Family Fun Archives - Visit Santa Cruz County

The Ultimate Santa Cruz County Fall Bucket List

Fall in Santa Cruz County combines the region’s warmest weather with the hallmarks of the harvest season. September and October bring long, sunny days and clear evenings, often warmer than midsummer, while the county shifts into the colors and traditions of autumn. Beaches are quieter but still perfect for swimming and surfing, the coastal fields along Highway 1 transform into rows of bright orange pumpkins, and the apple orchards of Watsonville come alive with picking season. In the redwoods, golden light filters through the trees, and at Natural Bridges State Beach, thousands of monarch butterflies cluster in eucalyptus groves. Local wineries mark the harvest with tastings and festivals, while farm stands overflow with late-season produce and fresh-baked pies. This guide collects the defining experiences of fall in Santa Cruz County, from outdoor adventures and classic local activities to seasonal flavors and community events.

Outdoor Nature Adventures

Fall in Santa Cruz offers some of the county’s best outdoor experiences. Warm, crowd-free beaches, glowing redwood trails, and seasonal wildlife migrations make this the perfect time to explore nature.

Chase Fall Color at Fall Creek
The Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offers nearly 20 miles of trails that burst with seasonal color. Maples and alders turn shades of yellow and orange against the redwoods, making it one of the county’s most striking fall landscapes.

Hike in Henry Cowell’s Golden Light
Fall brings crisp mornings and soft golden light to the redwoods. Hike the River Trail or Eagle Creek for a peaceful autumn forest escape.

Stroll the Coastal Bluffs in Davenport
The fall ocean swells put on a show, and the dramatic cliffs north of Santa Cruz make the perfect vantage point. Pack a picnic and enjoy the views.

Kayak Elkhorn Slough
Fall is a quieter time to paddle this wildlife-rich estuary in Moss Landing. Spot otters, harbor seals, and migratory birds in their seasonal habitat.

See the Monarch Butterflies at Natural Bridges
Every fall beginning in October, thousands of monarchs cluster in the eucalyptus grove at Natural Bridges State Beach, filling the trees with delicate orange wings. It’s one of the county’s most magical natural spectacles.

Beach Bonfire Nights
Cooler evenings mean it’s bonfire season. Head to Seabright, Twin Lakes, or Rio Del Mar with friends, blankets, and marshmallows for the perfect fall night.

Take a Scenic Backroad Drive through Bonny Doon
As vineyards begin changing colors, drive through the rolling hills covered in colorful rows of grape vines transforming into fiery fields.

California King Tides – November 5–7, 2025
Witness the year’s most dramatic tides as powerful waves crash against seawalls at high tide and rarely exposed tide pools appear at low tide. From tide pooling to long beach walks, these extreme tides transform the Santa Cruz shoreline into a striking natural spectacle.

Iconic Local Activities

Autumn brings a fresh perspective to Santa Cruz’s most beloved activities. From orchards and pumpkin patches to train rides and seaside strolls, these experiences take on their own seasonal magic in the fall.

Pick Apples at Gizdich Ranch
Load up a basket in the Watsonville orchards, then treat yourself to fresh cider and a slice of their legendary pie. Their season opens September 14 until supplies run out!

Pick Dahlias at Beeline Blooms Dahlia Farm
In the Santa Cruz Mountains, Beeline Blooms Dahlia Farm opens its fields each fall for u-pick flowers. The season wraps up by early to mid-October, so plan your visit early to stroll the colorful rows and take home a bouquet of vibrant blooms.

Pumpkin Patches & Fall Photo Ops
From the coastal fields of Rodoni Farms to the family-friendly Post Street Farm, local patches deliver classic fall fun and a perfect backdrop for pumpkin picking.

Ride the Roaring Camp Steam Train
Departing daily from Roaring Camp in Felton, these narrow-gauge trains climb through towering redwoods and over trestles to the summit of Bear Mountain. Conductors narrate the history of the railroad and forest on this one-hour roundtrip ride.

