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Take a Hike, Monterey Families

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Parents have to compete with a lot of distractions. Even if you limit your child’s technology time, it is rare for a child not to have an iPad or use their parent’s phone during those long doctor’s visits. The Mickey Mouse and Minecraft apps are not necessarily bad, but they pull our kids in and make it hard to get them outside. With spring around the corner and plentiful local options for hiking, let’s get into nature and have fun!

I have an elementary school child and a teenager. It takes my creativity as a parent to get them off tech and outside exploring. My little one, who generally wants to hang out with me and explore tide pools or play among the trees, still needs to be enticed on occasion. My teen has schoolwork and sports and his own friends and sometimes needs a little nudging to spend the day on the trails with me. The goal is to have fun, and my goal is to get them to want to go hiking again, and that’s not always easy.

We may envision the picture-perfect hike: the kids running through a meadow (on the trail, no plant or animal species are harmed) with smiles on their faces and the birds chirping. But let’s face it that almost never happens spontaneously. To create those moments, we have to plan.

To set the day up for success, there are a few basics. Wear appropriate clothes and shoes for the weather and the trail. Kids’ feet are just as important as adults’ and need protection. Crocs or slides will not allow them to be comfortable for any length of trail, but hiking boots are not required—a good pair of sturdy tennis shoes is usually fine. Waterproof layers that they can remove work for hikes on a cooler, damp day because being cold and wet will ruin any hike.

Plan your route. They can help decide where to go and what to do if they are old enough. Make it sound exciting, get creative, and sell it! For me, this means I research the location and trail. It is ideal if you have already hiked the area so you can prepare them and tell them about all the amazing things they might see or find. If you don’t know the trail, multiple apps will help you prepare and understand what to expect. I like AllTrails. I can get trail information like mileage and elevation and read the reviews to get the best perspective of current conditions.

Have a well-packed daypack at the ready. The pack should have food, water, and a little first aid kit. Pro tip: pack your daypack the day before. This ensures you don’t forget anything significant in the scramble to get out the door.

Ensure everyone is well-rested with a good breakfast. I don’t know about your kids, but my daughter gets hangry. I know that if we don’t start the day with a good breakfast, she will melt, and there will be nothing I can do to get her back on track.

Plan your rewards. All I need is a promise of a waterfall or climbing a new peak and I am all in. That is my reward, and don’t we all love a good reward—kids included? The gaming industry is designed to activate dopamine, the brain’s reward system. My goal is to do the same but in nature. I want them to want to explore the outdoors, among the trees and tides, and off of tech.

You know your kids best; what will be the best incentive to get on the trail and keep them moving when they’re a little tired or starting to droop? For many kiddos, it is food. My kids are no exception. My daughter loves candy. We never buy candy except for the trail (and Halloween). This makes the incentive unique and not something she gets regularly. My daypack might have Skittles and Starbursts ready to take out at the first “Are we there yet?” On the other hand, my son isn’t that interested in sweets, so I have packed Chick-fil-A or flatbread pizza to reward him on a long hike.

Time to hike. Once you’re on the trail, you may need to get creative and find ways to keep your child’s interest. That can be as simple as counting banana slugs or looking for mushrooms. Jacks Peak, our local county park, is great for this in winter and spring after a light rain. The Forest at Nisene Marks State Park has excellent options for older kids, including finding fossils. Some kids will enjoy taking photos or videos to share later. Again, it’s all about knowing your child and what motivates them.

Seeing my kids smile and hearing their laughter (and maybe a little whining and complaining while climbing the hill!) fills my heart. We are connecting and creating memories together. The rewarding words I have heard are, “Mom, thank you! When can we go again?” and “Mom, that felt good. It was worth it.” And that is music to this hiking mother’s ears.

Dawn Alva is an avid hiker who logs 1000 hiking miles a year including multiple backpacking trips to Yosemite. She is the owner of Rumina Nursingwear and the mother of a tween and a teenager.

