Santa Cruz Redwood Forest Cabin Hot Tub Pet+
Entire cabin in Soquel, California
- 2 guests ·
- · 1 bedroom ·
- · 1 bed ·
- · 1 bath
Hosted by Emkay
- 3 years hosting
Listing highlights
Great check-in experience
Recent guests loved the smooth start to this stay.
Self check-in
Check yourself in with the keypad.
Our charming studio is nestled in a majestic redwood forest with a year-round creek flowing through the property.
One of 4 cabins adjacent to our family home (Links below).
Leave the windows open at night and you will smell the sweet scent of the forest trees and hear the owls.For most summer nights we have beautiful, starry skies. Our cabin is small and yet has what you need after a day of exploring all Santa Cruz has to offer. To end the day, may I suggest a good novel by the creek or a nap.
The space
This sacred land of coastal redwoods and an ancient creek is our family property and your nature vacation dream. When your neighbors are Christmas tree farms and retreat spaces you know you've landed someplace gorgeous.
https://www.airbnb.com/h/tinyarthaussantacruzmountains
https://www.airbnb.com/h/creekside-cabin-santa-cruz-mountains
https://www.airbnb.com/h/redwood-cabin-in-santa-cruz-mountains
https://www.airbnb.com/h/sweet-spot-in-santa-cruz-mountains
Enjoy our complimentary cable TV with Netflix, Hulu and Prime in a comfortable queen bed. With so much beach and mountain fun, enjoy the hot shower, a good nights sleep and hot coffee in the morning. Our spaces are small but have everything you need.
From the property, turn left to world renowned mountain biking trails at the Soquel Demonstration Forest. Stop by Summit Market for a delicious lunch where you can watch hawks soar from their patio eating the best tri-tip sandwich in town.
From the property, turn right and head down the hill towards Capitola beach. Capitola Village is home to diverse restaurants, coffee shops, and boutique shopping. This cabin is the perfect location to explore Santa Cruz beaches, mountains and culture or just to get away from it all and relax.
We acknowledge that this land, these trees and this creek that we steward, is the sacred land of native peoples to whom this land originally belonged. This is Ohlone land and the Ohlone people are still here in this community. We stand in solidarity with all indigenous people and their right to self-determination and justice.
Guest access
We hope you enjoy your private cabin with a full bathroom and shower and your private patio right outside your front door. Walk down the paved path to our private sweet creek beach shared with our family and other guests on the bubbly Soquel Creek.
The following amenities are available free of charge by request:
Hiking
Walking poles for two, compass, maps of trails locally, monocle, miniature binoculars, 2 Paracord survival bracelet, 2 quality Rain ponchos
Babies and toddlers
Pack and play, stroller, highchair, waterproof sheet, extra padding for pull out couch, safety supplies for you to install, Disney +.
Kids 3 and up.
Legos and games, basketball hoop with basketball, bucket of assorted balls, outdoor chalk & bubbles, for the creek water noodles, boogie boards, raft, sand toys, sand pails, and beach towels. Vetted babysitting available.
Beach
Beach towels, boogie boards, surfboard, beach chairs x4, beach umbrella, 13 x 13’ tent, wagon for sand, yeti cooler.
Telecommute
Wifi, dedicated indoor small desk, multiple shaded table and chair sets with beautiful views, printer, notepad, pens and pencils, mailing envelopes for UPS, FedEx, and the post office, copy paper.
Comfort items
Massage table, heavy duty foot massager, theragun heavy massager, massage oil, aromatherapy diffuser with oils, white noise machine, air purifier, nightlight with ceiling stars, Bluetooth speaker, yoga mat, exercise bands, space heater, fan, electric candles
Cooking
Blender, more pots, baking supplies, ask we may have what you need
Extras
Sunscreen is always available. iron and ironing board, curling iron.bike rack, cleaning supplies, rubber gloves
Other things to note
Your Hosts- The Artist & the Naturalist
Lara, a San Francisco based kiln formed glass artist, developed her interest in art at an early age, learning art theory and techniques from her artist mother and then went on to study at the University. Lara's creative curiosity stimulates her to always be exploring and making the world around her more beautiful. “Everything beautiful is Art, but nature is the ultimate Artist”. If you are interested in the local arts community and offerings Lara would love to share with you.
