The Santa Cruz Mountains Spring Bucket List: 10 Things to Do Before Summer Hits
Spring in the Santa Cruz Mountains is a little magical. The creeks are still running, the hills turn impossibly green, and the redwood forests feel fresh and alive after winter rains.
It is also a short window. Before summer fog rolls in at the coast, before beach traffic ramps up, and before everyone’s calendars fill up with camps and travel. So this is your reminder to slow down and soak it in.
Here is a Santa Cruz Mountains spring bucket list, simple things worth doing before summer arrives. Some are classic local traditions. Some are quiet moments that make mountain living special.
All of them are part of why people fall in love with life here.
Things That Only Happen in Spring
Poppies and lupine blooming across a meadow during the California super bloom.
1. See the Wildflowers in the Santa Cruz Mountains
Spring wildflowers do not last long here. For a few weeks each year, the hillsides pop with California poppies, lupine, buttercups, and wild mustard.
Great places to see them:
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, look for meadows near the river trails
Wilder Ranch State Park, incredible coastal wildflower displays
Quiet mountain roads between Ben Lomond and Bonny Doon
Local tip: Go in the morning. The light is beautiful and the trails are quiet.
2. Wander a Spring Farmers Market
Spring means strawberries, fresh flowers, and the return of outdoor market mornings. A few local favorites:
Santa Cruz Community Farmer’s Markets, multiple locations throughout the week
Felton Farmer’s Market, a relaxed small town mountain vibe
Scotts Valley Farmer’s Market, great for families and local produce
These are the kinds of places where you run into neighbors, kids play nearby, and everyone lingers a little longer than they planned.
Outdoor Things to Do Before Summer Gets Busy
Famous Redwood Highway
3. Spend a Morning in the Redwoods
One of the simplest mountain rituals:
Grab coffee.
Head to the forest.
Walk for an hour.
Some favorite trails:
Fall Creek Unit, quiet shaded canyon trails
Henry Cowell Redwood Grove Loop Trail, the classic old growth redwood walk
Quail Hollow Ranch County Park, open meadows and oak trees
Spring mornings in the redwoods are hard to beat.
4. Explore a New Local Trail
Spring is the best hiking weather of the year. Cool air, green hills, and clear views before summer fog rolls in.
Try somewhere new:
Wilder Ranch State Park, coastal cliffs and ocean views
Pogonip Open Space, rolling hills and forest trails
Big Basin Redwoods State Park, reopening trails and recovering forest
5. Eat Outside As Much As Possible
Patio season in Santa Cruz County is sacred. A few spots locals love:
The Grove Felton, redwoods and relaxed brunch vibe
Mentone, incredible food and a beautiful patio
Shadowbrook Restaurant, classic local spot with garden seating
Spring evenings here are the kind where you look around and think: Yeah… this is why we live here.
Simple Spring Rituals at Home
Cozy home interior with lush forest view
6. Open the Windows and Let the Forest Air In
One underrated part of mountain living:
Fresh air.
After winter storms and cozy indoor days, there is something amazing about opening every window in the house and letting the redwood forest breeze move through.
Morning coffee plus open windows equals peak spring energy.
7. Bring Home Fresh Flowers
Spring flowers at local stands or markets instantly change the mood of your home.
Try:
Flower vendors at Santa Cruz Community Farmers’ Markets
Local nurseries like San Lorenzo Garden Center
A simple bouquet on the kitchen table can make the whole house feel like spring.
Easy Spring Day Trips
Aerial of Coastal California near Santa Cruz Mountains
8. Take a Coastal Drive
One of the best parts of living in the mountains is how quickly you can change scenery. Within 30 minutes you can go from redwoods to ocean views.
Favorite spring drives:
Highway 1 between Santa Cruz and Davenport
Mountain roads between Felton and Bonny Doon
Windows down. Music on. No real plan required.
Because Spring Deserves It
9. Have a Redwood Picnic
Pack a blanket and a simple lunch and head somewhere beautiful.
Great picnic spots:
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Quail Hollow Ranch County Park
Simple food. Fresh air. Kids running around.
It does not have to be complicated.
10. Do the Local Thing You Keep Saying You'll Do
Everyone in the Santa Cruz Mountains has one.
The hike you keep meaning to try.
The café you have heard about.
The trail someone recommended months ago.
Spring is the perfect time to finally go.
Make the Most of the Season
Mountain living has a rhythm.
Winter storms.
Spring green hills.
Summer beach days.
Golden fall sunsets in the forest.
Spring might be the most underrated season of all.
So take a slow morning.
Explore a trail.
Grab strawberries at the market.
And enjoy the short window when everything in the Santa Cruz Mountains feels fresh again.
Save this list for your next weekend.
And if you have a favorite spring tradition in the mountains, what would you add?