Explore Capitola Village in Autumn Calm
Summer crowds fade, but Capitola’s colorful seaside shops and restaurants are still full of charm. Stroll the beach and enjoy the mellow vibes.

Backroad Drive through Corralitos and Aptos Hills
Wind through apple orchards, vineyards, and rolling hills dotted with fall colors. Stop at Corralitos Market for a sausage and cider.

Stroll Walnut Avenue’s Historic Homes
Downtown Santa Cruz’s Walnut Avenue is lined with elegant Victorian houses framed by trees that blaze with color in autumn. It’s one of the best spots in the county to enjoy fall foliage while also taking in the charm and history of Santa Cruz’s architecture.

Wednesday Night Sailboat Races – Through October
Watch the harbor fill with sails as local racers take to the water each Wednesday evening. Harbor restaurants and nearby beaches make perfect vantage points for soaking up the spectacle of boats racing against a fall sunset.

Saturday Guided Adobe Tours
Join an interpreter at the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park for a guided tour of the adobe, held every Saturday at 11 a.m. Learn about daily life for Indigenous people before European contact, and explore how colonization and the mission system transformed their world.

Mushroom Foraging Walks
With the first fall rains, the forests of Santa Cruz County come alive with mushrooms. Chanterelles and other wild varieties emerge along the forest floor, and local naturalists often lead guided walks to teach safe and sustainable foraging practices.

Seasonal Bites & Sips

Fall flavors shine across Santa Cruz County, from orchard-fresh apples and cozy pies to small-batch ciders and harvest-season wines. Local restaurants and tasting rooms bring the best of autumn to the table.

Sip Local Hard Cider
Fall is apple season, and local ciders shine. Try Santa Cruz Cider Company in Watsonville, Tanuki Cider in Soquel, or Hallcrest Vineyards with Scrumpy Ciders in Felton for small-batch, crisp flavors.

Taste Fall Flavors at Local Restaurants
Menus across the county shift to cozy seasonal fare that highlight the richness of our local flavors at restaurants like Home, Trestles, Jack O’Neill, and Persephone.

Sip Seasonal Drinks at Local Coffee Shops
From spiced lattes to pumpkin mochas, Santa Cruz coffee shops embrace the season in style. Stop by favorites like 11th Hour, Verve, or Cat & Cloud to warm up with autumn-inspired drinks and enjoy a cozy café atmosphere.

Pick Your Own at Crystal Bay Farm
Beyond pumpkins, this organic farm in Watsonville offers late-season produce and a sweet roadside stand.

Harvest Season in the Vineyards
The Santa Cruz Mountains wineries are alive with harvest energy. Enjoy a glass of Pinot Noir while taking in the autumn views at Beauregard, Soquel Vineyards, Big Basin Vineyards, Windy Oaks, or Alfaro for the most scenic views.

Fresh-Baked Apple Pie from Gizdich
Nothing tastes more like fall in Santa Cruz than a slice of still-warm pie made from apples picked right on-site.

Events & Local Happenings

Fall in Santa Cruz County is filled with festivals, art tours, and community gatherings that celebrate the season’s abundance and cultural traditions. Mark your calendar for these highlights:

Santa Cruz County Fair – September 10 – 14
Held in Watsonville, the county fair blends agricultural traditions with carnival rides, exhibits, live entertainment, and plenty of fair food.

Capitola Art & Wine Festival – September 13 – 14
A classic coastal celebration that pairs local wines with fine art, food vendors, and live music throughout Capitola Village.

31st Annual Aloha Outrigger Races – September 20, 2025
Head to the Santa Cruz Wharf to watch novice and community paddlers compete in short-course outrigger canoe races. The event also features hula performances and a lively celebration of Hawaiian culture by the bay.

Capitola Beach Festival – September 27-28
This two-day event welcomes the season with sandcastle contests, a fishing derby, a lighted nautical parade, and live music by the sea.