How To Be A Fitness Role Model To Your Kids

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Our children look up to us for guidance on everything in life, even if we don’t realize it. One way that you can be a positive role model to your kids is in the area of fitness. Staying fit is critical to our health and well-being—including our mental health and happiness. We can help shape our children’s views on exercise by modeling healthy behavior and making fitness a part of our family’s routine.

Why Exercise Is Important For Managing Stress and Anxiety

Experts have found a clear link between exercise and stress reduction. Harvard scientists concluded that “Regular aerobic exercise has a unique capacity to exhilarate and relax, to provide stimulation and calm, to counter depression and dissipate stress.” According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, some studies show that consistent exercise can be just as effective as medication for some people to reduce symptoms of anxiety. Other research shows that physically active people have lower rates of anxiety than those who do not exercise. In one study, researchers found that those who got regular vigorous exercise were 25 percent less likely to develop depression or an anxiety disorder over the next five years.

How exercise helps reduce stress and anxiety

  • Produces Endorphins. When we exercise, our body releases feel-good neurotransmitters called endorphins. These chemicals in our brain act as natural painkillers, making us feel better and less stressed. Endorphins are responsible for the natural high we get from a hard workout.

  • Reduces Stress Hormones. Exercise reduces the level of stress hormones in our body like adrenaline and cortisol, helping us feel calmer.

  • Minimizes Fatigue. Exercise improves blood flow and our body’s ability to use oxygen efficiently. These changes in our brain then reduce fatigue and improve alertness, concentration, and cognitive function. This helps us when we are stressed out because we are depleted and need to return to a more balanced level of energy. Scientists conclude, therefore, that if our body feels better, then our mind will also feel better.

  • Improves Self-Esteem. Behavioral factors also contribute to the emotional benefits of exercise. When we gain strength and begin to see a difference in our body, we feel better about ourselves and become happier and more confident. Feeling better about ourselves shifts our focus to positive thoughts and away from fear and anxiety.

  • Provides A Fun Distraction. One of the best parts about exercise is that it gives us time to take a fun break from the stresses in our daily lives. Whether you are jogging to your favorite upbeat music or socializing with friends on the tennis court, your mind is distracted and you can just have a good time.

  • Makes Sleeping Easier. According to Mayo Clinic, exercise can also improve how we sleep. This is great news for those suffering from insomnia due to stress and anxiety.

  • Encourages Mindfulness. A great bonus of exercise is that it provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy a mindful moment. While we work out, we can fully engage in the present moment instead of letting our minds run wild with worries. To get the best result, experts suggest doing rhythmic activities that engage the whole body like running, walking, swimming, dancing, rowing, or climbing. Helpguide.org suggests that “as you move, instead of continuing to focus on your thoughts, focus on the sensations in your limbs and how your breathing complements your movement. If your mind wanders to other thoughts, gently return to focusing on your breathing and movement.


How To Be A Good Fitness Role Model

It’s so important that we play actively with our kids and that we consistently exercise in front of them (and with them) to show them how important physical fitness is. From going on family bike rides to coaching one of their sports teams, there are so many helpful ways for you to be a fitness role model to your children throughout their lives.

Here are some more ideas to get you moving:

Go for a hike outdoors. Not only are walks and hikes wonderful, safe exercise that the entire family can enjoy, they are also an opportunity to connect to the beauty of nature to bring you a sense of calm. Try adding some fun to your family hikes by turning them into a race or scavenger hunt, and by venturing to new parks and trails.

Take a yoga class together. Yoga offers many benefits including balance, strength training, time for inner focus, and an opportunity to connect with our bodies in ways we aren’t used to. Sign up for a yoga class that you can take together or pop in a video or load an App so you can do some yoga together in your living room, or better yet in your backyard.

