You can book an RV rental in Boulder Creek and head to the Redwood Resort RV Park, which nestles amidst a magnificent grove of redwood trees. The RV sites are surrounded by a grassy lawn and there’s a pool where you can swim during the summer months, although only cats (and no dogs) are welcome to stay. A short drive south takes you to the Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, which is positioned on the beautiful San Lorenzo River. The attractive forested setting is complemented by hot showers, a clubhouse, and a recreation room that’s equipped with a pool table, piano, and flat-screen TV. Also nearby is the Cotillion Gardens RV Park in Felton, which has more than 80 RV sites, a heated swimming pool, and children’s playground featuring a slide, rock climbing wall, and sandbox. This pet-friendly park offers Wi-Fi and direct access to the trails of Henry Cowell State Park. You can also rent an RV and pull into the Santa Cruz Ranch RV Resort in Scotts Valley, with laundry facilities where you can catch up on your washing, a swimming pool and a hot tub to enjoy. Also on the outskirts of Santa Cruz is the Santa Vida RV Park, which nestles in a 23-acre forest of redwoods, madrone, and oak trees. Keep in mind that all RVs need to be 15 years old or newer and only up to 35 feet in length, with pets welcome to stay with you. Boulder Creek is home to a small supermarket where you can stock up on supplies and gas stations if you need to fill up your RV, as well as a handful of cafes and eateries for dining out. It’s just a 30-minute drive from bustling Santa Cruz if you need a more extensive range of services or a 45-minute drive to San Jose and its Walmart where you may be able to set up for a night or two with the manager’s permission.

Park your RV rental near Boulder Creek and begin your exploration at the San Lorenzo Valley Museum, which preserves and shares the history of the region. It occupies the charming Grace Episcopal Church that dates to 1906 and stands as the oldest religious building in Boulder Creek. Browse the collection of old logging and railway artifacts, as well as antique kitchenware and exhibits relating to the San Lorenzo Valley’s earliest schools. Just to the east of Boulder Creek is the Loch Lomond Recreation Area, which encompasses a scenic reservoir that attracts boaters and anglers. Rent a rowboat or “nucanoe" to explore the waters at your leisure or grab some fishing tackle at the small store to see what’s biting. There are barbecues along the lakeshore where you can picnic before stretching your legs along the trails that lead through the 175-acre surrounding park. If you’re craving the bright lights, head south to Santa Cruz to stroll along its bay-front wharf or enjoy a ride on the vintage carousel at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Spot sea lions and birdlife at the Natural Bridges State Beach and visit the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, then soak up the coastal views from the spectacular West Cliff Drive. If you’re into surfing, don’t miss a visit to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, which is housed within the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse and details the sport’s popularity in the United States Whether you’re visiting Santa Cruz County to explore its redwood forests or coastal landscapes, book an RV in Boulder Creek and start exploring.