Patch Picks: Top Five Picnic Spots

To choose five of the best picnic spots in Santa Cruz County is kind of like trying to fit the ocean into a paper cup. We live in a picnic mecca of rugged coastlines, smooth sand beaches, deep green forests and vast meadowlands.

So next time you are planning an outing with a friend or the family, skip the restaurant bill and get out in the wilderness to enjoy each other's company.

For many, the most obvious choice for a gathering in which food is eaten out of doors in a beautiful setting would be the beach. Nothing like a gritty sandwich to bring you back to childhood. But chances are, you probably already have your favorite beach spot staked out, so here is Patch's best attempt at some creative alternatives:

1. Nisene Marks State Park: Picnics are taken to a new level of enjoyment when preceded by some calorie burning activity. Nisene Marks State Park is a 10,000 acre forest of new-growth redwoods and the ultimate retreat from the hum of everyday life. The dirt “fire road” that runs through the forest offers a fine setting for a walk and gab session, and it’s also a favorite for mountain bikers, joggers, and horse back riders.

More rugged hiking and biking trails branch off of the fire road into the deeper forest and streams — perfect for the quiet or more intimate picnic. If you prefer a more modern experience, the fire road also provides access to a few designated picnic sites, which you can drive and park close to, complete with picnic tables, charcoal grills and rudimentary baños.

Dogs are allowed on the fire road, as are horses, but dogs must be on a leash. Click HERE for a map of the hiking trails. For Directions and info click HERE. 

2. Seacliff State Beach: Located off the New Brighton/Park Avenue exit, is another picnic spot that offers charcoal grills and picnic tables, as well as shade structures. Since it’s on the beach, it’s a great family picnic spot. The old sunken World War I supply ship, the Palo Alto, adds a historical allure with a wooden pier running out to it.

Migrating California gray whales are sometimes spotted from the pier, and dolphins and seals are even more commonly seen. Click HERE for more information on Seacliff and New Brighton State Beach, which is bordered by cypress and Monterey pine and is often a little bit less populated.  

3. Jade Street Park: Located on the corner of 45th and Jade Street in Capitola, Jade Street Park is centrally located and features an awesome playground for kids. Sneakers may be recommended for tender toes, since the playground is carpeted with wood chips instead of sand. There are also four tennis courts and a basketball court at this park.

4. Ocean View Park: Another popular picnic spot for kids is Ocean View Park in Santa Cruz. It offers a large green lawn which is dog-friendly, a view of the ocean, and an impressive playground. which features some of the longest slide-rides (about 50 feet) in Santa Cruz. Locals recommend bringing wax paper to get going really fast.

Picnic tables pleasantly dressed with sun and shade, surrounded by trees and well-manicured plant and flower beds, are a good backdrop for childrens' birthday parties. This park is dog-friendly, but make sure they are on a leash. Located at the end of Ocean View Ave in Santa Cruz, the street famous for it’s intricately painted Victorian homes — many of them built in the early 1900’s.

5. Wilder Ranch State Park: Just North of Santa Cruz on Highway 1 is a vast expanse of coastal meadows and valleys. Thirty-four miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails run through the land, which flanks both sides of Hwy 1. The old Victorian house, Carriage house, antique farm equipment and farm land offer a glimpse back in time.

The land is under a restoration plan, with 110 acres confirmed as restored, so the place is pretty special. The trail along the sea cliff is probably about 1.5 miles, and ends at a sheltered beach cove with green water and some sort of mud-nesting bird inhabiting the cliffs around it. This is our top recommendation for anyone who is trying for a more romantic or special outing.