Make exercise a priority even in bad weather. Show your kids that you still go on your morning run even if it’s not sunny outside. On days when it’s cold or rainy, set up your fitness routine indoors and get your kids involved. Put on a workout video and have them join in. Some of the easiest exercises to perform indoors include jumping rope and calisthenics like push-ups, sit-ups, and jumping jacks. Or put on some peppy music and play freeze dance or have a hula hoop contest. Before you know it, you will all be working up a sweat!

Give sports-related gifts. Another way to make fitness a priority in your home is to choose gifts like workout clothes, sports equipment, and how-to books about sports during birthday and holiday time. You can also choose tickets for a sporting event and make it a fun family outing to cheer on your team together.

Sandi Schwartz is an author, journalist, and mother of two. She has written extensively about parenting, wellness, and environmental issues. Her new book, Finding Ecohappiness: Fun Nature Activities to Help Your Kids Feel Happier and Calmer, comes out in the spring. Learn more at www.ecohappinessproject.com.

Our Favorite Monterey and Santa Cruz County Walks

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Here are nine local destinations where your family can enjoy some outdoor time and a great walk!

1. Frog Pond Wetland Preserve

Enjoy a short (¾ mile) loop around a beautiful pond while listening for the calls of ducks, frogs, and a variety of birds. Children will love exploring under the overgrown trees and bushes, which almost feel like a natural labyrinth. Don´t forget to bring your binoculars and a light lunch.

Address: 698 Canyon Del Rey Blvd.

Del Rey Oaks, 93940

Parking: Free, located off of the shoulder of Canyon Del Rey Blvd.

2. Fort Ord Dunes State Park

At Fort Ord Dunes you will find over five miles of paved trails that are all-access friendly. If you´re feeling adventurous, explore sand trails that branch off toward the dunes and beach. Only have a short break? Skip the walk and head down to the first beach access trail by the main parking lot entrance. Enjoy breathtaking views while the children climb the dunes.

Address: Stillwell Hall Marina, 93933

Parking: Free, open from sunrise to sunset.

Parking: Free, but limited.

3. Jack’s Peak Park

Nestled comfortably in the hills of Monterey, Jack´s Peak Park offers a great workout within its eight miles of trails. Children will love its storybook location complete with lush pine trees. The whole family can experience the thrill of hiking up to the highest point in the Monterey Peninsula, rising 1,068 feet above the valley! The views of the ocean, city, and bay below will quickly become a family favorite. Picnic areas are available next to the parking lots.

Parking: $5 per vehicle.

Address: 25020 Jack´s Peak Park Rd, Monterey, 93940.

4. Salinas River State Beach

Located in the heart of Moss Landing, this trail is accessible through Potrero and Sandholt Roads off of HWY 1. The whole family will enjoy exploring trails and passing the slough, boats, and beach that connect the two entrances.

Parking: Free.

Address: Potrero Road access: 10933 Potrero Road Moss Landing, 95039

Moss Landing Road access:

7866 Sandholdt Road

Moss Landing, 95039

5. Laguna Grande Regional Park

Laguna Grande Regional Park is located in the cities of Seaside and Monterey and is managed separately by their respective owners and operators, Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District (MPRPD), City of Seaside, and the City of Monterey. Take the family out for a walk around this gorgeous lake while exploring the three surrounding playgrounds. The complete loop is about a mile and you´ll enjoy tracking your distance or simply enjoying the sights of the ducks and birds. Picnic tables are also available.

Parking: Free.

Address: 1350 Del Monte Boulevard Seaside, 93955.

6. Fort Ord National Monument

This secluded location boasts over 86 miles of undeveloped wildland terrain. Flora and fauna lovers will enjoy identifying over 35 rare species of plant with scenic views of the valleys. This location is known for its inclines, so bring your mountain bikes and good hiking shoes.

Parking: Free.

Address: Creekside Terrace,

Salinas, 93908.

7. Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve

Elkhorn Slough is more than just a research facility. Dress in layers and take along a lunch, as you hike through marshes, woodlands, and creeks. The area is well known for its variety of birds. There are kayak companies in Moss Landing that rent kayaks, stand up paddle boards and other boats for use in the Slough.  The Reserve is open Wednesday thru Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Parking: Free.

