The South Bay is home to some of the best beaches in Northern California and is definitely worth planning a trip to. In addition to the amazing beaches, the South Bay features mountains with beautiful redwood forests with trees that are thousands of years old. Here are some of the most worth while outdoor activities in the area.
Photo Credit: Adventure Outdoors

Photo: Courtesy of Adventure Outdoors
Beginner Surf Lessons in Santa Cruz
Cowell Beach, Cowell Beach, 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz
Price: $119
Learn to ride waves in one of the top surfing towns in California. You’ll start with your experienced teacher by learning how to paddle out, get up, balance, and catch waves in an ideal location for beginners.

Photo: Courtesy of Adventure Outdoors
Introduction to Wilderness Survival Clinic in Santa Cruz
Boulder Creek Scout Reservation, 250 Scout Ranch Rd, Boulder Creek
Price: $139
This is a 5 hour hands-on wilderness survival skills class located in a coastal redwood forest where you’ll be taught from an expert everything you need to know about surviving without the luxury of modern tech. Learn how to start a fire by friction, create shelter, identify edible plants, and find and cook food in the wild.

Photo: Courtesy of Cooper Garrod
Enjoy Wine Where the Grapes are Grown!
22645 Garrod Rd, Saratoga, CA
Price: $15
Relax at a historic vineyard located in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Enjoy wine from the estate and lunch on a shaded patio while taking in the beautiful mountain and valley scenery

Photo: Courtesy of Roaring Camp
BEST Redwood Forest Steam Train and Santa Cruz Harbor Day Trip
291 Geary St , 291 Geary St, San Francisco | 250 El Camino Real , 250 El Camino Real | 1688 Hostetter Rd , 1688 Hostetter Rd, San Jose | 46196 Warm Springs Blvd , 46196 Warm Springs Blvd, Fremont | 988 Broadway , 988 Broadway, Oakland
Price: $196
Explore a mystical redwood forest mountains via steam train, visit the Santa Cruz harbor, an American abalone farm, and the scenic seaside town of Capitola.

Photo: Courtesy of Adventure Outdoors
Beginner Outdoor Rock Climbing
Castle Rock State Park , 15451 CA-35, Los Gatos
Price: $105
Take an intro course on rock climbing at Castle Rock State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains. A professional will teach you basic technical skills, like how to tie-in and ascend, commands, and about gear in a supportive and safe setting.
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