Soquel, California
The Soquel Demonstration State Forest is a must-visit for the best trails and outdoor activities in Soquel, California. The hiking trail is moderately difficult, winding through towering redwood trees and offering scenic views of the surrounding forest. Along the way, you may spot unique rock formations and the clear, bubbling Soquel Creek. This trail is also popular for mountain biking. In the vicinity, Capitola Beach offers a different kind of outdoor adventure with opportunities for surfing, paddleboarding, and fishing. The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is another top spot nearby, with over 30 miles of trails through redwood groves and along Aptos Creek. These outdoor attractions in and near Soquel provide a variety of scenic, engaging activities for all.
Top Spots in and near Soquel
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Capitola, California
New Brighton Beach Trail
0.85 mi / 112 ft gainNew Brighton Beach Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Aptos, California.Read more -
Capitola, California
Camp at New Brighton Campground
/ 0 ft gainThis Capitola camping spot is the place to be if you're looking to do a variety of activities in a variety of landscapes. You can swim, fish, or explore the nearby forest of Monterey Pine and coastal Oak. In the evening, walk into Capitola for live music and great fish tacos. The S.S. Palo Alto,...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Surf the Hook
4.0The hook is a surf spot found on the east side of Santa Cruz, located along East Cliff drive. If you keep driving past Pleasure Point, you'll get to it. It's a right hand point break that is usually smaller in size than Pleasure Point. It's a very crowded spot due to the easy access parking lo...Read more -
Soquel, California
Land of Medicine Buddha Loop
4.55.74 mi / 915 ft gainNear the retreat, there is a short trail called "Eight Verses Pilgrimage Trail" providing people with the opportunity to meditate on thought transformation in a peaceful and picturesque outdoor setting. From there, a beautiful 6 mile loop will take you up to the top of the ridge and then back aro...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Surf Pleasure Point
4.0Pleasure Point is located on the east side of Santa Cruz, California. It is a right hand point break that breaks year round. It is a popular surf spot for many people that live in the San Francisco Bay Area. There are 3 different peaks that break at Pleasure Point. Sewers, which is the furthest ...Read more -
Aptos, California
Hike to Nisene Marks' Maple Falls
4.68.5 mi / 900 ft gainAs you enter the park, you'll need to pay $8 for parking via a self-pay envelope, so it's recommended that you bring exact change. At the park booth, be sure to grab a map. The hike can be a little tricky with no cell service and limited trail signage. Once you've grabbed your map, keep driving p...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
A Beach Bonfire in Santa Cruz at Twin Lakes SB
This one-mile stretch of beach is the perfect option for those looking for a peaceful Santa Cruz experience, but without the crowds. The beach features soft sand, playful surf, an awesome view of Walton Lighthouse, and a handful of fire pits to choose from. It's a great spot to spend the entire d...Read more -
Aptos, California
Bridge Creek Trail to Maple Falls
7.99 mi / 1089 ft gainBridge Creek Trail to Maple Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Aptos, California.Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Bonfire at Seabright State Beach
5.0This is a wide, beautiful beach that's an amazing spot to spend the day and enjoy a bonfire at night. Seabright is probably the most popular spot in Santa Cruz for a bonfire, due to its convenient proximity to the Beach Boardwalk. But luckily, this beach is tucked in between the San Lorenzo River...Read more -
Santa Cruz, CaliforniaSurf Cowell's Cove
4.8Cowell's Cove is located just south of Santa Cruz’s iconic Steamer Lane. The break is a slow pealing right, and is a very user-friendly wave for beginners. It can get crowded on weekends, especially when it's sunny, but no need to worry, there are a lot people out on foam boards and most are begi...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Beach Day at Lighthouse Field State Beach
4.0This beach is less crowded compared to other beaches in Santa Cruz. I got there early on a Saturday and found easy street parking. There was plenty of space to spread out on the soft sand. Later in the day I saw dolphins several times! This is close to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. It’s als...Read more -
Santa Cruz County, California
Camp at Henry Cowell Redwoods Campground
4.8/ 665 ft gainNestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a great weekend option for Bay Area residents. With approximately 30 miles of hiking trails, the incredible Garden of Eden swimming hole, and proximity to Santa Cruz - this campground is not to be missed! On sunny days, view...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Hike the Rincon Fire Trail
5.01 mi / 300 ft gainThe Rincon Fire Trail Starts at a small dirt parking lot next to CA-9 and traverses down the mountain to the San Lorenzo River Connecting with the Pipeline Trail. The trail can be a simple one of a mile out and back or up to 5 miles depending on your preference. The elevation will change by about...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Photograph the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum
5.0No matter the time you'll decide to visit the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, you'll have thousands of interesting plants and birds to see and watch. The Arboretum is located on the west side of UCSC campus, between the main campus entrance and the west entrance. Parking is 5$ for adults and 2$ for chil...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Natural Bridges State Beach
4.3Natural Bridges State Beach is a wonderful place to photograph located in Santa Cruz off of West Cliff Drive. This is a great place to practice long exposure photography to capture awesome water movement as it passes through the "Natural Bridge" formation. The best time to shoot this spot is at ...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Surf at Natural Bridges State Beach
4.5Natural Bridges is off of West Cliff Drive to the north of popular Santa Cruz break, Steamer Lane. The break is a right point break, which breaks on a rocky shelf and reef. The break is best during sizable swells (NW, SW, and West) and a low tide. Be sure to check the wind, this break gets blown ...Read more
Top Activities
Camping and Lodging in Soquel
La Selva Beach, California
Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
As seen on the hit CBS show Undercover Boss, this fun, family-friendly campground offers something for everyone! Enjoy the best of the Ca...
Moss Landing, California
Moss Landing KOA Express
Moss Landing is a nature-lover's paradise founded in the 1800s as a seaport and fishing village. Located in the heart of Monterey Bay Nat...
Prunedale, California
Salinas / Monterey KOA
Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck captured the beauty of the Monterey Coast and its beachside and inland communities in his landm...
Pescadero, California
Santa Cruz North / Costanoa KOA
Santa Cruz North/Costanoa KOA is an eco-adventure campground designed to encourage exploration of the protected California coastline. Th...
Pacific Grove, California
Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds
A peaceful coastal refuge with ocean views, wildlife, and old world charm. Asilomar is located on the Monterey Peninsula in charming Paci...
From $176 / night