Address: 1700 Elkhorn Rd,

Watsonville, 95012.

8. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Experience the sensation of wanderlust as this park offers beautiful scenery at every turn. With over 10 miles looping through the shore and forest, Point Lobos provides hours of endless space to explore. The forest will pull you in with its ocean vistas, the calls of sea lions, cliff viewpoints, tide pools, diving areas, and beaches all along the south shore.

Parking: $10 per vehicle (limited availability)

Address: 62 California 1 Carmel, 93923.

9. Mission Trail Park

A former estate that has now been converted into a 33-acre preserve, it houses a network of five miles of trails that the whole family will enjoy. The trails are mostly flat and are surrounded by tall pine, redwoods, and a wide variety of flora. The trails wind through streams with visibility of Carmel Beach. A well-preserved secret, Mission Trail Park offers views of Point Lobos, the Carmel Mission Basilica, and an abandoned mansion.

Parking: Free.

Address: 25800 Hatton Rd, Carmel, 93923.

10. Asilomar Boardwalk and Beach

A ¼ mile boardwalk meanders through 25 acres of restored sand dune ecosystem. More than 450,000 plants, representing 25 species, have been grown and planted in an effort to preserve the dunes and coastal bluffs. This easy walk is wheelchair and stroller friendly and offers great sunset views. You can also cross Sunset Drive and walk along the beach or the one-mile Asilomar Coast Trail.

Parking: Free parking along the coastal road of Sunset Drive or in the limited visitor spots at Asilomar Conference grounds.

Address: 800 Asilomar Avenue,

Pacific Grove, 93950

The Dad Bod in the New Year

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With the new year,  the ads for gyms, exercise equipment, and vitamins are everywhere.  I wholeheartedly support these endeavors…from the couch.  Like many fathers, I find time for exercise hard to come by and, frankly, less attractive than other activities.  I don’t particularly like the term dad bod, but the mirror doesn’t lie.  In case you haven’t heard this before, a dad bod is when weight is gained in the midsection, muscle tone is lessened, and doughiness prevails after having children.  There is actual research that fathers’ bodies change post-having children.  In one study, dads were 10 pounds heavier than non-dads with almost 2 inches more around the waist.  However, the dads were more likely to say they were “about the right weight” than non-dads.  Despite this positive self-image, those extra pounds can compromise health.  The last year I’ve focused on staying healthy and not getting sick, so perhaps, this new year is one to take the extra step.

TAKE YOUR TIME

In thinking about exercise, I reached out to a friend, Julie Schnitzer, a Certified Personal Trainer and owner of Atagol Fitness in Pacific Grove, to ask her about dads getting back into the fitness routine.  She advised re-entering a routine slowly, gradually increasing to more strenuous movement, and not expecting to pick up where you left off.  She said, “Work on forming an identity-based habit.  In other words, define what type of person you want to be and take daily actions that align with that identity.”  I like to think of myself as lazy, but I may need to shift that image from non-lazy to active and start moving (literally) towards that image.

MAKE IT A HABIT

Fitness goals to me are easy to say and hard to enact.  Like everyone else, I am busy at work and home.  When I think about taking time to exercise, I feel like I am being selfish and feel guilty. Instead of exercising, I should use that time to engage with my kid, fix things around the house, or help out with the various chores.  To overcome this common guilt from dads, Personal Trainer Julie Schnitzer asks, “What can you shift in your life to make your health a higher priority?”  She says that perhaps there are activities that may have short-term benefits (e.g., relax with Netflix) you can forgo in favor of those activities that offer long-term investment in wellness.  As a dad, it is hard to argue with this kind of logic.  I use the same sort of reasoning with my daughter to get her to eat nutritious foods before treats, go outside before videos, and brush her teeth.

