Paradise Park

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Parks

California

Nearby: Howard Wiechert Park Hamilton Square Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Paradise Park is a beautiful and popular destination located in Santa Cruz County, California.

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Summary

This area is a must-visit for nature lovers as it offers a stunning collection of natural beauty, wildlife, and recreational activities. A few good reasons to visit Paradise Park include hiking, fishing, picnicking, camping, and birdwatching.

One of the most notable points of interest in Paradise Park is the San Lorenzo River, which runs through the area and offers visitors the chance to fish, swim, or kayak. Additionally, the park features walking trails that lead to breathtaking waterfalls and a scenic picnic area. Visitors can also explore the historic Felton Covered Bridge, which dates back to the 1800s.

Interesting facts about the area include its previous incarnation as a popular retreat for wealthy San Franciscans in the late 1800s. Today, Paradise Park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, and eagles.

The best time of year to visit Paradise Park is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild, and the wildflowers are in bloom. However, visitors should be aware that the park can be crowded during peak season. Parking is limited, so arriving early is recommended.

Overall, Paradise Park is a fantastic destination for anyone interested in experiencing the beauty of California's natural landscapes. With its stunning natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and rich history, this area is a must-see for anyone visiting Santa Cruz County.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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