Just like the “Meet-Cute” scene that kicks off your favorite rom-com, a chance encounter with a Santa Cruz Mountain town is sure to spark some unexpected chemistry. From the Pacific perch of Bonny Doon to the riverside calm of Ben Lomond, and from the frontier flannel of Boulder Creek to the highland gateway of Felton, cinematic vibes abound in this mist-kissed land where ancient redwoods unfurl towards the sea.
The plot is guaranteed to twist and turn along Highway 9, revealing a spirited ensemble of towns, each playing an iconic role in the Santa Cruz Mountain saga. Like birdsong between the boughs, your distances are close and your run-time is quick — a single weekend is all you’ll need. So without further ado, let’s fade in and meet the cast of When Bonny Meets Ben…
The Free Spirit: Bonny Doon
A fetching lass with ocean winds ruffling her forest crown, Bonny Doon embodies the independent spirit of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Her charms stretch from rugged beaches high up into redwood cathedrals inviting exploration and solitude in equal parts. There is no “downtown” here — it’s spread out and rural — but her natural beauty is bound to turn even the most jaded traveler into a hopeless romantic.
The sempervirens to the sea journey along Bonny Doon Road makes for a well-balanced day (or half-day) on your Santa Cruz Mountain weekend. Kick things off with a hike in the Bonny Doon Ecological Reserve, where a series of loop trails wander through the ancient marine sand deposits dotted with manzanita, oak and Ponderosa pine. Try the Silver Leaf Loop (2.7 miles), then spur south along the Laguna Creek Trail and marvel as these rare inland sand ridges give way to a classic coastal redwood canyon (combined 3.5 mile loop). You can find trailhead parking next to the Bonny Doon Volunteer Fire Station at 975 Martin Rd.
What better way to celebrate your steps than by sipping some local wine? Just five minutes from the trailhead, historic Beauregard Vineyards pours its signature Ben Lomond Mountain AVA wines nestled among the redwoods. The tasting room is relaxed, and the knowledge is deep based on five generations of the Beauregard family in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Feel free to walk-in but call ahead if you are a large group or want to hear about any special events.
If fresh produce and baked goods are more your lean, or you want to pick up some supplies for your Santa Cruz picnic, then the bountiful farm stands where Bonny Doon Road meets Highway 1 await. Rodoni Farms — easy to spot with its giant wooden Adirondack chair out front — attracts a lively mix of locals and visitors alike with its rustic charm. Here you’ll find organic vegetables, fresh flowers, local honey, soaps, snacks and drinks. Come autumn, the farm boasts its seasonal pumpkin patch and 5-acre corn maze. Open daily May-October from 10am-6pm.
Three miles north along Highway 1, Swanton Berry Farm offers everything from its signature strawberries to vegan soup, assorted jams and its famous baked goods, all made with the freshest homegrown ingredients. This certified organic and UFW unionized farm hosts seasonal U-Pick fruit in their coastal fields. Grab a slice of pie, snap some pics and love will surely come to fruition!
As another epic California sunset nears, why not enjoy that slice of pie at Bonny Doon Beach? This rugged strand has a wild and windswept feel that’s pure north coast. Sandstone cliffs and dramatic west-facing views make this the ultimate spot for a magic hour walk or picnic. Bask in the golden light and listen to the gulls soaring overhead as the waves pound the shore. Parking can be found in the large lot at the intersection of Highway 1 and Bonny Doon Road. Other nearby beaches include Shark Fin Cove and Panther Beach, where in addition to their names the wave-carved sea stacks and caves add a seductive sense of danger.
The Strong Silent Type: Ben Lomond
If Bonny Doon is the free spirit, then Ben Lomond steadies her wild side with a quiet and unshakable mountain charm. The cornerstone of a tight-knit community, Ben Lomond sits along the banks of the San Lorenzo River as it tumbles towards Monterey Bay. From live music to farm supplies, and community theater to weekend brunch, the array of things to do in this working town offers a window into the humble but vibrant culture that makes the Santa Cruz Mountains unique.
Exploring the “downtown” corridor gets your chi flowing as you browse local shops and cafes. La Placa Family Bakery is a great bookend, featuring cappuccino and Sicilian sweets by morning, or chianti and pizza such as the San Daniele (prosciutto and arugula) by night. Pop into Towne & Country Antiques & Uniques for an eclectic mix of rustic collectibles, then do your essential visit to the pulse of Ben Lomond — Mountain Feed & Farm Supply. Offering everything from beekeeping supplies to workshops and local art, its approach is both functional and colorful.
On the culture front, Ben Lomond radiates beyond its humble roots. Village Market — with local produce, artisan gifts and live music — is held on the first Saturday of every month (May-Oct), while its Scottish Day (early autumn) celebrates the town’s heritage with bagpipes, Celtic dance and, yes, falconry. Founded in 1982, Mountain Community Theater is Santa Cruz County’s longest-running continuously operated community theater company. With past productions such as One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Miracle on 34th Street, to their New Works Weekends, the stage is set for your meet-cute origin story. If turning it up to 11 is more your jam, grooving at Henflings Tavern is sure to top off your glass, while open mic and comedy nights bring locals and visitors together.
