Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Take a day off from sightseeing and visit Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The park features 15 miles of hiking and riding trails, which take you through towering redwoods, mixed evergreens, Santa Cruz sand hills, and ponderosa pines. The oldest trees here are 1,800 years old, the tallest of which towers 285 feet above the ground and is 16 feet wide. Take a self-guided tour through the peaceful, centuries-old redwood grove, or fish in the San Lorenzo River (catch and release only.) You'll have to keep Fido on a leash at all times if you bring him along, but be warned that some areas of the park prohibit dogs.