Glass Pumpkin Fest – September 27–28, 2025
The heirloom garden at the Live Oak Grange transforms into a sparkling patch filled with hand-blown glass pumpkins and gourds crafted by Chris Johnson Glass. Explore colorful works of art, meet local glassblowers, and enjoy a family-friendly, dog-friendly fall tradition.

Grand Opening for La Bahia Hotel and Spa – September
Experience the grand opening of the long-awaited La Bahia Hotel & Spa—Santa Cruz’s newest oceanfront luxury resort just steps from the Boardwalk.

Downtown Santa Cruz Harvest Festival – October 4, 2025
Celebrate the season with live performances, artisan booths, farm stands, and plenty of food in the heart of downtown. Families can enjoy carnival games, crafts, and a full day of fall festivities under the autumn sky.

_{Open Studios Artist, Beth Grippenstraw}

Open Studios Art Tour – October 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 2025
Open Studios is your opportunity to explore creativity in Santa Cruz County. For for over 35 years, their goal has been simple: connect artists with people who love art. For the first three weekends in October, artists from the redwoods to the bay open their studios so that friends, neighbors, and strangers from near and far can discover art in this stunning county.
Location: October 4-5: Various Locations in North County; October 11-12: Various Locations in South County; October 18-19: All County

Monterey Bay Festival of Birds – October 10–12, 2025
Celebrate fall migration with field trips, workshops, and family activities across the Monterey Bay region, including events in Santa Cruz and Watsonville. This year’s theme honors both the joy of birds and the importance of conservation.

T-Birds on the Wharf – October 11, 2025
Vintage and classic Thunderbirds line the Santa Cruz Wharf for a day of car-spotting by the sea. Stay to enjoy waterfront dining and shopping with the best views in town.

Santa Cruz Mountains Passport Day – October 25, 2025
Passport holders gain access to more than 35 wineries across the Santa Cruz Mountains, each offering unique tasting flights, entertainment, and seasonal celebrations. It’s the perfect way to explore the vineyards and sip your way through the region.

For more not-to-miss fall events, check our blog.

Monica Multer

August 27, 2025

Arts + Culture, Events, Family Fun, Things to Do, Vacation Ideas
Shorecuterie: Santa Cruz County Picnicking
Boasting 29 miles of shoreline and signature Cali sun, Santa Cruz County plays host to a time-honored tradition: picnicking. Whether you’re enjoying coppa and prosecco with your soulmate or wings and lemonade with the fam, there’s nothing better than laying out your blanket on its sun-kissed sands or atop its oceanfront bluffs. Add to the mix tranquil redwood groves and playful city parks, and your basket is sure to be brimming.

Natural Bridges State Beach

Pacific Fresh: Coastal Picnics

Along its rugged northern shores and down to the cradled coastline of Monterey Bay, the beaches and bluffs of Santa Cruz County are the “best table in the house,” whether that’s a family swim or romantic sunset. As you gaze out over the Pacific from the continent’s edge, there’s nothing quite like a Santa Cruz picnic.

Natural Bridges State Beach

Located just 3 miles from downtown Santa Cruz, Natural Bridges State Beach links city and sea as the northwestern tip of Monterey Bay gives way to open waters of the Pacific. Besides its tide pools and signature rock formations, picnickers here can experience the Monarch Grove Natural Preserve. From late fall through winter, thousands of butterflies festoon the eucalyptus grove a short distance from the picnic tables. A fiesta of black & orange you’ll never forget.

Waddell State Beach

Spreading out your blanket at Waddell State Beach offers a twist on classic beach picnicking as the majestic trees of Big Basin Redwoods State Park cascade down to the sea behind you. Waddell State Beach is unique for another reason — the opportunity to watch kite surfers catch serious air at one of California’s top extreme sports destinations. Bites of potato salad are paired with exclamations of “did you see that?!” during your action-packed matinee.

