Family Walks


Inn to inn walking around the Monterey Bay, stopping at Zmudowski Beach
Saturday Morning at Zmudowski Beach

I recently offered a Slow Adventure along the Zmudowski State Beach as a charitable auction prize. I was pleased when a local Santa Cruz family won the prize and chose to spend a Saturday morning exploring one of the most remote beaches along the Monterey Bay. We explored the seasonal wetlands and were able to spot marsh wrens protecting their intricately woven nests along with colorful avocets and regal stilts. We walked out to the mouth of the San Lorenzo River and watched harbor seals fishing in the shallows as the river met the ocean. Walking back on the beach, we spotted surf fishermen competing with cormorants and pelicans for fish.
Finally, we ended with a slow walk up one of the steep sand dunes and enjoyed a great view of the wetlands.

Inn to inn walking around the Monterey Bay, sand dunes
Sand Dunes at Zmudowski Beach


I hope you’ll get out soon and enjoy some place you’ve never stopped to explore.

About Author

Margaret Leonard
Adventure Guide in Santa Cruz, California