APTOS VACATION RENTALS, CALIFORNIA

This park features 15 miles of hiking and riding trails through a forest that looks nearly the same as it did 200 years ago. Zayante Indians once lived in the area, which is now the home of the Redwood Grove. The park features a self-guided nature path, a picnic area next to the San Lorenzo River, a nature center and a bookstore. The main park area, containing the large, old-growth redwoods, has nearly 20 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails. The park is open daily, sunrise to sunset. There is a $6 day use fee. The visitor center is open daily from 10 AM – 4 PM. The gift store is open from 10 AM – 6 PM.

Seacliff State Beach has some of the warmest water and safest swimming in Northern California, though it does have a day-use fee. The beach, featuring a long stretch of sand backed by bluffs, is open from sunrise to sunset. Park hours are from 8 AM – 10 PM from May 1 to October 31 and 8 AM – ½ hour after sunset from November 1 to April 30.There is a $6 day use fee for this park.

While at the beach, see the weather-battered S.S. Palo Alto ‘cement ship’ docked at the foot of a pier. After its maiden voyage in 1919, the ship docked anchor and became a restaurant and dance hall. While the ship is no longer open for tours, it has become home to harbor seals, pelicans, cormorants, as well as a variety of marine life. Sea otters, dolphins and whales are often offshore.

You may want to call ahead if you are an angler wishing to try his luck off the pier, as it needs repair due to storm damage. If you do fish off the pier, you do not require a fishing license; however, Department of Fish and Game limits apply. Anglers at the beach park will find sole, flounder, mackerel, halibut, anchovy, kingfish and other types of fish.

Don’t forget to visit the Seacliff State Beach Visitor Center to see exhibits on the natural history, marine and plant life of the area. If you travel with a pet, remember that dogs, where allowed, must be on a leash. Also, remember that alcohol is not allowed on the beach or in day use areas.

The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park has 30 miles of trails that are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, a leisurely stroll or a picnic. The site of logging operations until the 1920s, visitors can still find evidence of logging operations there. Picnic tables and barbecue pits are available. Dogs are allowed only along the entrance road and in the picnic areas and must be on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. This park is not handicapped accessible. The park has a $6 day use fee and is open year-round, from sunrise to sunset.

At Natural Bridges State Beach, more than 30,000 monarch butterflies occupy their annual winter home, from mid-October through the end of February. Declared a Natural Preserve, the Monarchs at the beach park are protected in their winter habitat. Access to the preserve area is limited to a handicap accessible boardwalk and observation area. The beach is also an excellent place to view seals and otters playing offshore. Tide pools offer a glimpse of life beneath the sea and reveal sea stars, crabs and other intriguing ocean life. The park is open daily, from 8 AM to sunset. A $6 day use fee is charged.

Wilder Ranch State Park offers 34 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails that wind through coastal terraces and valleys. Explore the history of early ranchers and farmers of California’s central coast through tours and living history demonstrations in the park’s Victorian homes, barns, shops, gardens, and adobe. The park’s interpretive center and park store hours are Thursday-Sunday, 10 AM - 4 PM most months. They are closed Thursdays in December-February, and open extra days from April to mid-June.

The cultural preserve is handicapped accessible. Farm animal viewing is available. Dogs are not allowed at Wilder Ranch. The park has a $6 day use and parking fee, which is discounted to $5 for seniors (62+) and $3 for the disabled (with state pass). The park is open daily, from 8 AM to sunset.

At Manresa Upland State Beach, a free access beach, you can enjoy the surf and sun, make fire rings on the beach or picnic with your family. Parking is $6. The beach is open from 8 AM to ½ hour after sunset. Dogs are allowed on the beach.

Rio Del Mar Beach has clean sand, nearby shopping and restaurants, lifeguards on duty in the summer and allows dogs on leashes. The beach, open from sunrise to sunset, is a great place to surf, swim or bird watch. Dogs are allowed on a leash.