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Scenic Views

Find the best viewpoints, overlooks, and photo spots in Santa Cruz

19
Scenic Viewpoints

Explore Scenic Views

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AΓ±o Nuevo Elephant Seals (December-March)

πŸ“ Pescadero

πŸ’²$⏱️2.5-3 hours
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AΓ±o Nuevo Point Trail

πŸ“ Pescadero

πŸ’²$⏱️2.5-3 hours including wildlife viewing
Capitola Beach

Capitola Beach

πŸ“ CA 95010

πŸ’²Free⏱️2-4 hours
Cowell Beach

Cowell Beach

πŸ“ CA 95060

πŸ’²Free⏱️2-4 hours
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DeLaveaga "Top of the World" via La Corona Trail

πŸ“ Santa Cruz

πŸ’²Free⏱️1-2 hours (2-3 miles round trip)
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DeLaveaga "Top of the World" Viewpoint

πŸ“ Santa Cruz

πŸ’²Free⏱️1-2 hours round trip hike
DeLaveaga Park

DeLaveaga Park

πŸ“ CA 95065

πŸ’²Free⏱️1-3 hours
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Elkhorn Slough Kayaking (Moss Landing)

πŸ“ Moss Landing

πŸ’²$$$⏱️2-3 hours
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Enchanted Loop (Wilder Ranch)

πŸ“ Santa Cruz

πŸ’²$⏱️30-45 minutes
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

πŸ“ CA 95018

πŸ’²Free⏱️1-3 hours
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Loch Lomond Reservoir

πŸ“ Felton

πŸ’²$⏱️3-5 hours
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Loch Lomond Trail

πŸ“ Felton

πŸ’²$⏱️1-2 hours
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Mount Madonna Bayview Loop

πŸ“ Watsonville

πŸ’²$⏱️2-3 hours (5 miles)
Natural Bridges State Beach

Natural Bridges State Beach

πŸ“ CA 95060

πŸ’²Free⏱️2-4 hours
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Observation Deck Trail (Henry Cowell)

πŸ“ Felton

πŸ’²$⏱️2 hours (3 miles round trip)
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Ohlone Bluff Trail (Wilder Ranch)

πŸ“ Santa Cruz

πŸ’²$⏱️1-1.5 hours (2 miles)
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Old Cove Landing Trail (Coastal - Wilder)

πŸ“ Santa Cruz

πŸ’²$⏱️30-45 minutes
Pogonip Open Space

Pogonip Open Space

πŸ“ CA 95060

πŸ’²Free⏱️1-3 hours
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Quail Hollow Sunset Vista Loop

πŸ“ Felton

πŸ’²Free⏱️2 hours (2.8 miles)

Photography Tips

πŸŒ… Golden Hour

Visit during sunrise or sunset for the best lighting and most dramatic coastal views.

πŸ“· Best Spots

West Cliff Drive, Natural Bridges, and Lighthouse Point offer iconic Santa Cruz views.

🌫️ Fog Considerations

Coastal fog is common in summer mornings. Check weather for clear view days.

πŸ…ΏοΈ Access & Parking

Most viewpoints have nearby parking. Some require a short walk from parking areas.