Wilder Ranch State Park - Fern Grotto Beach(Old Cove Landing)

Fern Grotto Beach offers many fun activities including tide pooling, kayaking, boating, snorkeling, wildlife watching, beach walking, sunbathing, swimming, kitesurfing, and surfing. You can explore a variety of rock formations present near the beach including the vegetation-covered Fern Grotto and a variety of sea caverns and the sandstone cliffs near the beach. The rocky strips of land near the coast offer some excellent tidepools. The blufftop areas also give memorable views of the Pacific Ocean, along with great opportunities for watching whales, seals, and dolphins that are present in the region. Surfing in the waters is recommended under favorable conditions. You can also head to other beaches present in this part of the coast by hiking along the coastal trail including Strawberry Beach which offers a quieter beach experience and Wilder Beach, home to extremely rare snowy plover birds which are protected by the Endangered Species Act of 1973. You can also head north towards the inland areas of the state park situated near the state park visitor center where you will find a renovated 19th-century dairy ranch, and many hiking, biking, and horse riding trails that highlight the region’s interesting history.

If you're looking for a restaurant, West End Tap & Kitchen, is a high-end gastropub that offers a variety of delicious burgers, flatbreads, and sandwiches paired with a range of alcoholic beverages. At Thai Recipe is a Thai restaurant that offers signature Thai dishes like shrimp pad thai and sticky rice with mango. Taqueria Santa Cruz, which offers finger-licking carne asada tacos, burritos, and enchiladas and provides a great family-friendly and budget dining experience.

If you are looking for a hotel near Fern Grotto Beach, there are many great nearby options. Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley, a 3-Star hotel, offers deluxe suites along with several amenities including an on-site restaurant, pool, and fitness center. Mission Inn and Suites offers a more affordable option - the 3- Star hotel is built in the Spanish Colonial style and offers various amenities including a spa and complimentary breakfast. Comfort Inn Beach/Boardwalk Area, which is a 2-Star accommodation, offers a great budget experience and offering great rooms at reasonable rates.