Emkay is happiest in Nature. As a child he was always playing in the dirt, climbing trees and getting lost in nature. Emkay worked as a nature camp counselor and later camp director for NYC kids. He loved being in nature for the summer, but flourished teaching urban kids about nature.
Emkay and Lara met at a San Francisco cafe in 1994. Emkay was on a weekend leave from his job in Yosemite and Lara was selling her art on the streets of San Francisco. Fast forward 29 years of marriage and we left San Francisco life years ago, started a family and ultimately moved to this gorgeous property to raise our 4 children.
We love having guests from up the road and around the world visit this beautiful land. We can't get enough of sharing what we know about the natural beauty that surrounds us. Ask us questions, we live in paradise and we love to share.
Welcome! We're so happy to have you.
Be well-
Lara and Emkay
4 children
6 cats
3 dogs
And lots of love
One of 4 cabins adjacent to our family home (Links below).
Leave the windows open at night and you will smell the sweet scent of the forest trees and hear the owls.For most summer nights we have beautiful, starry skies. Our cabin is small and yet has what you need after a day of exploring all Santa Cruz has to offer. To end the day, may I suggest a good novel by the creek or a nap.
The space
This sacred land of coastal redwoods and an ancient creek is our family property and your nature vacation dream. When your neighbors are Christmas tree farms and retreat spaces you know you've landed someplace gorgeous.
https://www.airbnb.com/h/tinyarthaussantacruzmountains
https://www.airbnb.com/h/creekside-cabin-santa-cruz-mountains
https://www.airbnb.com/h/redwood-cabin-in-santa-cruz-mountains
https://www.airbnb.com/h/sweet-spot-in-santa-cruz-mountains
Enjoy our complimentary cable TV with Netflix, Hulu and Prime in a comfortable queen bed. With so much beach and mountain fun, enjoy the hot shower, a good nights sleep and hot coffee in the morning. Our spaces are small but have everything you need.
From the property, turn left to world renowned mountain biking trails at the Soquel Demonstration Forest. Stop by Summit Market for a delicious lunch where you can watch hawks soar from their patio eating the best tri-tip sandwich in town.
From the property, turn right and head down the hill towards Capitola beach. Capitola Village is home to diverse restaurants, coffee shops, and boutique shopping. This cabin is the perfect location to explore Santa Cruz beaches, mountains and culture or just to get away from it all and relax.
We acknowledge that this land, these trees and this creek that we steward, is the sacred land of native peoples to whom this land originally belonged. This is Ohlone land and the Ohlone people are still here in this community. We stand in solidarity with all indigenous people and their right to self-determination and justice.
Guest access
We hope you enjoy your private cabin with a full bathroom and shower and your private patio right outside your front door. Walk down the paved path to our private sweet creek beach shared with our family and other guests on the bubbly Soquel Creek.
The following amenities are available free of charge by request:
Hiking
Walking poles for two, compass, maps of trails locally, monocle, miniature binoculars, 2 Paracord survival bracelet, 2 quality Rain ponchos
Babies and toddlers
Pack and play, stroller, highchair, waterproof sheet, extra padding for pull out couch, safety supplies for you to install, Disney +.
Kids 3 and up.
Legos and games, basketball hoop with basketball, bucket of assorted balls, outdoor chalk & bubbles, for the creek water noodles, boogie boards, raft, sand toys, sand pails, and beach towels. Vetted babysitting available.
Beach
Beach towels, boogie boards, surfboard, beach chairs x4, beach umbrella, 13 x 13’ tent, wagon for sand, yeti cooler.
Telecommute
Wifi, dedicated indoor small desk, multiple shaded table and chair sets with beautiful views, printer, notepad, pens and pencils, mailing envelopes for UPS, FedEx, and the post office, copy paper.
Comfort items
Massage table, heavy duty foot massager, theragun heavy massager, massage oil, aromatherapy diffuser with oils, white noise machine, air purifier, nightlight with ceiling stars, Bluetooth speaker, yoga mat, exercise bands, space heater, fan, electric candles
Cooking
Blender, more pots, baking supplies, ask we may have what you need
Extras
Sunscreen is always available. iron and ironing board, curling iron.bike rack, cleaning supplies, rubber gloves
Other things to note
Your Hosts- The Artist & the Naturalist
Lara, a San Francisco based kiln formed glass artist, developed her interest in art at an early age, learning art theory and techniques from her artist mother and then went on to study at the University. Lara's creative curiosity stimulates her to always be exploring and making the world around her more beautiful. “Everything beautiful is Art, but nature is the ultimate Artist”. If you are interested in the local arts community and offerings Lara would love to share with you.