PLAYTIME AS EXERCISE

Kids are a good source of exercise.  A few months ago, with playgrounds closed, I bought a heavier weight rope to jump rope with my daughter.  One of us acts as the turner, and the other is the jumper (The other end is tied to a tree or pole).  After a few rounds of “Bubble gum, bubble gum, in a dish…,” I eventually have to take a turn.  I do try my best and enjoy the jump roping but am relieved when my 7-year-old gets sloppy in her turning.  We then turn to frisbee, which often turns into wind sprints to get to the frisbee first.  It feels good to play and run around, leaving stresses behind and staying in the moment of fun. Schnitzer concurs with this kind of activity, advocating that “kids are the ultimate training tools.”  She notes that children are always looking to play and love being physically active with their parents.  As a dad, increasing these play activities benefits my connection with my kid and my health by incorporating exercise simultaneously (a side benefit is my wife gets a quiet house for a while).  In our place, we have started an outside-play-for-videos rule for my daughter, which is easier to fulfill when daddy is cycling alongside or is playing catch too.

I don’t know if this dad bod is going to become a rad bod. I hope that others will join me in leaving the couch, being active and healthy, and making changes so we can be around with our kids for a long time.

Robert (Rob) S. Weisskirch, MSW, Ph.D., CFLE is a Professor of Human Development at California State University, Monterey Bay and is a Certified Family Life Educator. He and his wife are parents to a chatty, elementary school-aged daughter and reside in Marina.

Summer Fun: Staying Active

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Summertime was always something my friends and I eagerly awaited as kids, but now as a parent, there can sometimes be mixed feelings. It’s great to have your kids home and see them enjoying themselves, but it can also be a considerable undertaking to keep everyone active all summer. Staying active strengthens our immune systems, boosts brainpower, and keeps us physically fit. Keeping active as a family brings you closer together, sets an example to your children to prioritize their health, and even improves social and emotional management skills. To help you stay active this summer, refer back to the following ideas this summer.

  1. Park workouts. Our many parks here in Monterey aren’t just for the kiddos. Turn park outings into an outdoor gym by getting a workout in while playing with your kids. Get a game of tag going, do squats between pushes on the swing or bring your jump rope and challenge your older kids to a friendly competition.

  2. Summer Saturday family workouts. Want to exercise with a professional sports trainer? Join Coach Cater at his gym, Alpha Project, in Salinas. ”Working in the fitness industry, I have always prioritized staying in shape and living a healthy lifestyle. Out of necessity, I created a family class on Saturday mornings for my clients, where kids have fun working on athletic fundamentals while the parents train hard under the same roof.” Paul Cater, Owner at ALPHA Project, Salinas, and father to a 16-month-old. http://alphasportscience.com/

  3. Hiking. Even as a regular area hiker, you’ll surely find new trails to explore from Monterey’s nearly endless options. Head inland for all the rolling hills and inclines at Garland Ranch and Toro Park or take in those outstanding ocean views at Point Lobos and Big Sur. Get more information on each trail at www.seemonterey.com/things-to-do/attractions/hikes/

  4. Head to the beach with your fur family. Many of us look for ways to include our fur-babies in family fun and being active outdoors is usually a great way to do so. We love the sandy, dog-friendly haven that is Carmel Beach. Fill a day with a picnic, walk, and beach play with the entire family.

  5. Explore the water at Lover’s Point. Lover’s Point has some of the calmest water conditions in the area, perfect for exploring the ocean with your family. You can rent kayaks, paddle boards and snorkeling gear from Adventure’s by the Sea located on the beach. Guided tours and lessons are offered for a fun family adventure this summer! You can learn more about these options at https://adventuresbythesea.com/lovers-point/

