AIRBNB EXPERIENCES

Nature and outdoor activities in Santa Cruz

Book unique activities hosted by local experts on Airbnb.

Top-rated nature and outdoor activities

View our most highly rated experiences, loved by guests.

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 134 reviews

Experience whale watching with a Naturalist

Join us for a lively day on Monterey Bay, spending time seeing diverse coastal animals.

5 out of 5 average rating, 47 reviews

Hike the Gem of Santa Cruz

Explore a trail in the Santa Cruz mountains with a local nature guide. This is a brisk 3-mile hike so, while not technical, be prepared to walk at a brisk pace to have the time to visit the sites.

5 out of 5 average rating, 99 reviews

Tune in to Subtle Realms of Redwoods

Make a personal forest connection while energizing all your senses and enjoying yourself.

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 35 reviews

Drop into a sound bath and guided meditation

Feel the good vibrations at a live sound bath and guided meditation in a serene setting. Reiki and sound healing are included.

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 52 reviews

Redwoods Forest Bathing

Connect with nature and relieve stress through a restorative Forest Bathing experience .

4.84 out of 5 average rating, 19 reviews

Escape the city and learn wilderness survival

Among the redwoods, build a shelter, fire, and learn edible plants and primitive traps.

5 out of 5 average rating, 13 reviews

Learn outdoor rock climbing for beginners

Discover the thrill of outdoor rock climbing in the Santa Cruz Mountains

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 87 reviews

Bluebird Farm at the Latta Ranch

Welcome to Bluebird Farm! Meet miniature donkeys and ponies, explore our Old West town, enjoy a picnic under the oaks, then take a hayride to feed our friendly Scottish Highland cows.

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 1249 reviews

Guided eBike Tour of 17-Mile Drive

Ride the most scenic road with friendly, knowledgeable guides.

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 136 reviews

Catch your first ride with a seasoned instructor

Learn surfing techniques, practice under supervision and venture out with assistance.

Latest Activities

Explore new local experiences, activities for everyone.

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Scottish Highland Cow Hayride & Picnic

Take a hayride across our private ranch to meet friendly Scottish Highland cows. Feed them by hand, capture unforgettable photos, then relax with a picnic while meeting our miniature farm animals

New place to stay

Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Tour from San Jose

Experience Yosemite National Park ahead of the crowds with early-bird arrival from San Jose. See Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan, and hike among giant sequoias.

5 out of 5 average rating, 1 reviews

Bike 17-Mile Drive with Monterey Bay Aquarium

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Ghost Trees, Spanish Bay, and Pacific Grove with your GPS-guided journey. Enjoy included ticket to Monterey Bay Aquarium.

5 out of 5 average rating, 2 reviews

17-Mile Drive: Self-Guided Audio Tour

Explore 17-Mile Drive from either Monterey or Carmel with our GPS-triggered audio tour. Just bring your car and phone, go anytime, listen offline, and enjoy lifetime access.

5 out of 5 average rating, 5 reviews

Drive Big Sur: Self-Guided Audio Tour

Explore Big Sur’s iconic coastline with our GPS-triggered driving audio tour app. Just bring your car and phone; the app guides your tour anytime, offline, with lifetime access too.

New place to stay

Scuba diving through a kelp forest - Gear Included

Enjoy diving through Monterey’s kelp forest with an experienced local guide to point out all of the unique sea life. All scuba gear included for a single dive with option to add a second dive.

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 10 reviews

Taste the Farm: U-Pick & Animal Experience

Enjoy guided access to our orchard, berry patch, pastures and chicken coops to harvest what’s in season and meet and feed our farm animals. Take home a half dozen of eggs and a small bag of produce.

5 out of 5 average rating, 2 reviews

Road trip to Carmel’s hidden gems

Scout picture-perfect spots on this journey to Carmel’s coastal treasures, including stunning Big Sur views and Carmel Mission Basilica (closed Monday and Tuesday)

5 out of 5 average rating, 2 reviews

Snorkel in Monterey Bay

Discover the biodiversity of Monterey Bay with an experienced guide who will navigate the dive site and point out marine life.

New place to stay

Photograph wildlife on Monterey Bay

Capture seals, sea lions, otters, whales, dolphins, turtles, sharks, and coastal..

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