Go: Wilder Ranch
Wilder Ranch State Park is a breathtaking piece of land along the Santa Cruz coastline, a mere thirty minutes' drive from Silicon Valley. The trail along the bluffs is a 2.3 mile loop called Old Cove Landing Trail; it is flat and well-suited for children—just keep them close by, the cliffs are no joke! Bikes are also welcome on the trail.
To get there, drive 17-South to 1-North. Avoid paying to enter by parking on the ocean side of Highway 1, before the main entrance to the park (you’ll see other cars parked there as well); hike up the embankment and you will have arrived at this majestic wilderness. Breathe deep the sea breeze.
