RV Rental Soquel, CA

Pick up your motorhome rental in Soquel and head to The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park that sprawls to the northeast. Its secondary forest was logged during the late-19th century, with mill sites and trestles dating from the period still in existence today. You can explore the steep coastal mountains while hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding, with your four-legged friends welcome to join you if they’re on a leash.

One of the most important protected areas in the region is the Ellicott Slough National Wildlife Refuge, which provides a vital habitat for the threatened Santa Cruz long-toed salamander. Populations of California red-legged frogs and California tiger salamanders also call the refuge home, with walking trails leading through the rugged terrain where endangered robust spineflowers grow. It’s also a population destination for bird watchers, with regular sightings of red-tailed hawks and acorn woodpeckers.

Explore Anna Jean Cummings Park, which has been nicknamed “Blue Balls Park” due to an art installation of four large blue spheres that are seemingly rolling down the coastal prairie. It also encompasses grasslands and riparian habitats that attract a range of rare and endangered bird species, with a meandering network of trails to explore. There’s a children’s playground, a baseball diamond, and a soccer field where you can get active, as well as jogging paths around the exterior.

Book an RV rental in Soquel and head to the Santa Vida RV Park, which nestles in a 23-acre forest of redwoods, madrone, and oak trees. There are full hookup sites offering 30 amp service, all with a fire ring and picnic table, and pets are welcome. Keep in mind that all RVs need to be 15 years old or newer and the Santa Vida RV Park only offers sites for vehicles up to 35 feet.

A little farther away is the Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort in Felton, which offers 30 and 50 amp full hookup sites positioned in a forested setting overlooking the San Lorenzo River. There are a clubhouse and a recreation room with a pool table, piano, and flat screen TV, as well as Wi-Fi available at hotspots throughout the campground.

Want to trade the forest for the beach? Pick up your RV trailer rental in Soquel and drive to the Seacliff Center RV Park, which is situated in the adjacent city of Aptos. Their full hookup RV sites can accommodate vehicles up to 34 feet in length, all within a stone’s throw of the historic S.S. Palo Alto cement ship that’s stranded off the Seacliff State Beach.

Soquel is home to supermarkets where you can stock up on supplies, as well as plenty of gas stations if you need to fill up your RV. There’s a range of global eateries, cafes, and breweries for dining out or you can head to the adjacent cities of Capitola and Santa Cruz for a more extensive range of services.

Park your RV rental near Soquel and explore the antique shops and eclectic gift stores that cluster in the village center, then take time to browse the local artisan galleries. Delve into the local history at the Capitola Historical Museum, which is housed within a quaint schoolhouse and offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of years gone by. If you’re visiting during the summer months, be sure to attend one of the twilight concerts or movie nights that regularly take place at Esplanade Park.

Soquel is also home to the oldest continually operating winery in Santa Cruz County, which serves as the ideal starting point for a wine tasting tour of the region. The Santa Cruz Mountains Appellation region is renowned for its pinot noirs and chardonnays, with more than 70 wineries, many of which are family-run. Whether you want to drive through sweeping rural settings or visit urban tasting rooms, the Santa Cruz wine country offers both.

If you’re looking to cool off, head to the New Brighton State Beach, which overlooks peaceful Soquel Cove and Monterey Bay. In addition to its sweeping stretch of sand, the waters attract pelicans, dolphins, sea otters, and sea lions, as well as migrating whales at particular times of the year. Keep your eyes peeled for migrating sooty shearwaters or visit the small visitor center where exhibits detail the wildlife that frequents the park.

Whether you’re visiting Santa Cruz County to explore its wine country or charming village centers, book an RV in Soquel and start exploring.