As you continue on San Andreas, you’ll cross the Watsonville Slough, one of numerous waterways the cut through the area and host an astounding variety of bird life. Keep an eye out for a sign that points toward Sunset State Beach whose glorious stretch of sand would make a great side trip. Turn left and you’ll soon be engulfed by endless fields of leafy Brussels sprouts fields. To tour this oft-overlooked region, take Highway One and exit at Buena Vista Drive - which should lend some hint to how good the views will be - and follow it as it slowly winds through green hills before ending at San Andreas Road. The southern parts of Santa Cruz County – what locals simply refer to as “South County” – is blanketed in vast agriculture fields and wetlands that teem with wildlife. By Austen Paul South County Sprint: Fields of Green Head back via Glen Arbor Road and Quail Hollow Road for a different but beautiful view of bucolic Santa Cruz County life, then follow Zayante Road back to Highway 9 and Santa Cruz. From there, continue along Highway 9 to Ben Lomond, where bakeries and cafes are tucked in next to antique shops and homestead supply stores. You’ll pass the entrance to Henry Cowell Redwoods before arriving in downtown Felton.
Start at the beginning, near The Tannery Arts Center, and follow Highway 9 north as it wends alongside the San Lorenzo River and logging-era railroad tracks. The twists and turns of beautiful Highway 9 transport motorists from downtown Santa Cruz to the historic mountain towns and majestic redwood forests of the San Lorenzo Valley. By Garrick Ramirez Highway 9 through the San Lorenzo Valley: The Land of Redwoods Continue north, skirting the grand homes of what was once Millionaires’ Row, and you’ll be treated to one of the best views in town: the stunning Monterey Bay filled with paddle boarders inching their way alongside the Wharf, colorful umbrellas dotting the sand of Main & Cowell beaches, and the twirling rides of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. From this scenic point you can marvel at surfers shredding legendary surf spot Steamer Lane and watch playful pups frolic at adjacent Its Beach.
One good example is the the iconic Mark Abbott lighthouse which houses the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. You’ll wind your way along ice plant-covered cliffs and scenic beach coves with numerous places to stop and spark your Instagram feed. Start at the sculptural sea stacks of Natural Bridges State Beach, a popular destination for both beachgoers and migrating Monarch butterflies alike, and head east. Scenery abounds on this three-mile promenade that sports knockout views of the Monterey Bay and links Santa Cruz’s most prominent attractions. By Ben Ingram West Cliff Drive: Quintessential Santa Cruz Before reaching Santa Cruz proper, you can detour into Wilder Ranch State Park whose Old Cove Landing Trail lends a front row view of the area’s dramatic coastline. As you continue south on Highway 1, peek to the ocean and try and spot the iconic, Shark Fin Cove Beach – a famed rock formation that resembles a shark fin in the waves. When you’ve had your fill, head further south until you reach the charming town of Davenport that’s perched on coastal bluffs that hide insanely beautiful beaches. Around the bend, you’ll be lured by fresh strawberries – and the pies and shortcakes they inspire – of Swanton Berry Farm’s quaint farm stand. Heading south from San Francisco or Half Moon Bay, your welcome to Santa Cruz County is Waddell Beach, whose ever-present waves are filled with brave wind and kite surfers. Wow, wow, and wow are the three words that best describe this seaside route which radiates with coastal splendor. North Coast & Highway 1: Coastal Farms & Hidden Beaches Below, we’ve shared some of our favorite scenic drives – as well as ways to enhance your outings as you explore the expanses of Santa Cruz County. And while nothing beats a good hike, bike or swim, sometimes a lazy drive is the best way to see it all.
Santa Cruz County covers a lot of scenic ground.
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