Spring is almost officially here in Santa Cruz, and with it comes warmer weather and blooming flowers—or so they say. While it might take a bit more time for us to experience the warmer temperatures, many of us are already dreaming about fun, outdoor springtime activities we'd like to do this year. For all those amateur photographers, passionate Instagrammers, or even just your regular nature-lovers, this is a great opportunity to get up and get out!
There are several types of flowers native to the Santa Cruz area, including the beautiful purple Lupine and the striking yellow Santa Cruz Wallflower, but what are the best places to see them this spring? We outline our favorites down below!
Quail Hollow Ranch County Park
800 Quail Hollow Road, Felton
A popular favorite, Quail Hollow Ranch County Park is a 300-acre park located in Felton. It offers walking, hiking, and equestrian trails, with difficulty levels that range from easy to moderate. A great option for both families and more experienced hikers, Quail Hollow Ranch Park has plenty of opportunities for spotting flora and fauna this spring.
The Discovery Loop Trail is an easy walk for those of all ages, and it takes visitors around the park's pond. Lupine flowers can be found along the trail in the late spring, however the Lower Chaparral Trail Loop is where you'll find sprawling fields of these beautiful, purple plants. Other flowers frequently spotted in this area include California Poppy (also known as “California sunlight”) and Fernald's Iris (a tall, white flower).
Bonny Doon Ecological Reserve
Martin Road, Santa Cruz
Located in Bonny Doon, this hiking reserve is over 550 acres in size, and it is known for its plants and wildlife—which includes birds, deer, foxes, and even mountain lions. It’s also home to endangered species of flowers and rare plants, including the Ben Lomond Spineflower: a spiky, purple flower that blooms in April and May. This flower is only found in this region of Santa Cruz County… and nowhere else on Earth!
Other flowers and plants you might see this spring include Santa Cruz Island Buckwheat, the Santa Cruz Wallflower, Bonny Doon Manzanita, and Woolly Indian Paintbrush. Grab your cameras, for these are a sight to see!
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
1305 E Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
For those who don’t want to stray too far from downtown, and prefer taking up-close shots of flowers (as opposed to hiking long distances in the Sandhills!), then the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History offers just that.
This Seabright attraction is decorated with gorgeous gardens, which feature yellow California Poppies. The museum also offers programs (dubbed “Nature Club”) that take adventurous kids around the city’s natural areas, such as Arana Gulch, to view the wildflowers—yet another great destination for passionate nature photographers.
UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden, And Surrounding Trails
Arboretum Road, Santa Cruz
Dedicated hikers and cyclists will enjoy exploring the trails around the University of California, Santa Cruz campus, many of which are unmarked (except for perhaps small gate!). But these trails, found off of Empire Grade, offer a number of different sights; trees, shrubs, and flowers alike. True nature-lovers, who don't mind a bit of a trek, will likely find this fulfilling, however the trails aren’t for everyone!
For everyone else, the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden allows for rare flower viewing at your convenience. Some flowers, such as Proteas, bloom earlier on in the year (before spring), while others bloom until May. Separated into collections by region (and including a Butterfly Garden!) there are plenty of opportunities here to take your next picture for Instagram.
Searching for your dream home in the Santa Cruz area? We can help. Contact Lauren Spencer today to start your home search!
Posted by Lauren Spencer on
Leave A Comment