Emkay is happiest in Nature. As a child he was always playing in the dirt, climbing trees and getting lost in nature. Emkay worked as a nature camp counselor and later camp director for NYC kids. He loved being in nature for the summer, but flourished teaching urban kids about nature.
Emkay and Lara met at a San Francisco cafe in 1994. Emkay was on a weekend leave from his job in Yosemite and Lara was selling her art on the streets of San Francisco. Fast forward 29 years of marriage and we left San Francisco life years ago, started a family and ultimately moved to this gorgeous property to raise our 4 children.
We love having guests from up the road and around the world visit this beautiful land. We can't get enough of sharing what we know about the natural beauty that surrounds us. Ask us questions, we live in paradise and we love to share.
Welcome! We're so happy to have you.
Be well-
Lara and Emkay
4 children
6 cats
3 dogs
And lots of love
Where you’ll sleep
What this place offers
Waterfront
Hot tub - available all year, open specific hours
Pets allowed
Patio or balcony
Long term stays allowed
Unavailable: Carbon monoxide alarmCarbon monoxide alarm
Unavailable: Smoke alarmSmoke alarm
Select check-in date
Add your travel dates for exact pricing
4.89 out of 5 stars from 61 reviews4.89 · 61 reviews
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Overall rating
- 5 stars, 89% of reviews5
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Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for cleanliness
Cleanliness
4.9
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for accuracy
Accuracy
4.8
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in
Check-in
5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication
Communication
5.0
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for location
Location
4.9
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars for value
Value
4.7
Where you’ll be
Soquel, California, United States
Exact location will be provided after booking.
Neighborhood highlights
The Santa Cruz Mountains surround our quaint small cabin on our large wooded property. This cabin is the perfect location to explore Santa Cruz beaches, mountains and culture or just to get away from it all and relax.
This quintessential California beach town is a mecca for surfers and sun-worshippers, but also has something for everyone. Families love visiting the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, while nature lovers appreciate the area's many unspoiled beaches.
Santa Cruz is a popular place for summertime recreation, from volleyball to boating and hiking. The breathtaking scenery and refreshing sea breezes make this stretch of California's Central Coast especially appealing.
HIKING
There’s a lot to love about Santa Cruz but perhaps one of the biggest draws to this coastal town is just how much nature there is to explore within the county.
The great thing about the hiking trails in Santa Cruz is how different they are from each other. You could be hiking along a windswept coastal trail one minute and then be in the midst of a redwood forest in just a 20-minute drive.
Since Santa Cruz County takes up a relatively small area, it's amazing how diverse it is and how many different types of hikes you can find within its county lines.
You can expect to find old-growth redwoods, enchanted forests, waterfalls, and some breathtaking scenic views on the California Coast.
Coast redwood trees are the tallest trees on the planet. They can grow to 300 feet high or more, as compared to the tallest pine tree at 268 feet or the tallest tanoak at 162 feet.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
While surfing may have first put Santa Cruz on the map, there’s a landlocked sport that’s been gaining traction and attracting international attention over the last couple decades. The epicenter of mountain biking sits right here in “Surf City” with year-round riding conditions and world-class trails just minutes from the property.
Our area has phenomenal Mountain biking. Head up Old San Jose and turn right on Summit. About a mile down on the right you with find the Demo.
The Soquel Demonstration Forest, also known as "Demo," is home to a series of mountain biking trails. Many of the singletrack trails course down ridges, largely on old logging road cuts created when the forest was first logged beginning in the 1930s. These routes were adopted as part of the recreational trail network when Cal Fire acquired the property in the early 1990s. Additional singletrack trails were established through Cal Fire's collaborations with local mountain biking clubs in 2000 (Braille Trail) and 2015 (Flow Trail). The trails have grown into some of the most popular in the California Bay Area and attract bikers from around the world.
Haven't had enough at the Demo then head down the hill from our place and hop on the 1 Highway south a few exits to Nisene Marks.
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is a state park of California protecting a secondary forest in the watershed of Aptos Creek and Soquel Creek within the Santa Cruz Mountains. It is located outside Aptos, California and contains over 40 miles of hiking trails and fire roads through 10,223 acres of variable terrain.
