Incredible Things to Do in the Santa Cruz Redwoods
Are you planning a trip to the Santa Cruz Redwoods? Read on for the best ways to enjoy the Santa Cruz redwood forests.
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Taking a stroll under the redwoods feels like walking on another planet.
There are a few experiences in nature that have made me truly understand the meaning of the words “awestruck” and “spellbound,” and the redwood forest is one of them. (The other is Yellowstone National Park, which needs to be at the absolute top of your bucket list.)
They’re so much more than just “big-ass trees,” y’all.
These gigantic, towering evergreens have a way of humbling the human experience and putting the world in perspective. Our lives are but a blip in their lifespan, and you can’t help but be blown away by the sheer size and endurance of these behemoths.
One of the first things you’ll notice is the instantaneous temperature drop that occurs under a redwood canopy, followed by the abruptly muted sound. You may feel like you’ve stepped into another world, or perhaps just the best of this one.
While I’ve had the joy of experiencing the redwoods before, my husband was positively captivated, and we made a point to maximize our redwood forest experience while we were in Santa Cruz. We hope you enjoy your time in the Santa Cruz redwoods as much as we did!
The rings on this tree are marked with momentous moments in human history, including the birth of Shakespeare.
5 Unforgettable Ways to Explore the Santa Cruz Redwoods
Go for a hike in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
What’s the best way to experience the Santa Cruz redwoods? By walking into the forest, obviously!
You’ll find Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park an easy (and scenic) 15-ish minutes drive from downtown Santa Cruz. The state park offers a variety of hikes, and don’t dismiss the Redwood Grove Loop Trail. Though it’s an easy and kid-friendly 0.9-loop walking trail (according to AllTrails; I can’t remember what the rangers told us), the Grove Loop Trail winds through some of the oldest, largest, and most impressive redwood trees in the park. There’s also a clearly marked connection point to the Pipeline Road Trail, which winds along the river and offers more hills and an impressive scenic overlook.
Schedule a session with your chiropractor before you go, though, because you will be craning your neck at all sorts of crazy angles looking up at these big ass trees.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Felton CA 95018
The Roaring Camp Railroad is an absolute blast for kids and adults alike.
Ride through the Santa Cruz Redwoods on an 1890 steam train with Roaring Camp Railroad.
From the moment I heard the scream of Roaring Camp Railroad’s steam engine train, I thought, “THAT has to be fun!” Roaring Camp Railroad sits just through a patch of trees from the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and the rumors are true: their train rides are incredibly fun.
While initially, my husband wondered if this was more of a kid's activity - or if it would be weird for us to hop aboard as two childless adventurers - our locomotive consisted of 50% people with kids and 50% adult passengers like ourselves.
I mean, honestly, who doesn’t want to climb aboard an authentic 1890s steam train that huffs and puffs its way through a dense redwood forest?
The guides offered ongoing commentary that was both humorous and informative. While we opted for lunch in Santa Cruz, you’re welcome to pick up a pre-packed picnic lunch or snacks to enjoy on the train in Roaring Camp.
And, last but not least, I highly recommend buying your tickets in advance, giving yourself at least 40 minutes to check out the historic grounds of Roaring Camp, and remembering that it will be significantly colder on your train ride up the mountain than in the parking lot.
Roaring Camp Railroads
Felton, CA 95018
Time your visit to witness the controlled burns at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park outside of Santa Cruz.
Watch a controlled burn at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
Timing is everything on this one, and while we didn’t get to personally experience this, the burn piles were set up throughout the Redwood Grove Loop Trail during our visit. The park volunteer we spoke with highly recommended returning to witness the upcoming burn, but unfortunately, we live on the East Coast. He described it as nothing short of mesmerizing, and I do wish we’d been able to catch it.
You can stay up to date on the upcoming controlled burns on the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park website, however, and I need to hear about your experience if you go!
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Felton CA 95018
Enjoy a glass of wine at Beauregard Vineyards, whose tasting room is nestled under the redwood trees.
Visit Beauregard Vineyards under the redwoods near Santa Cruz.
What’s better than soaking up that unique peace and enchantment found only under a redwood tree? Doing it with a glass of wine in your hand - trust me on this one.
We hit the Beauregard Vineyards tasting room before we left town, and it was a highlight of our trip. We did the $25 tasting flight of 5 wines inside first because it was raining, and then we realized when else are we going to drink wine under the redwoods? Interesting fact, it can be moderately raining, and you’ll still feel dry under a redwood canopy because of the way their needles and branches train the water.
We savored a glass of wine by the babbling brook and even spotted some wildlife scampering by. It was, in a word, heaven.
Beauregard Vineyards
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Nothing compares to a night under the Santa Cruz redwoods!
Stay under the redwoods.
As I mentioned in my post on Pinnacles National Park, this was a work trip for me, so certain outdoorsy experiences just weren’t realistic, given that our already oversized, overweight luggage was packed to the brim with photography gear.
However, I can’t imagine anything more magical than falling asleep and waking up under some of the largest, oldest, most powerful trees on this planet. Is a camping trip to a redwood forest now on my bucket list? Absolutely, so stay tuned!
Have you been to see the Santa Cruz redwoods? What are your favorite things to do in the Santa Cruz redwoods? Drop your favorite hikes, activities, and lodging options in the comments below!