Stories, travel tips, and local guides from the Santa Cruz Mountains. Plan your perfect redwoods getaway.
RSS FeedCurated guides for how you travel
Kid-friendly plans, beaches, and redwood adventures
Planning, dining, and itineraries for 8-12 guests
Quick escapes under 2 hours from the Bay
The best of each season in the Santa Cruz Mountains
A practical guide to the best tide pools in Santa Cruz, CA — where to find them, how to time the tides, what creatures to look for, and how to make it a great day for kids and adults.
Where to go for 2–4 days when you want out of San Francisco but not a long drive: redwoods and coast in about 1.5 hours, one house to stay in, and a plan that actually feels like an escape.
When school is out, Bay Area families need a plan that’s close, fun for kids, and easy on parents. One house in the redwoods, short drives to forest and beach, and a real break for everyone.
A concrete 3-day mini-vacation from the Bay Area: one house in the redwoods, forest in the morning, coast in the afternoon, and a plan that works for families and groups without overplanning.
Bay Area getaways that feel like a real escape: redwoods and coast within about an hour, one house to stay in, and no city noise. Perfect for families and groups who want nature without the long drive.
School breaks, holidays, and summer: where to go and what to do in the Bay Area when the kids are off — redwoods, beaches, trains, and one house that keeps everyone happy.
How to plan a 2–4 day Bay Area getaway that feels like a real vacation: redwoods in under an hour, one home base, and a clear plan so families and groups actually relax instead of overplanning.
The summer formula that keeps guests coming back — cool redwood mornings while the fog burns off, warm beach afternoons, and evenings in the hot tub. Here's how to plan every day from the house.
San Jose to the redwoods in 45 minutes — no flights, no long drives, no PTO required. A practical weekend plan for South Bay and Silicon Valley residents, with a workation option for extending through Monday.
A 4-day group itinerary built around one great activity per day and letting the house handle the rest — redwoods, coastline, flex day, and why less planning means better trips.
Rain during your Santa Cruz Mountains getaway doesn't mean the fun stops. Here's everything to do at the house and nearby — from game room tournaments to hot-tubbing in the rain to misty redwood hikes.
The real logistics of pulling off a big group weekend in the mountains — bedroom assignments, grocery runs, meal planning, carpooling, shared expenses, and how to keep 12 people happy without a spreadsheet meltdown.
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