The park is a popular spot for running, hiking, and horseback riding. Additionally, it is a common location for mountain biking, which can be done on several trails including the Aptos Rancho Trail, Split Stuff Trail, Terrace Trail, and Vienna Woods Trail
SURFING
Santa Cruz is one of the top surfing destinations in California. Situated 85 minutes drive out of San Fransisco, the city of Santa Cruz boasts some beautiful coastline that is well worthy of a visit, especially if you are a surfer.
The area is known for its moderate climate and beach going, alternative lifestyles. Nicknamed Surf City, Santa Cruz has 11 world-class surf breaks that are really worth checking out including point breaks over Steamer Lane and Pleasure Point, which it could be argued are some of the best surfing waves in the world.
With waves that are suited to all levels of surfer, Santa Cruz has something for everyone, from those that have never stepped foot on a surfboard to those who have devoted their entire lives to riding waves. Of course, with some of the biggest waves, visitors who are not familiar with some of the more fierce swells should take some time to familiarize themselves with the more dangerous spots before they start surfing Santa Cruz.
Surfing Steamer Lane
Starting off with one of the most famous surfing destinations in Santa Cruz, Steamer Lane should definitely be on your itinerary. The quintessential North Californian wave can be ridden at Steamer Lane. With right-handed, cold water point break with several very notable waves that are very consistent due to the right exposure to the swell and the protection from the wind in the northwest.
This popular spot is often very crowded with surfers. You will find that Steamer Lane can vary between being playful and heavy. This is one of the reasons that Steamer Lane has been one of the best-loved surfing beaches in the world.
Home to the Cold Water Classic Surf Contest, Steamer Lane attracts onlookers at all times of the year. When the swell is good, you will see lots of people watching from outside the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum just off the beach.
You’ll find three main waves at Steamer Lane. The Slot, Middle Peak, and Indicators. During the winter, you can often find all three waves will break.
The slot offers up fast rights. This wave hugs the rocks breaking right in front of a cliff face. Takeoffs on this wave are probably best left to the more seasoned surfer, as they can be a bit dicey.
Breaking further out than The Slot, you’ll find both lefts and rights at Middle Peak. The right-hand is broader and longer, with the left being quite steep towards a bowl section that can be very exciting.
Breaking inside Middle peak, Indicators is a long right-hand wall that can go for about 200 yards before it fattens out as it approaches Cowells. This wave only works on large swells and southbound currents will push against surfers who are trying to stay up on the peak. This wave is hard work and you will need to paddle.
Surfing Cowells Beach
To the north of Steamer Lane, you will find a beach that offers waves that are suitable for everyone surfing Santa Cruz. Many surf schools operate from Cowell’s Beach, and you’ll see a whole range of different skill levels here. Whether you are a beginner or not, you can enjoy this stretch of beach.
The beach has a wave that is good at any swell that goes higher than the knee. Ideally, low tide is the best time or waves just wash to shore without breaking.The beach is often frequented by some highly-skilled longboarders who will love to ride the rights at Cowell’s.
For beginners, The local surf school at Cowell’s Beach offers a three-hour beginner lesson from $105, to help you get to grips with the basics.
Surfing Pleasure Point
Pleasure Point is one of the best-known and most loved surf spots in Santa Cruz. It has some amazing spots within it, including ‘The Hook’, ‘Sharks Cove’ ‘The Drain Pipe’ ‘Pirates and Trees’ ‘30th Ave’. The beach offers plenty of decent waves and has spots that are suitable for surfers of all abilities. You’ll find newer surfers and old guys here, with locals and visitors alike.
If you are a novice surfer, maybe just sit back and watch as the aggressive swells at 30th and East Cliff take more experienced surfers into areas that let them perform the best aerial tricks and show off with some of the best rides you’ll see. Don’t worry if you are not up to scratch when it comes to surfing these waves, you probably won’t be alone. The shore is often lined with surfers who want to learn from those in the know.
Surfing Pleasure Point
Just a bit further on to the south at Pleasure Point, you will find a stretch known as The Hook. You’ll need to go down a flight of steps at the end of Pleasure Point in order to get to The Hook, but once you are there you will see why it hooks so many surfers in.
The swell in The Hook is just right and that’s why it is such a big draw to surfers from all over the world. Of course, it is going to be packed full of local surfers who will know the right sweet spot to catch that wave.
