We enjoyed a walk by Moore Creek Wildlife Preserve. Its a pleasnt creek area and fun to see birds, etc. on the walk.

Definitely less people than Pogonop, Henry Cowell, etc, and you can likely see plenty of wildlife on your walk/hike. The views are coastal so really wonderful on a clear day. We have seen evidence of mountain lion activity there, so I wouldn't hike at dawn or dusk. We like to hike late morning or early afternoon, and often see hawks, other raptors, and the occasional coyote.

Was way prettier than stayi g in danta cruz proper by the beach. The forest was spectacular, really.

Attractive wildlife oasis between beach and downtown with good explanatory notices on birds, aquatic life and flora.

A neighbor told me about this very nice preserve on a hill overlooking the Pacific just west of the city of Santa Cruz. Enter at a set of steps opposite Shaffer St (a quarter mile or so out of town from the last traffic light on Rte 1 as you leave Santa Cruz for Half Moon Bay and San Francisco. There are a half dozen or so trails; all branch off once you've climbed 200 ft or so from the entry point. From there, most trails wander around on relatively flat ground, then two of them climb another 100 ft or so to the highest level. A good sized herd of dairy cattle graze here most of the time, and you'll navigate through the cow pies. All but one of the trails is fairly easy. The exception is the trail that heads over to Meder Street. It's a beautiful walk, but it's quite challenging unless you're young and it good shape. My friends who told me about Moore Creek Preserve said they walk in the morning before it gets hot. We've walked there three times, always mid- to late-afternoon, and never felt hot. The preserve is within a half mile or so of the ocean, which is air conditioned 365 days a year! Indeed, we have always found a nice breeze, and my wife wanted a jacket!