  6. Pre-dinner family run. Exercising as a family is a total win-win. It might sound simple, but sometimes simple is just what’s needed! Grab your stroller and your crew and enjoy the temperate weather and beautiful scenery just about anywhere in the Monterey Bay, whether outside your front door, on the Coastal Recreation Trail, or through the many paths of Ft. Ord. “When schedules are tight, and dinner/bath/bedtime is approaching, a family run not only gets our three year old outside and away from his beloved screens (even if he’s just along for the ride), but also gives mom and dad a chance to catch up and do something for ourselves. It’s a good way for us to squeeze in some quick exercise while also setting an example of an active lifestyle for our kiddos: Kattie Stong, Owner of Stroller Strong Moms, Monterey. You and your whole family can join Kattie at Track Attack every Wednesday at about 5:15 PM on the PG Middle School track. Check them out at www.strollerstrongmoms.com/monterey/

  7. Splash-Splash. The Carmel Valley Community Youth Center, located in one of the warmer parts of Monterey County, is a good option for your summer pool fun. Swimmers have lifeguard-supervised access to the entire pool and the diving board. The pool is open 7 days a week, 12-5 pm and is open on the 4th of July. The daily entry fee is just $8 for non-members.  Learn more at www.cvcyc.org/aquatics.

  8. Go for a bike ride. Bring younger kids along in a chariot and let older kids ride alongside Mom and Dad when you hit the bike trails this summer. We love the Ft. Ord Beach Trail for its stunning scenery and lighter crowds. Or, hop on the Coastal Recreation Trail where you can rent a family-sized surrey and stop along the way for a bite to eat with your crew.


Busy moms and dads can take advantage of their kid’s lighter summer schedule and share a favorite activity or try something new together as a family. It doesn’t have to be fancy, whatever you enjoy, take the opportunity to slow down and share in some fun, fit family time.

10 Great Monterey and Santa Cruz Hikes For Families

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Of course, it’s great physical exercise to lace on sneakers or hiking boots and hit the trails but the benefits extend to the mental and emotional. There are so many distractions fighting for your child’s attention every day that getting the entire family away from screens for a few hours is a giant win. Children (and adults!) need some downtime when watching TV or checking social media and email isn’t an available option. 

What better way to celebrate family togetherness than spending time in nature? Children tend to learn best from direct experience. When possible let your children take the lead. They will gain confidence as they scramble over rocks and navigate fallen trees. They will ask questions about the plants, birds, and other animals they see. 

Hiking also offers great lessons for parents–most importantly in increased patience! Your kids are sure to stop over and over and they are going to pepper you with comments and questions. Try to take your time and be present and mindful. 

Here are ten local trails that your family will enjoy:

1. Point Lobos State Reserve

Point Lobos is a Monterey hiking must do. It is recognized as “the crown jewel of the State Park system”, and you can clearly see why. With miles of stunning coastline views, families can hike short trails or longer journeys. The North Shore Trail is a fantastic starting point for some breathtaking views of the Carmel coastline and Pebble Beach. A word of caution: although it is 1.7 miles long, the hike begins with a staircase. If hiking upward is not your thing, then check out the gentle Sea Lion Point Trail or the Cypress Grove Trail, which are both just under a mile long. Entrance to Point Lobos is $10 per vehicle.

2. Pinnacles National Park

About an hour inland is America’s newest designated national park – Pinnacles. If your family is interested in rock formations and caves, this is a great option for you. The most popular trail for families is the Moses Spring Trail that starts off at the Visitors Center. The trail runs through a short stone tunnel, small caves, unique red rock formations, and spires. From there, you can loop back to the Visitors Center or take the Bear Gulch Cave Trail. The Rim Trail is another option for your return hike back. Children should find the caves and the towering rock formations fascinating and the fact that this area developed due to a volcanic eruption. The entire loop is about 2 miles. The entrance fee is $15 per vehicle or free if you have a National Parks Pass.

3. Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail

This is not your usual hike. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is an 18-mile paved trail that allows you to walk to many of Monterey’s attractions, like Cannery Row, Old Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The trail is open to pedestrians and bikes and is a great way to see the coastline, get a bite to eat, or stop and rent a kayak on the beach.  If you start near Lover’s Point State Park, there is plenty of free parking in the area. 

4. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

This state park is simply breathtaking and has some of the best Big Sur coastline views! For $10 you can park at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park lot, or if you find a space, just off of Highway 1 for free. Families will love hiking 0.6 miles to McWay Falls, a stunning sight of a waterfall landing right on the beach. To see it close up, walk a little farther down and enjoy watching the waterfall from inside the cove surrounded by towering cliffs. If you’re looking for something a little longer, try Partington Cove. This out and back 1.5-mile trek takes hikers through a tunnel accessed cove into a secluded beach with some pretty scenic rock formations. 

5. Limekiln State Park

Located on the Big Sur Coastline about 1.5 hours south of Monterey, Limekiln State Park is quite unique. It is known for its’ historic lime kilns that were created to extract limestone rocks from the area in the late 1880s. Families will enjoy hiking a combination of Hare Creek, Limekiln and Falls Trail for a nice 2.6 miles round trip. This trio of trails provides nice redwood scenery, a creekside stroll, waterfall views, and seeing the historic limekilns the park is named after. Entrance to the park is $10; however, if you have visited another California state park on the same day, admission is free.

6. Andrew Molera State Park

Andrew Molera State Park has over 20 miles of hiking trails close to Monterey. The Beach Trail and Headland Trail are nice options for families as you can combine a hike with some time at the beach. From the parking lot, it is one mile to the beach area. Visitors can expect to find some washed up driftwood and a rocky shoreline. This park is much quieter than some of the other state parks in the Big Sur area because the coastline isn’t as dramatic. However, this could be perfect for people wanting to escape the crowds, yet still encounter some beautiful vistas. For those wanting a different experience, horseback rides are offered. 

7. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Whether you are a family with toddlers or teens, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park has something for everyone to enjoy. There are over 35 miles of hiking and biking trails among a variety of forested areas, including the famed redwoods. For those with younger ones, the Redwood Grove Loop is the perfect starting place. At just under a mile in length, it offers up-close views of the redwood giants. Another great option is the River Trail which follows the San Lorenzo River and has spots for kids to wade, splash around, and even swim. Entrance fee to the park is $10 per vehicle.

8. Wilder Ranch State Park

Wilder Ranch was once a dairy farm on the northern edge of Santa Cruz. This state park offers some expansive views of the Pacific coastline and over 34 miles of hiking trails. Families will love Old Cove Landing, an easy 2.6-mile seaside trail. The well-maintained trail is great for younger ones as it is relatively flat and there are plenty of opportunities to see pelicans, geese, and quite possibly sea lion and whales. The beach is accessible by walking across the bluffs. Start at the Visitors Center and follow the trail along the cliffs. The trail ends up looping back around to where you started. There is a fee of $10 per vehicle to gain entrance into the park.

9. West Cliff Drive

This paved trail is not your traditional hike. It is a gentle seaside stroll that serves up some gorgeous vistas. Walking, biking, strollers, and skating are all permitted on the trail. Start at the Santa Cruz municipal wharf and watch the surfers catch some waves. At Lighthouse Point, take a few minutes to try and spot some whales, as this is a popular whale watching location. The path ends at the beautiful Natural Bridges State Beach. Although technically it is a 6-mile round trip, feel free to do as much as you’d like before heading back to your car.

10. The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

Nisene Marks State Park is a pleasant departure from the bustling towns and beaches along Highway 1 near Santa Cruz. This state park holds an abundance of second and third growth redwood trees due to the logging in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Families will enoy hiking or picnicking near Aptos Creek and marvel at the steep coastal mountains and rugged canyons. The Loma Prieta Grade Trail is a 4-mile hike through an old lumber railroad site amidst the backdrop of the redwoods. Here, families can visit the remains of a logging camp and discover lumbering artifacts while encountering a beautiful waterfall, Maple Falls. Parking at the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is $8.

Margie de Quesada is a former teacher turned family travel blogger. She writes about the places her family visits around the USA and has a bucket list goal to visit all 50 states before her kids graduate high school. You can read Margie’s travel blog at www.dqtravel.net.

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