Seacliff State Beach

Seacliff State Beach is where the past and future collide. Long known as the home of the Palo Alto — a sunken WWI era concrete ship that once boasted a swimming pool and dance floor — the beach endured severe winter storms in 2023 but is now on the road to recovery. Picnic tables are available, as is an inviting expanse of sand tucked up against bluffs. Bring your beach buffet, gaze across blue horizons and support the comeback.

Seascape Beach & County Park

Featuring a playground, picnic tables and a trail down to the beach, Seascape County Park in Aptos humbly checks all the boxes when it comes to family picnics. Perched on an open bluff, the views across Monterey Bay glow at sunset and the good times can extend even longer if you book at Seascape Beach Resort next door where their beach fire pits crackle with surfside s’mores.

Loch Lomond Recreation Area

Peak Umami: Mountain Picnics

From a lake with secluded coves to silvery beams of sunlight filtering through the redwood canopy, the Santa Cruz Mountains provide a peaceful refuge for noshing al fresco. It feels a world away from the beach, yet you’re only a 20 minute drive from downtown Santa Cruz. Birds chirping, breeze rustling, bread breaking…the vibe is pure chef’s kiss.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

With 40 acres of old-growth redwood trees, 30 miles of hiking trails and a popular swimming hole, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a magnet for outdoor recreation and picnic enthusiasts. A designated picnic area can be found just inside the Main Entrance, as well as a few tables atop the Observation Deck. Wander down the steep trail to the Garden of Eden swimming hole for a summer dip, and make the Redwood Gods happy by packing out your trash.

Loch Lomond Recreation Area

A smaller version of its namesake in southern Scotland, Loch Lomond Recreation Area is like stumbling upon a mystical waterway woven into a secret forest. Every culinary delight from tapenade to taleggio is welcome at several designated picnic areas, or find a lakefront cove and watch the fish ripple the crystalline waters. Though swimming is not allowed, boat rentals are available, or get in some post-picnic steps on the 12 miles of hiking trails that surround the lake.

Junction Park

Home to California’s first State Park (Big Basin), colorful locals and estate wine tasting, Boulder Creek is the perfect expression of Santa Cruz Mountain life. Located where the San Lorenzo River, Bear Creek and namesake Boulder Creek meet, the sandy beach at Junction Park has welcomed family picnics over the decades. Formerly known as “The Old Swimming Hole,” Junction Park also plays host to local events such as the free summer concert series Music In The Park.

DeLaveaga Park Entrance

Kids’ Menu: Playground Picnics

With dozens of city parks and scores of county parks dotting the landscape, Santa Cruz playground picnics are a local pastime that meet you where you’re at. Your picnic blanket transforms into “home base” as the kids run and climb, slide and swing, and generally get their sillies out. Pack a basket full of your favorite treats and voila! An economical solution to the age-old problem: how to get the youngins’ to burn off some steam!

DeLaveaga Park

Tucked into the woods just five minutes from Highway One, DeLaveaga Park is a historic retreat with an unsurpassed lineup of outdoor activities for kids and adults alike. At nearly 600 acres, it was once the late 19th century hacienda of Mexican-born businessman Jose Vicente DeLaveaga, who bequeathed a portion of the estate to Santa Cruz upon his death. With reservable group picnic sites such as Twisted Tree and Forty Thieves, the stage is set for large celebrations and events, or share stories over snacks with your crew at one of the tables along Branciforte Creek. Enjoy the playground, bocce ball, disc golf, volleyball and horseshoe pits, not to mention nearby DeLaveaga Golf Course — one of California’s top public links.

Ocean View Park

Ocean View Park sits on a bluff above the San Lorenzo River with views of the legendary Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and its signature rides. Once the site of the historic Ocean View Villa resort, the park now caters to kids who race side-by-side down the 30 foot slides and work up a mean appetite climbing the play structures. Secure a picnic table or lay out your blanket on the grass, then consider a spin on the Looff Carousel at the Boardwalk for your ambitious second act.

