Attractions and Places To See in the Santa Cruz Mountains - Top 20
Attractions and places to see in the Santa Cruz Mountains offer a diverse range of experiences, from ancient redwood forests to significant historical sites. The region features varied natural landscapes, including coastal areas and mountain peaks. Visitors can explore scenic trails, discover unique cultural landmarks, and engage with the area's rich past. This area provides numerous opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration.
Best attractions and places to see in the Santa Cruz Mountains
- The most popular attractions is Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir, a lake that offers scenic views and is part of the Crystal Springs Regional Trail. This trail is a top spot for cyclists, featuring mostly paved paths with minimal car traffic, and provides beautiful lake views.
- Another must-see spot is Old La Honda Road, a climb known for its consistent grade and light traffic. Visitors can expect a good workout on this narrow road, which lasts for almost 3 miles until it meets Skyline Boulevard.
- Visitors also love San Andreas Lake, a reservoir situated directly on the San Andreas Fault. This serene spot offers peaceful beauty from the San Andreas Trail or the popular Sawyer Camp Trail, providing sweeping views of the water and surrounding hills.
- Santa Cruz Mountains is known for its natural landscapes, historical sites, and diverse trails. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, including redwood forests, coastal areas, and cultural landmarks.
- The attractions in the Santa Cruz Mountains are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 60 upvotes and 6 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir
Highlight โข Lake
Speed limit: 15 mph, difficult for high-end road bikes to stay below, so bring a bell: some hikers stand and talk in the center of the trail ;-)
San Andreas segment: From Skyline Boulevard south of San Bruno Avenue the trail drops to the head of San Andreas Lake, with pretty views across to the west of the wilderness slope of Montara Mountain. It rides along the lake 2 miles to an access point near Larkspur and 0.6 miles to another (at Hillcrest) where it connects to the Sawyer Camp segment.
Sawyer Camp segment: This is a gorgeous, easy bike ride, where you drop 400 feet over the span of 6 miles to Crystal Springs Dam. The route descends into riparian woodlands for 2.5 miles to Jepson Laurel picnic grounds, then runs along Crystal Springs Reservoir for 5.2 miles. You can continue another 1.7 miles to Caรฑada Road for Bicycle Sunday (no cars).
Caรฑada Road/Crystal Springs segment: South along Upper Crystal Springs Reservoir for 2.1 miles to the Pulgas Water Temple. It continues another 2.1 miles past Filoli Botanical Center and Phleger Estate to Edgewood Road
sfgate.com/outdoors/sundaydrive/article/Crystal-Springs-Trail-links-lakes-woodlands-4723374.php
parks.smcgov.org/crystal-springs-regional-trail
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Old La Honda Road
Highlight (Segment) โข Climb
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Kings Mountain Road
Highlight (Segment) โข Cycleway
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San Andreas Lake
Highlight โข Lake
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Devil's Slide bikeway (old Hwy 1)
Highlight (Segment) โข Cycleway
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Tunitas Creek Road and The Bike Hut
Highlight (Segment) โข Trail
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Fremont Tree
Highlight โข Natural Monument
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Junipero Serra Boulevard
Highlight (Segment) โข Cycleway
Car traffic is everpresent on this route, and it can get particularly busy during commute hours on weekdays, though this shouldn't concern you much because (other than having to switch to the left-hand side of the right-turn lane at some intersections) you will be mostly independent of the traffic lanes in your own bike lane during this ride. Meanwhile, weekends with good weather will result in heavy bicycle traffic, in which case it would be worthwhile to pay extra attention to fast riders that might be approaching from behind, at least when you're stopping or resuming after a stop.
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Pulgas Water Temple
Highlight โข Monument
On October 28, 1934, the roar of Hetch Hetchy mountain water greeted everyone gathered at Pulgas Water Temple to celebrate its arrival. With vivid memories of the fire that had raged after the Great Earthquake of 1906, the city rejoiced in its new secure, plentiful supply of high quality drinking water. The frieze above the columns expresses the cityโs relief: โI give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people.โ
Pulgas Water Temple was designed in the Beaux Arts style by William Merchant, a San Francisco architect trained by Bernard Maybeck. Merchantโs design featured fluted columns and Corinthian capitals to reflect the architecture of ancient Greeks and Romans, whose engineering methods were used to build the new water system. Artist and master stone carver Albert Bernasconi brought Merchantโs drawings to life.
Pulgas Water Temple is located about one-half mile south of the Caรฑada Road trailhead.
Open free to bikers & pedestrians every day, car parking opens only M-F 9-4
sfwater.org/index.aspx?page=93
Biketrail with more highlights and annotated photos at komoot.com/tour/11413421
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Woodside Store (Historic Site)
Highlight โข Historical Site
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Tips from the Community
This is a coastal redwood, not a Sequoia redwood which is a different species found inland.
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A fun, pretty place to stop while riding Caรฑada road. I has water and an air pump and bathrooms. Take a photo with friends.
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San Andreas Lake is a hidden gem tucked into the hills of San Mateo County, just south of San Francisco. Originally a natural sag pond formed by the San Andreas Fault, it was transformed into a reservoir in the late 1800s and now serves as a vital water source for the region. The lake is off-limits for swimming or boating, but you can enjoy its peaceful beauty from the San Andreas Trail or the popular Sawyer Camp Trail, which runs along its eastern edge. It's a serene spot where you can walk or bike with sweeping views of the water and surrounding hills, all while standing right on one of the worldโs most famous fault lines. Despite its proximity to urban life, San Andreas Lake offers a quiet, scenic escape steeped in natural and historical significance.