Nearby namesake Loch Lomond is just a 20-minute drive, but the redwood shrouded coves of this long, narrow reservoir make it feel you’re days deep into the wilderness. With a combined 12 miles of hiking trails and on-site boat rentals, the watershed is keen for a dram of fishing and a drop of hiking. Shorefront picnic tables provide the perfect spot for you and your boo to hold hands and search for Nessie. Note: There is no swimming or contact with the water allowed in Loch Lomond, and a valid fishing license is required for anglers 16+.
The Wild Card: Boulder Creek
With its frontier feel tucked high into the redwood-smothered San Lorenzo Valley, the town of Boulder Creek energizes the plot while co-starring as the rough-hewn bestie. From its historic roots during the logging boom of the 1860’s to becoming the gateway to Big Basin State Park, Boulder Creek offers everything from swimming holes to festivals and antique shopping.
The vibe along Central Avenue (Hwy 9) is old west with a pop of rebel rockabilly. Scout out shops such as Boulder Creek Antiques at Mac’s Place and its multiple rooms and vendors. Check out SWAG: the eclectic collective for vinyl meets vintage in an 1893 storefront, and for some historical perspective visit the San Lorenzo Valley Museum. Located in the former Grace Episcopal Church (1906), the museum features exhibits detailing Boulder Creek’s logging past, all in a Gothic Revival building made from — you guessed it — redwood.
In the heart of town, at the confluence of Boulder Creek and the San Lorenzo River, visitors can find their angle of repose as they relax in Junction Park. Part redwood river retreat, part community festival grounds, this park invites everything from frisbee and picnics to taking a dip in the “old swimming hole” — a local gathering spot dating back generations. Check out the Boulder Creek events calendar for such festivals as Free Music in the Park, the Santa Cruz Mountains Harvest Festival and First Friday — a monthly street fair that transforms downtown with art, food pop-ups and live music (April-December).
Boulder Creek also connects visitors with the towering giants of Big Basin Redwoods State Park. California’s first state park (1902), this realm of misty canyons and untamed mountain beauty is worth exploring whether that’s a morning excursion or multi-day backpacking trip. For a romantic stroll, the Redwood Loop Trail is just over a half-mile long and showcases some of the Santa Cruz Mountains’ tallest and oldest coast redwoods, including the iconic Mother of the Forest. Originally 329 ft tall, a winter storm damaged her crown, and she now stands at just under 300 ft. Her age is estimated to be over 1,000 years old, dating back to when the Vikings first stepped foot on North America. It should be noted that Big Basin was devastated by the 2020 CZU Lightning Fire, and evidence of the burn is widespread throughout the park with some areas still closed to the public. But just like the leading couple in your favorite rom-com, the Mother of the Forest (and nearby Father of the Forest) showed incredible resilience. It was touch and go for awhile, but they pulled through in the end!
The Big Sib: Felton
Nestled in the redwoods just above Santa Cruz, Felton plays the role of experienced guide with a cool confidence. Here, popular mountain attractions are infused with a breeze of surf culture from down the hill whether picking up local produce at the farmer’s market, bonding on a zipline, hiking through old-growth redwoods or riding a vintage steam train under the stars. Felton’s unforgettable one-liner? Do it all!
Your tour of the town center has a natural starting point: the Felton Covered Bridge. Built in 1892 and one of the tallest covered bridges in the United States, it’s a focal point for the mountain life whether you’re snapping pics on a first date or planning your Santa Cruz wedding. A 5-minute walk brings you to a tidy corridor of shops and restaurants along Highway 9. For brunch, sit down at The Grove Cafe & Bakery then try your luck thrifting at The Bizarre Bazaar or The Abbot’s Thrift. The gastronomic revelation of smash burgers and caviar can be found at Emerald Mallard, while local history awaits at the San Lorenzo Valley Museum and its Faye G. Belardi Memorial Gallery. Traveling with your pup? Felton Feed & Pet Supply can help with that park-required leash or dog snacks in a pinch.
While Roaring Camp Railroad has long been a local favorite for the kids, it also dabbles in romance. The Moonlight Dinner Train and Sequoias at Night are date-nights waiting to happen, while special holiday and festival rides set the mood as you ribbon through the redwoods. Check their upcoming events calendar and build your mountain getaway around this only-in-Santa Cruz County experience.
When it comes to reaching for the sky, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park rises above. Located in Felton just 20 minutes from downtown Santa Cruz, its towering old-growth grove shimmers in the breeze, while sunning on a boulder at the Garden of Eden swimming hole provides pure summer romance. Ferns line the trail and shafts of sunlight guide your way as a sense of be-here-now infuses every step and every breath.
Of course, some visitors crave that adrenaline fix, and Mount Hermon Adventures obliges. Ziplines lace the forest with experiences like the Redwood Canopy Tour that gets you 150 feet above the forest floor, and the Sequoia Aerial Adventure that presents a more demanding physical rope course with 30 obstacles. You know what they say — couples that zip together, stay together!
Feel-Good Ending
With all of these enchanting towns dotted along a tidy stretch of Highway 9, getting to know the entire cast of When Bonny Meets Ben in a single weekend is easy like Sunday morning. Whether it’s your first getaway together, or you’re celebrating 50 years of marriage, there’s a cozy pillow and romantic table waiting. Playful, uplifting and filled with surprises, your Santa Cruz mountain rendezvous will feel like it was written in the stars.