Chanticleer Avenue County Park

Located in the Live Oak neighborhood of Santa Cruz, the recently renovated Chanticleer Avenue County Park is a rising star in the pantheon of play. The facilities include picnic tables, on and off-leash dog areas, a bicycle pump track and LEO’s Haven — a large, inclusive play area for children of all abilities. Rave reviews all around.

Wild Roots Market in Felton

Shorecuterie Supplies

Since getting out the door and on the road is priority number one, picking up your supplies locally in Santa Cruz County makes a lot of sense. Sandwich shops like Zoccoli’s Italian Delicatessen or Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria slice it how you like it, while a stop at Santa Cruz Ace Hardware can help with everything from beach chairs and toys to grilling supplies and ice chests. And for endless grab-and-go delights, The Picnic Basket has top-notch items perfect for the mobile adventurer.

Local, independent markets are the cornerstone of Santa Cruz life. Staff of Life Natural Groceries and New Leaf Community Market have multiple locations with a wide range of groceries and prepared foods. Since 1938, Shoppers Corner Market has long been a local fave, and its wine & cheese selection is aged to perfection.

With locations in Felton and Boulder Creek, mountain picnics are tastefully supplied by the good folks at Wild Roots Market. Sustainable and local is the name of the game here, with sandwiches such as The Roaring Camp and The Henry Cowell Club paying homage to local attractions.

Blanket Advice
- Summer mornings can bring coastal fog that eventually burns off, while spring and fall temps are typically mild and fog-free. Be sure to pack warm layers and enjoy the shoulder seasons in Santa Cruz County!
- Before you arrive check the webpage for park hours, vehicle entry fees, and alcohol and pet policies.
- Many parks offer reservable picnic tables both for individuals and groups. Contact the park directly for booking information.
- For visitors who like things official, National Picnic Day falls on April 23 while National Picnic Month spans all of July. For the rebels out there…the rest of the year awaits!
- Use a picnic checklist to guarantee successful snacking…and don’t forget the bottle opener!
- Since we all like talking about dinner during lunch, check out Places To Eat in Santa Cruz County for your follow-up meal.
Art of the Picnic

Silver-haired sojourners listening to birdsong from their picnic table in a peaceful redwood grove… sweethearts sipping wine as they watch the sun dip below a wall of fog far out to sea…beach toys strewn across the family blanket as the Boardwalk beckons. The beauty of Santa Cruz picnics is that no two are alike. The seasons provide their own allure. Surprisingly warm October days invite shorts and tank tops, while in spring ferns unfurl gracefully next to rushing creeks, providing the perfect soundtrack for snacking. Of course what treats you put in your basket and who you invite to come along, that’s up to you. But where you land, that part is pure Santa Cruz.
Dan and Scott Marengo

June 16, 2025

Beaches, Family Fun, Food & Drink, Outdoor + Wildlife, Parks, Things to Do, Vacation Ideas
Top 5 Tide Pools in Santa Cruz County

The expansive coastline in Santa Cruz County offers endless options to explore coastal environments for tide pool treasures. Exploring the tide pools of Santa Cruz unveils creatures like giant sea anemones, colorful sea stars, and dragon-like nudibranchs. Visiting tide pools during low tides or during the annual King Tides event is a wonderful activity perfect for people of all ages looking for a distinctly Santa Cruz experience. With these top 5 tide pools to explore here in Santa Cruz, you’ll never miss a low tide opportunity for adventure again!

Remember to recreate responsibly while exploring all of the wonders these different tide pools offer here in Santa Cruz County. Tide pools are not just incredibly beautiful sights to see but are also very sensitive habitats full of living creatures. So, remember that when viewing tide pools, always leave no trace, respect the creatures you encounter by giving them space, and watch where you step! Also, stay safe while tide-pooling by never turning your back on the waves, wearing appropriate shoe attire to avoid slipping, and always being aware of incoming tides to ensure you can safely leave the area before the tide rises.

