdoor recreation and nature preservation, this park is within walking distance to The Boardwalk, which is convenient considering there are no washroom facilities here.
A playground, bike racks, picnic tables and even a community playground are some of the features you’ll find.
Frederick Street Park
With stunning ocean views, Frederick Street Park is unsurprisingly quite the hot spot!
>Several walkways, a sandy volleyball court, spacious play areas, a fenced in place for dogs, bbq pits and even a skate bowl make this park a great place for young ones to play.
In fact, it’s one of largest city park playgrounds, so the opportunities for fun are certainly plentiful.
Grant Park
Open from sunrise to sunset, Grant Park boasts plenty of fun features, making it a great spot for a picnic with friends and family.
Some of the features are as follows:
- Playground
- Picnic Table
- Fenced Dog Area
- BBQ pits
- Bocce Ball Court
- Bicycle Pump Track
- Basketball Court
- Baseball/Softball Area
Westlake Park
One of Santa Cruz’s hidden gems, discover the wonderful Westlake Park.
The lake located within makes the perfect area for spotting wildlife and aquatic vegetation. In fact, for those 16 and under, fishing is a popular pastime here!
Some other park features include a large playground, spacious lawn area and plenty of picnic tables.
Now that you’ve discovered these incredible six local parks, it’s time to check them out – so grab your little one’s and get going!
If you’re looking for a home close to one of these picturesque parks, connect with Lauren Spencer and she’ll help you with your search for the perfect place.
Posted by Lauren Spencer on
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