| check-in time: 4:00 pmcheck-out time: 11:00 am. surrounded by trees, this relaxed hotel off california state route 9 is 6 miles from henry cowell redwoods state park and 13 miles from the santa cruz beach boardwalk. the laid-back rooms offer free wi-fi, flat-screen tvs and exterior entrances; some have hot tubs, and/or balconies or patios with forest views. parking is complimentary. there's also a casual lounge with a bar. suites add sofabeds
San Francisco International Airport 1 hr 13
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (12 min)
Featuring a variety of forested areas, this park offers camping, fishing, hiking & picnic spots. Castle Rock State Park (13 min)
Park offers 32 miles of hiking & horseback riding trails among redwoods & other regional trees. The Mystery Spot (28 min)
Opened in 1941, this roadside landmark is a tilt-induced visual illusion with tours & a gift shop. Año Nuevo State Park (45 min)
State park with views of the shoreline showcases the unique geology of California's Central Coast. Santa Cruz Wharf (31 min)
Beach shops, seafood restaurants, sea lions & fishing draw crowds to this landmark bayside pier. Hakone Estate and Gardens (40 min)
This historical 18-acre Japanese garden features tea rooms & the Cultural Exchange Center. Big Basin Redwoods State Park (19 min)
California's oldest state park offers backpacking, mountain biking & other outdoor activities. Sanborn County Park (37 min)
Verdant wooded park featuring RV/tent campsites, plus picnic areas & over 15 miles of hiking trails. Natural Bridges State Beach (30 min)
Butterflies, park, and surfing Wilder Ranch State Park (32 min)
Natural landscape with diverse activities including hiking trails, picnic areas & horseback riding. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (29 min)
Amusement park offers a variety of games & rides right on a mile-long stretch of sandy beach. Santa Cruz Surfing Museum (31 min)
Rotating exhibits on surfing culture & local history housed in a historic, preserved lighthouse. Santa Cruz Beach (29 min)
Popular beach features a boardwalk with numerous restaurants, amusement park rides & surf shops. Roaring Camp (14 min)
Family-friendly park offers train rides amid natural landscapes, seasonal routes & special events. Steamer Lane (30 min)
Famous cliffside surfing spot since the 1930s, featuring a surfing museum inside a lighthouse. | 