1.) Pleasure Point

The Pleasure Point area, which starts at 32nd Street, offers a huge expanse of tide pools uncovered by the receding waves during low tide events. Choose any of the stairways along East Cliff Drive, like the very first one next to the giant tiki statue, to head down to the flat beach that stretches far out into the ocean. These popular tide pools offer an abundance of sea anemones, kelp crabs, and starfish. This tide pool location is one of the best in the area for finding the elusive nudibranch, which is a type of sea slug without a shell that comes in a variety of dazzling colors and looks like a tiny sea dragon! If you’re tide-pooling with kids, this is a wonderful, safe space for them to explore the ocean’s wonders since there are no large drop-offs and the terrain is flat once you reach the beach.

2.) The Hook

This famous surf spot also doubles as a perfect tide pooling location! To find this spot, head to the Hook County Park parking lot at the end of 41st avenue and find the closest staircase across the street. This stairway leads to the beach, where you will head left for a secret low tide spot that features peculiar rock formations covered in bright green algae. Sheltered in the spaces between the waving rocks are alcoves perfect for tide pool creatures like hermit crabs just waiting to be discovered.

3.) Natural Bridges State Park

Located at the end of Santa Cruz’s iconic West Cliff Drive, this easily accessible beach is a perfect place to squeeze in some tide pool time while staying close to the heart of the Santa Cruz area. The iconic rock arch that Natural Bridges State Park is named after is only accessible when the tides are very low. If you’re lucky enough to go tide pooling here, especially during King Tides, you can walk through the arch to find bright, colorful sea stars, vibrant sea anemones, and mussels. Along the shoreline of this state park, visitors can also find lively tide pools on jutting cliff faces. To find these, all you have to do is head down to the shore and then turn right to walk as far as you desire on the small cliffs, where you will find endless pools waiting to be explored.

4.) Capitola Beach/ New Brighton State Park

Capitola is known for its quaint seaside small-town vibe but is equally the perfect place to explore at low tide! Visitors can walk from the Capitola Esplanade onto the beach to New Brighton State Park when the ocean recedes. You can discover at this beach ancient fossils of shells embedded in the clay-like cliffs that are only visible at low tide. Exploring this unique low tide ecosystem is perfect for families looking for a unique experience since the area is entirely flat and offers boulders to climb around on and fossils to find!

5.) Scott Creek Beach

If you’re looking for a little more adventure, head North of Santa Cruz on Highway 1 to Scott Creek Beach for an unforgettable tide pool experience. This gorgeous beach features high craggy cliffs that tower over huge expanses of elevated tide pool areas full of a wide variety of sea life. From sea urchins to sea stars and, if you’re lucky, a tiny octopus, you will be astonished at the bounty of ocean treasures just waiting to be discovered.

BONUS LOCATION!

6.) Greyhound Rock Beach

Greyhound Rock is another North County treasure and is an excellent spot for low tide exploring. With the iconic rock visible from Highway 1 and the beach’s cliff-side parking lot, many may recognize Greyhound from a distance. However, for those willing to do a steep downhill descent (and later ascent), Greyhound Beach is a wonderland of rocky tide pools teeming with marine life. Low tide is key for the pools to be visible, but at high tide, the beach is just as enticing with sheer cliff walls, endless Monterey Bay vistas, and secluded walks along the Pacific coastline.

Monica Multer

January 7, 2025

Beaches, Events, Family Fun, Outdoor + Wildlife, Parks, Things to Do, Vacation Ideas
Top 5 Winter Activities in Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz is a great year-round vacation destination, but the winter months offer some very special reasons to visit that you might not expect. While Santa Cruz is known for soaking up the sunshine during summer, winter provides a unique way to experience some of Santa Cruz’s best features, like huge waves, extremely low tides, and even monarch migrations! If you’re considering exploring Santa Cruz County this winter, here’s a short list of the top 5 ways to enjoy the area during the holiday season!

