The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Pleasure Point
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(104)
2,215
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Family friendly hiking trails around Pleasure Point offer access to coastal landscapes characterized by dramatic bluffs and sandy beaches. The area provides continuous ocean views along well-maintained paths, with several parks and coves. These routes primarily follow the coastline, offering flat terrain suitable for various abilities.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Pleasure Point
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is East Cliff Drive County Parkway, a 1.7 miles (2.7 km) trail that takes about 40 minutes toβ¦
Last updated: April 25, 2026
2.70km
00:42
10m
20m
Hike the easy 1.7-mile East Cliff Drive County Parkway in Pleasure Point for stunning coastal views and surf culture.
16
hikers
2.47km
00:38
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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8
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
hikers
8.06km
02:06
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
A small but cozy beach along East Cliff Drive, featuring a lake and a park. Thereβs bike parking nearby and benches overlooking the water, making it a great spot to pause during your ride, enjoy the ocean views, or even take a refreshing dip. The beach is especially nice during low tide.
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Capitola Village is a quaint town in Santa Cruz County. The downtown area offers 90 shops, restaurants, and lodging right on the beach. It's also the oldest beach resort on the West Coast.
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A picturesque seaside town, features colorful Venetian cottages, shops, and restaurants overlooking Soquel Creek and the Pacific. The pastel cottages, part hotel and part private homes, create a charming scene. Capitola Beach offers ideal surfing for beginners, with rentals, lessons, and surfwear available at the Capitola Beach Company.
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For cyclists exploring Santa Cruz, Pleasure Point Beach on 38th Avenue beckons with its beauty and recreational opportunities. Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, the beach offers a picturesque setting. It is accessible via a brief walk from the road.
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Pleasure Point Beach is a popular surf spot and is part of Pleasure Point Park. The park also features restrooms, picnic tables, and offers great views.
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Officially this double-headed point is called Soquel Point. The views across the water are just fantastic, and it's a great spot to watch surfers in action too.
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Pleasure Point Beach is a popular surf spot and is part of Pleasure Point Park. The park also features restrooms, picnic tables, and offers great views.
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Moran Lake Beach is part of the 9.2-acre Moran Lake Park. The beach stretches about a mile long and is a popular surf spot. The park offers restrooms, picnic tables, and outdoor showers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Pleasure Point?
There are 8 family-friendly hiking trails around Pleasure Point, with 7 of them rated as easy, making them suitable for various ages and abilities. These routes offer a great way to explore the stunning coastal landscapes.
What kind of scenery can we expect on family hikes in Pleasure Point?
Family hikes in Pleasure Point primarily offer breathtaking coastal scenery. You'll find continuous vistas of the sparkling Monterey Bay, dramatic cliff walks, and views of quiet beach coves and thrilling surf breaks. Many trails, like the East Cliff Drive County Parkway, wind along coastal bluffs, providing panoramic ocean views.
Are there any easy circular walks suitable for families?
Yes, Pleasure Point offers several easy circular walks perfect for families. For example, the Soquel Point β Pleasure Point Beach loop from Pleasure Point is an easy 2.47 km route that allows you to experience the coastal charm without retracing your steps.
What are some notable attractions or points of interest along the family-friendly routes?
Along the family-friendly routes, you can discover several points of interest. You might pass by the popular Pleasure Point Beach, or the scenic Moran Lake Beach and Park. Further afield, you could visit Natural Bridges State Beach or even spot the Santa Cruz Lighthouse.
Are there any trails that are particularly good for spotting wildlife?
The coastal trails around Pleasure Point offer opportunities for wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for local marine life and birds as you walk along the bluffs and beaches. The Monterey Bay is known for its diverse ecosystem.
What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails in Pleasure Point?
The komoot community highly rates the trails in Pleasure Point, with an average score of 4.7 stars from 106 ratings. Reviewers often praise the stunning ocean views, the accessibility of the coastal paths, and the vibrant surf culture visible along routes like the East Cliff Drive.
Are there any longer, moderately challenging family hikes available?
While most family-friendly routes are easy, there is one moderate option for families looking for a slightly longer adventure: the Capitola Village β Pleasure Point Beach loop from Live Oak. This 8 km route offers a more extended exploration of the coastline.
Are the trails suitable for strollers or toddlers?
Many of the coastal paths, particularly those along East Cliff Drive, are well-maintained and paved, making them suitable for strollers and easy for toddlers to walk. Beaches like Moran Lake Beach and Park also offer accessible areas for families.
What is the best time of year to go hiking with family in Pleasure Point?
Pleasure Point offers pleasant hiking conditions year-round. The mild California climate means you can enjoy the coastal trails in any season. Summer provides warm, sunny days perfect for beach activities, while cooler months offer crisp air and fewer crowds.
Are there any trails that connect different beaches or parks?
Yes, several trails connect different coastal areas. For instance, the Moran Lake Beach and Park β Pleasure Point Beach loop from Live Oak links two popular beach destinations, offering a varied coastal experience for families.
Where can we find parking for family hikes in Pleasure Point?
Parking is generally available along East Cliff Drive and near popular beach access points. Specific parking areas can be found at locations like Pleasure Point Park (at East Cliff Drive and 32nd Avenue) and Moran Lake Beach and Park, which often have amenities like restrooms.
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Most popular attractions around Pleasure Point
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