The park contains one of the oldest and most well-known disc golf courses in the United States, established in the 1980s.
The property was donated to the city by Jose Vincente de Laveaga, a prominent 19th-century landowner.
The park's disc golf course is known for the 'Top of the World' hole, which features a significant vertical drop and high degree of difficulty.
The area is home to diverse ecosystems, including old-growth redwoods and coastal scrub habitats.
Portions of the park serve as a watershed area for the Branciforte Creek drainage system.
DeLaveaga Park is a 400-acre multi-use recreational facility located in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The park features a widely recognized championship-level disc golf course that winds through redwood groves and oak woodlands. Athletic facilities include baseball fields, basketball courts, and tennis courts available for public use. Extensive trail systems connect the park to surrounding open spaces, providing routes for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Several reservable picnic areas with barbecue pits are situated throughout the park grounds. A dedicated clubhouse and golf course facility exist on the property, managed separately from the city-maintained recreational park areas. The terrain is notably hilly, offering varying elevations that provide views of the Monterey Bay area. The park serves as a primary hub for local youth and community sports leagues in the Santa Cruz region.
The 'Top of the World' outlook on the disc golf course, offering an elevated perspective of the bay and forest.
Bring a layered jacket, as the shade from dense redwoods can cause significant temperature drops compared to the nearby coastline.
Use sturdy hiking footwear if you intend to explore the upper trails beyond the paved athletic areas.
Confirm if specific sports fields are reserved by local leagues before arriving to ensure access to courts.
Attempting to play the disc golf course without basic equipment or experience, as the terrain is steep and technically demanding.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive flora; pack out all trash to maintain the natural environment.