Surfing Mavericks
Head up about an hour north of Santa Cruz and you will get to Mavericks. This really is the place to find the biggest waves in California. The waves are so big here that there is an Invitational Surfing Contest that runs every year given the right conditions.
The waves can routinely reach over 25 feet and top out at around 60 feet.These big waves can be very dangerous and should not be undertaken lightly. Even if you don’t ride these giants yourself, it may be worth taking a trip up to see them as they can be spectacular.
Surfing Four Mile
As the name suggests, this beach is situated four miles out of Santa Cruz, this beach is a good all-rounder which offers bluff-protection and is not affected much by the summer winds that are common in the afternoons around the area.
This is a frequent breaking wave but is not 100% consistent. The swells can vary dramatically from just being moderate to radical.
Surfing Private Beach
If you are a longboard fan, then Private Beach is worth a visit. With a right-facing wave that makes for a great ride that takes you over to a break called Trees.
These gentle waves are long and you can ride them all day long.
Surfing Scott Creek
Situated about twenty miles to the north of Santa Cruz, this is a mix of beach and reef break. With strong currents, long paddles, and unpredictable peaks this can be a hard surf and is not for the uninitiated. The area is also pretty notoriously windy. When everything comes together as it should, this is a joy to surf.
Other Santa Cruz Surf Spots
If you take a short drive up on Highway 1, you’ll come across lots of hidden surfing gems that are often breaking such as Ano Neubo or Waddle Creek State Beach. These more secluded spots are a bit off the beaten path and as such you’ll find them to be less crowded than the major beaches closer to the city. If you want a more chilled out feel to your days surfing Santa Cruz, this route may be the way to go.
Surfboard Hire in Santa Cruz
Westside Surf & Skate is the best place in Santa Cruz to fulfil all your surf-related needs.
Cowells Surf Shop Santa Cruz
also offers a good selection of board rentals. A full day hire will set you back $30. They have a wide selection of beginner boards from 5 ft.-11 ft. foam logs to NSP epoxy’s to fiberglass boards. There are also some higher performance boards available to rent for an extra $5 a day.
The Forest Cabins have 2 foam logs (boards) and 4 boogie boards that our guests are invited to borrow. Also available to borrow are beach chairs, beach towels, sunscreen and beach umbrellas.
SEALIFE
As part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, sea life is abundant in and around Santa Cruz County. Throughout the year it is possible to see sightings of common porpoises, humpback whales, sea lions, seals, and the ever-present sea otters. Seen from the deck of a sailboat, in the seat of a kayak, on a sixty-foot catamaran, or by land, there are a multitude of ways to watch marine life play in this watery world. Welcome aboard.
Sealife Viewing
December-April: Gray Whales. Peak viewing is from mid-January through mid-March.
Summer and Fall: Blue Whales, Humpbacks (although in the past few years, Humpbacks are proving to be year-round in the Monterey Bay)
Year-Round: Orcas. The best time to view is April as they follow the migration pattern of Gray Whales.
Other marine animals you may spot: Blue Shark, Great White Sharks, Sun Fish, Common and Risso’s Dolphins, Sea Otters.
This quintessential California beach town is a mecca for surfers and sun-worshippers, but also has something for everyone. Families love visiting the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, while nature lovers appreciate the area's many unspoiled beaches.
Santa Cruz is a popular place for summertime recreation, from volleyball to boating and hiking. The breathtaking scenery and refreshing sea breezes make this stretch of California's Central Coast especially appealing.
HIKING
There’s a lot to love about Santa Cruz but perhaps one of the biggest draws to this coastal town is just how much nature there is to explore within the county.
The great thing about the hiking trails in Santa Cruz is how different they are from each other. You could be hiking along a windswept coastal trail one minute and then be in the midst of a redwood forest in just a 20-minute drive.
Since Santa Cruz County takes up a relatively small area, it's amazing how diverse it is and how many different types of hikes you can find within its county lines.
You can expect to find old-growth redwoods, enchanted forests, waterfalls, and some breathtaking scenic views on the California Coast.
Coast redwood trees are the tallest trees on the planet. They can grow to 300 feet high or more, as compared to the tallest pine tree at 268 feet or the tallest tanoak at 162 feet.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
While surfing may have first put Santa Cruz on the map, there’s a landlocked sport that’s been gaining traction and attracting international attention over the last couple decades. The epicenter of mountain biking sits right here in “Surf City” with year-round riding conditions and world-class trails just minutes from the property.
