Family Getaway to the Santa Cruz Mountains

Santa Cruz is always a great travel destination for families, but the Santa Cruz Mountains take families to a whole different world. It's the perfect place to go camping, hug a redwood tree, ride a vintage train, or just get in touch with nature. Be sure to plan a trip to the Santa Cruz Mountains as part of your Santa Cruz adventures.

Roaring Camp & Big Trees Railroad

These vintage steam trains run all year round, and are a great place for a family outing. Kids love the train rides, the special events that include a real black smith and vintage games like sack races. Adults love the barbecue. Teens won't complain as long as their train ride ends at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk where they can ri... More >

Henry Cowell Redwoods SP

This beautiful accessible redwood grove is just on the other side of Roaring Camp (you can even take a foot bridge over and avoid the parking fees). Henry Cowell also has a great family friendly campground and plenty of hiking trails.

Henry Cowell also has a great family friendly campground and plenty of hiking trails.

Loch Lomond

This is a wonderful location for a family day trip. You can rent paddle boats and fish at low cost. There is ample space to picnic as well. Hiking is another fun activity at Loch Lomond. It's the perfect place to get away from it all and entrance fees are cheap as well.

Felton Covered Bridge Park

This picturesque park is a great place to go to let out some energy. They have a playground, sand volleyball pits, and of course one of the only covered bridges in the State of California. Fishing is allowed with a license.

Brookdale Lodge

This quaint hotel includes a fun swimming pool and a restaurant. A great alternative to camping in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

The Santa Cruz Mountains have plenty of residents who value whole foods and organic produce and this is their first stop.

New Leaf Community Markets

If you want to sample some local flavor as you prepare a picnic for any of the above destination, stop by the New Leaf Community Market in Felton. The Santa Cruz Mountains have plenty of residents who value whole foods and organic produce and this is their first stop. Why not make it yours as well? More

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