Chaminade Resort & Spa

These gentle, family-friendly trails are multi-use and available for walking, cycling, skating, and beach access. This is a great place for a sunset stroll. The path covers visual and physical access to: Surfing, cycling, skating, walking, tidepools, beach, kite flying, fishing, frisbee, sponge and skimboarding, dogs playing on the beach and open fields, sea otters, seals, whales and dolphins and monarch butterflies in season, pelicans, cormorants, seagulls and shorebirds, crabs, sea...

Off the beaten path, The Forest of Nisene Marks is a refreshing retreat from the busy towns and beaches along Highway 1 near Santa Cruz. Its dense second- and third-growth redwood forest rises from near sea level to steep coastal mountains. Drive up Aptos Creek Road to the park entrance kiosk. After the park entrance kiosk the road quickly become packed dirt but can be driven by to all types of vehicles. Continue on the dirt road to the Porter Family Picnic Area. There is a locked gate here...

The Forest of Nisene Marks SP boasts an old Lumber Railroad Grade. An introductory walk into the lower reaches of Nisene Marks. This trail is highly popular with the locals for an afternoon break. It's a good one for walks, jogging, and much of it is accessible to bikes. The trail also provide access to the trail heading deeper into this 10,000 acre state park. Dogs are OK on the fire road. Dogs must be on leash at all times. Leash must be no longer than 6 feet in length. Much of this...

Explore tide pools and beach habitat at Natural Bridges State Park, a beautiful and popular place to walk. Dogs are only allowed leashed on paved areas within Natural Bridges State park. They are allowed along West Cliff Drive, but you'll have to access this route from another parking area if you are bringing your dog. In this oasis between the ocean and the edge of Santa Cruz lies one of the largest monarch butterfly overwintering sites in the western United States. The park also includes...