Santa Cruz Bucket List

Santa Cruz has my heart and it will always have a home in my soul. What is a place that you carry in your heart no matter where your feet might lead you?

Wildflower Guide to Santa Cruz county! There are so many places to visit in the area that are brimming with wildflowers in spring time that I cannot even begin to list them all! Here are a few of my favorites to check out this year: 1.) Coast Dairies State Beaches: this large expanse of cliffs and beaches is covered in flowers like poppies, yellow lupines, and mustard flowers. Any spot between Davenport and Santa Cruz is perfect for scenic super bloom viewing! 2.) West Cliff Drive: this classic stretch of iconic Santa Cruz coastline is full of poppies during the spring. Visit the lighthouse, view the @santacruzwharf and @beachboardwalk, and walk along wildflower covered cliffs in a centrally located spot! 3.) West Glenwood Open Space Preserve: this small park in Scotts Valley packs a big punch with astonishingly beautiful wildflowers every year. The west side is especially known for purple lupines! 4.) East Cliff Drive: this iconic surf spot on the east side has hillsides covered in poppies and mustard flowers. The perfect spot to watch the surf and enjoy wildflowers. 5.) East Glenwood Open Space Preserve: the East side of Scotts Valley’s great little park has a gorgeous pond full of blooming water lilies that make the perfect picnic spot in spring time! What is your favorite spot that you would add to the list? Always remember when wildflower viewing to respect the flowers and look without touching. By not picking or walking in wildflower fields we ensure that these gorgeous spring displays return every year. It can be tempting to frolic in the flowers but help preserve these natural spaces by sticking to trails. Please respect our natural spaces and recreate responsibly. As always, pack your trash and ensure the future of these wildflower blooms.

Winter time means spectacular sunsets in Santa Cruz! The sky transforms into cotton candy or deep colors of fire. Have a picnic at sunset or go tide pooling during sunset during the winter time to enjoy the best of winter skies here in Santa Cruz! What is your favorite sunset spot?

Thanks for another great year Santa Cruz! What Santa Cruz content would you like to see more of this year?

What is your favorite spot to explore on a rainy day? I love Henry Cowell State Park where the rain brings the forest alive and the creatures of the woods emerge like the California Newt to bask in the beauty of this place we are lucky enough to call home.••••Use #santacruzbucketlist to add to the list!•••••#womenwhoexplore #santacruz #igerssantacruz #igers_california #westcoast_exposures #californiadreaming #santacruzlocal #wildbayarea #california #mysantacruz #exploresantacruz #hike #redwoods #exploresantacruz #santacruzlife #santacruznow #visitsantacruz #santacruzcounty #santacruzhikes #santacruzca #santacruzcalifornia #wildcalifornia #santacruzlifestyle #yesvisitcalifornia #californiacoast #treetunnel #treetunnels #californiatravels #northerncalifornia

📍Burrell School Vineyards is one of my favorite little local wineries that really features the bounty of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Did you know Winter time is one of the best times to visit a winery like Burrell? The misty mountain landscapes are gorgeous, the wine warms your soul, and the crowds often leave which means having the winery almost to yourself! Enjoy your holiday season with a cup of cheer from a local business like Burrell School! Have you ever visited a winery in Winter time here in Santa Cruz?

Cross off visiting a chocolate factory from your Santa Cruz Bucket List this holiday season at Mutari Chocolate! This incredible hidden gem in downtown Santa Cruz lovingly creates chocolate masterpieces from bean to bar. This place is perfect for foodies and chocolate lovers alike with offerings ranging from decadent treats like brownies or truffles to delicious sipping chocolate! Have you been to Mutari before?