Our area has phenomenal Mountain biking. Head up Old San Jose and turn right on Summit. About a mile down on the right you with find the Demo.
The Soquel Demonstration Forest, also known as "Demo," is home to a series of mountain biking trails. Many of the singletrack trails course down ridges, largely on old logging road cuts created when the forest was first logged beginning in the 1930s. These routes were adopted as part of the recreational trail network when Cal Fire acquired the property in the early 1990s. Additional singletrack trails were established through Cal Fire's collaborations with local mountain biking clubs in 2000 (Braille Trail) and 2015 (Flow Trail). The trails have grown into some of the most popular in the California Bay Area and attract bikers from around the world.
Haven't had enough at the Demo then head down the hill from our place and hop on the 1 Highway south a few exits to Nisene Marks.
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is a state park of California protecting a secondary forest in the watershed of Aptos Creek and Soquel Creek within the Santa Cruz Mountains. It is located outside Aptos, California and contains over 40 miles of hiking trails and fire roads through 10,223 acres of variable terrain.
The park is a popular spot for running, hiking, and horseback riding. Additionally, it is a common location for mountain biking, which can be done on several trails including the Aptos Rancho Trail, Split Stuff Trail, Terrace Trail, and Vienna Woods Trail
SURFING
Santa Cruz is one of the top surfing destinations in California. Situated 85 minutes drive out of San Fransisco, the city of Santa Cruz boasts some beautiful coastline that is well worthy of a visit, especially if you are a surfer.
The area is known for its moderate climate and beach going, alternative lifestyles. Nicknamed Surf City, Santa Cruz has 11 world-class surf breaks that are really worth checking out including point breaks over Steamer Lane and Pleasure Point, which it could be argued are some of the best surfing waves in the world.
With waves that are suited to all levels of surfer, Santa Cruz has something for everyone, from those that have never stepped foot on a surfboard to those who have devoted their entire lives to riding waves. Of course, with some of the biggest waves, visitors who are not familiar with some of the more fierce swells should take some time to familiarize themselves with the more dangerous spots before they start surfing Santa Cruz.
Surfing Steamer Lane
Starting off with one of the most famous surfing destinations in Santa Cruz, Steamer Lane should definitely be on your itinerary. The quintessential North Californian wave can be ridden at Steamer Lane. With right-handed, cold water point break with several very notable waves that are very consistent due to the right exposure to the swell and the protection from the wind in the northwest.
This popular spot is often very crowded with surfers. You will find that Steamer Lane can vary between being playful and heavy. This is one of the reasons that Steamer Lane has been one of the best-loved surfing beaches in the world.
Home to the Cold Water Classic Surf Contest, Steamer Lane attracts onlookers at all times of the year. When the swell is good, you will see lots of people watching from outside the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum just off the beach.
You’ll find three main waves at Steamer Lane. The Slot, Middle Peak, and Indicators. During the winter, you can often find all three waves will break.
The slot offers up fast rights. This wave hugs the rocks breaking right in front of a cliff face. Takeoffs on this wave are probably best left to the more seasoned surfer, as they can be a bit dicey.
Breaking further out than The Slot, you’ll find both lefts and rights at Middle Peak. The right-hand is broader and longer, with the left being quite steep towards a bowl section that can be very exciting.
Breaking inside Middle peak, Indicators is a long right-hand wall that can go for about 200 yards before it fattens out as it approaches Cowells. This wave only works on large swells and southbound currents will push against surfers who are trying to stay up on the peak. This wave is hard work and you will need to paddle.
Surfing Cowells Beach
To the north of Steamer Lane, you will find a beach that offers waves that are suitable for everyone surfing Santa Cruz. Many surf schools operate from Cowell’s Beach, and you’ll see a whole range of different skill levels here. Whether you are a beginner or not, you can enjoy this stretch of beach.
The beach has a wave that is good at any swell that goes higher than the knee. Ideally, low tide is the best time or waves just wash to shore without breaking.The beach is often frequented by some highly-skilled longboarders who will love to ride the rights at Cowell’s.
For beginners, The local surf school at Cowell’s Beach offers a three-hour beginner lesson from $105, to help you get to grips with the basics.