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You're not hallucinating: This monument was deliberately built in the style of ancient Greek and Roman architecture, to commemorate the Great Depression-era Hetchy Hetchy Project that brought water down from the mountains to the Bay Area. The frieze says, โI give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people.โ
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Devils slide itself is nice and just to the south is the beautiful Gray Whales Cove beach. There is plenty of parking at both places. Two notes for cyclist: 1. cycling along Hwy 1, coming from Pacifica, requires climbing on a relatively narrow but highly frequented road. It is not a long climb until the turnoff to Devils slide, but it might be stressful for cyclists who are not used to riding in heavy traffic. Hwy 1 south of Devils slide has enough space for everyone. 2. If you cycle on Hwy1, then check the wind forecast beforehand. Dominant wind direction is NW, which means cycling southbound maximizes tailwind and minimizes breathing in all the air pollution from stinky cars.
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Didnโt OLR used to turn into Dirt before reaching Skyline? Is it all pavement now?? Scott
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Woodside Store was built back in the 1850s by two pioneers who came to California for the gold rush. At the time it was the only stagecoach stop between San Francisco and Santa Clara, and it carried all the essential items that travelers riding between cities might need. The store has been restored, inside and out, to look exactly as it did centuries ago. You can call the museum ahead of your trip to book tours.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I experience the famous redwood forests in the Santa Cruz Mountains?
The Santa Cruz Mountains are renowned for their majestic redwood forests. You can explore ancient groves at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, which features the iconic 30-acre old-growth redwood grove and the Redwood Grove Loop Trail. Another significant area is Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California's oldest state park, established to preserve primeval redwood forests. For dense second and third-growth redwoods with extensive trails, visit Nisene Marks State Park. Additionally, Pogonip, a 640-acre nature preserve, also features redwood forests.
What historical sites can I visit in the Santa Cruz Mountains?
The region offers several historical sites. The Pulgas Water Temple is a notable man-made monument with historical significance. You can also visit the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, home to the only remaining building of the 12th California Mission. The Felton Covered Bridge, built in the 1890s, is thought to be the tallest covered bridge in the U.S. and is open for pedestrians. For a glimpse into local history, consider Roaring Camp Railroads, offering historic steam train rides through the redwoods, or the Woodside Store (Historic Site).
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Santa Cruz Mountains?
Yes, the Santa Cruz Mountains offer several family-friendly attractions. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a historic oceanside amusement park with rides and games. Roaring Camp Railroads provides steam train rides that are popular with all ages. For a unique experience, Mount Hermon Adventures offers treetop climbing among the redwoods. Natural attractions like Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and Natural Bridges State Beach Park are also great for families, with easy trails and opportunities for tide pooling.
What cycling opportunities are available in the Santa Cruz Mountains?
The Santa Cruz Mountains are a popular destination for cyclists. You can enjoy scenic rides along the Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir on the Crystal Springs Regional Trail, which is mostly paved with minimal car traffic. For a challenging climb, Old La Honda Road is known for its consistent grade. The Devil's Slide bikeway (old Hwy 1) offers stunning coastal views on a dedicated bike path. For more routes, explore the Road Cycling Routes in the Santa Cruz Mountains guide.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints in the Santa Cruz Mountains?
For scenic views, the Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir and San Andreas Lake offer beautiful lake vistas from their respective trails. The Walton Lighthouse in the Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor is a popular spot for photography with ocean views. Additionally, the Devil's Slide bikeway (old Hwy 1) provides dramatic coastal panoramas.
Are there any unique or quirky attractions in the Santa Cruz Mountains?
Yes, the Santa Cruz Mountains are home to some distinctive attractions. The Mystery Spot, opened in 1941, is an illusion-based roadside attraction known for its 'gravity-defying' phenomena. The Court of Mysteries is an eccentric building crafted by a brick mason in the 1940s, featuring unique and mysterious architecture. For cyclists, Tunitas Creek Road and The Bike Hut offers an unattended 'supply shack' on an honor system.
What kind of natural water features can I explore?
You can visit several natural water features. The Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir and San Andreas Lake are reservoirs offering serene beauty and trails along their shores. Natural Bridges State Beach Park is famous for its iconic sandstone arch rising from the sea and tide pools. Within Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, you can find the Garden of Eden, a natural swimming hole.
What mountain biking trails are available in the Santa Cruz Mountains?
The Santa Cruz Mountains offer a variety of mountain biking trails. You can find routes like the Aptos Creek Fire Road Loop or the Hihn's Mill and Ridge Trail Loop. For more options, consult the Gravel biking in the Santa Cruz Mountains and MTB Trails in the Santa Cruz Mountains guides, which list routes such as Canyon Trail, Indian Creek, Black Mountain, and the Soquel Demonstration Forest Flow Trail.
Can I visit wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains?
Yes, the Santa Cruz Mountains are home to numerous wineries and vineyards. The region has a rich winemaking history, being home to California's first commercial winery, the Old Almaden Winery. Many local wineries, such as Burrell School Vineyards, offer tastings and tours, providing an opportunity to sample local wines amidst scenic surroundings.
What cultural or spiritual sites are there in the area?
Beyond historical landmarks, you can visit the Land of Medicine Buddha, a free-to-visit Buddhist center nestled in the redwoods. It offers prayer wheels, temples, hiking trails, and meditation rooms across its 108 acres. The Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park also provides insight into the region's early cultural history.
What are some coastal attractions in the Santa Cruz Mountains region?
While primarily mountainous, the region extends to the coast, offering attractions like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a historic amusement park right on the beach. Natural Bridges State Beach Park is famous for its natural sandstone arch and is a wintering spot for Monarch butterflies. Wilder Ranch State Park offers coastal trails, ancient sea floor marine terraces, and a fern grotto, providing a blend of coastal and natural beauty.
Most popular routes in the Santa Cruz Mountains
Most popular attractions in the Santa Cruz Mountains
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