Surfing Pleasure Point
Pleasure Point is one of the best-known and most loved surf spots in Santa Cruz. It has some amazing spots within it, including ‘The Hook’, ‘Sharks Cove’ ‘The Drain Pipe’ ‘Pirates and Trees’ ‘30th Ave’. The beach offers plenty of decent waves and has spots that are suitable for surfers of all abilities. You’ll find newer surfers and old guys here, with locals and visitors alike.
If you are a novice surfer, maybe just sit back and watch as the aggressive swells at 30th and East Cliff take more experienced surfers into areas that let them perform the best aerial tricks and show off with some of the best rides you’ll see. Don’t worry if you are not up to scratch when it comes to surfing these waves, you probably won’t be alone. The shore is often lined with surfers who want to learn from those in the know.
Surfing Pleasure Point
Just a bit further on to the south at Pleasure Point, you will find a stretch known as The Hook. You’ll need to go down a flight of steps at the end of Pleasure Point in order to get to The Hook, but once you are there you will see why it hooks so many surfers in.
The swell in The Hook is just right and that’s why it is such a big draw to surfers from all over the world. Of course, it is going to be packed full of local surfers who will know the right sweet spot to catch that wave.
Surfing Mavericks
Head up about an hour north of Santa Cruz and you will get to Mavericks. This really is the place to find the biggest waves in California. The waves are so big here that there is an Invitational Surfing Contest that runs every year given the right conditions.
The waves can routinely reach over 25 feet and top out at around 60 feet.These big waves can be very dangerous and should not be undertaken lightly. Even if you don’t ride these giants yourself, it may be worth taking a trip up to see them as they can be spectacular.
Surfing Four Mile
As the name suggests, this beach is situated four miles out of Santa Cruz, this beach is a good all-rounder which offers bluff-protection and is not affected much by the summer winds that are common in the afternoons around the area.
This is a frequent breaking wave but is not 100% consistent. The swells can vary dramatically from just being moderate to radical.
Surfing Private Beach
If you are a longboard fan, then Private Beach is worth a visit. With a right-facing wave that makes for a great ride that takes you over to a break called Trees.
These gentle waves are long and you can ride them all day long.
Surfing Scott Creek
Situated about twenty miles to the north of Santa Cruz, this is a mix of beach and reef break. With strong currents, long paddles, and unpredictable peaks this can be a hard surf and is not for the uninitiated. The area is also pretty notoriously windy. When everything comes together as it should, this is a joy to surf.
Other Santa Cruz Surf Spots
If you take a short drive up on Highway 1, you’ll come across lots of hidden surfing gems that are often breaking such as Ano Neubo or Waddle Creek State Beach. These more secluded spots are a bit off the beaten path and as such you’ll find them to be less crowded than the major beaches closer to the city. If you want a more chilled out feel to your days surfing Santa Cruz, this route may be the way to go.
Surfboard Hire in Santa Cruz
Westside Surf & Skate is the best place in Santa Cruz to fulfil all your surf-related needs.
Cowells Surf Shop Santa Cruz
also offers a good selection of board rentals. A full day hire will set you back $30. They have a wide selection of beginner boards from 5 ft.-11 ft. foam logs to NSP epoxy’s to fiberglass boards. There are also some higher performance boards available to rent for an extra $5 a day.
The Forest Cabins have 2 foam logs (boards) and 4 boogie boards that our guests are invited to borrow. Also available to borrow are beach chairs, beach towels, sunscreen and beach umbrellas.
SEALIFE
As part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, sea life is abundant in and around Santa Cruz County. Throughout the year it is possible to see sightings of common porpoises, humpback whales, sea lions, seals, and the ever-present sea otters. Seen from the deck of a sailboat, in the seat of a kayak, on a sixty-foot catamaran, or by land, there are a multitude of ways to watch marine life play in this watery world. Welcome aboard.
Sealife Viewing
December-April: Gray Whales. Peak viewing is from mid-January through mid-March.
Summer and Fall: Blue Whales, Humpbacks (although in the past few years, Humpbacks are proving to be year-round in the Monterey Bay)
Year-Round: Orcas. The best time to view is April as they follow the migration pattern of Gray Whales.
Other marine animals you may spot: Blue Shark, Great White Sharks, Sun Fish, Common and Risso’s Dolphins, Sea Otters.
Meet your host
Host details
Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.
Things to know
Cancellation policy
House rules
Check-in after 3:00 PM
Checkout before 11:00 AM
2 guests maximum
Safety & property
No carbon monoxide alarm
No smoke alarm
Nearby lake, river, other body of water