_{Monarch Butterflies at Lighthouse Field State Beach by Jenn Day}

1. ) Experience the Natural Wonders of Winter

From the forests to the sea, the winter season in Santa Cruz brings an abundance of natural wonders you don’t want to miss, like witnessing the monarch migration or going tide pooling during King Tides. The Monarch butterflies congregate in Santa Cruz and the wider Monterey area around mid-October through mid-February, with a peak season of November – December. In Natural Bridges State Beach, one of the best spots for butterfly viewing, visitors can see the butterflies cluster on the eucalyptus branches and form a “city in the trees,” according to State Park officials. Monarchs can also be found at Lighthouse Field State Beach. Another great natural wonder of winter is the yearly predictable tidal event known as King Tides, which features the year’s highest and lowest tides. This year’s remaining King Tides will take place on December 13 – 15, 2024, however, there are even more dates with these extreme tides! Extreme low tides (and high tides) will be present on the days leading up to and after the dates listed. Winter is also the best time to enjoy our other small creatures, like the banana slug or the California newt, which emerge during the winter’s wetter months.

2. ) Go Christmas Lights Viewing

Watching Santa Cruz come to life with Christmas lights is the best way to get in the spirit of winter festivities! December kicks off with the Lighted Boat Parade at the Harbor where 50 beautifully-decorated power and sailboats parade through the Santa Cruz Harbor. This year, you can watch the boat parade at 5:30 pm on December 7nd, 2024. Another great spot for Christmas lights and decorations is Farley’s Christmas Wonderland in Midtown, a walk-in Christmas experience. This festive exhibit celebrates the traditional wonders of Christmas and visitors can wander through elf villages, sit on fairy benches, and enjoy the holiday spirit. Over at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Holiday Lights, enjoy 1/2 mile of giant Christmas trees twinkling with lights, Santa, reindeer, snowmen, lighted tunnels, and many more magical moments. Enjoy lights by train on the Holiday Lights Train that departs from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Be sure to stick around the Winder Wonderland at the Boardwalk for more festive lights, photos with Santa, a 3-story tall Christmas tree and more!

Across all of Santa Cruz, locals get in the holiday spirit and decorate their homes with fantastic displays of Christmas lights you have to see to believe. From iconic homes like 2580 Bean Creek Rd in Scotts Valley to neighborhoods like Depot Hill in Capitola or historic Walnut Avenue in Downtown Santa Cruz, just driving around to find your favorite decorations is a wonderful way to enjoy winter here in Santa Cruz.

_{Wild Mushrooms in the Santa Cruz Mountains}

3. ) Enjoy All Things Fungus

Mushroom hunting or foraging is a huge part of the Santa Cruz local culture in the winter months when higher rains lead to mushroom booms in the forests! After the first rain of the season, mushrooms begin to crop up everywhere in the natural spaces in Santa Cruz. Some of the best spots to go see mushrooms are the UCSC upper campus and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Whether you’re a full-blown mycophile or just interested in discovering the bountiful world of mushrooms here in Santa Cruz, there are events happening all winter long for all levels of interest. From guided mushroom walks at Schwan Lake to the Fungus Fair happening this January 10-12th, the winter season is truly mushroom time! If you’re less interested in mushroom hikes, or expert-guided mushroom hunting expeditions, you can always enjoy delicious fungus-forward foods at Far West Fungi, which has one of the best grilled cheeses in town! Always remember to be safe when mushroom foraging and consult experts before attempting to eat or pick them for yourself. Be sure to follow collection guidelines since California State Parks don’t allow for mushroom picking for personal use but enjoy looking at the beautiful bounty that nature creates right in our own backyards!

_{Waterfalls at the top of the Lime Kiln Trail in Fall Creek}

4. ) Hike Waterfalls and River Trails

Winter is one of the best times for hiking on trails with rivers and waterfalls, like in Henry Cowell State Park and Fall Creek. The increased rainfall rejuvenates the landscapes, turning the lush trails into a canvas of vibrant greens and cascading rivers. One of the most enchanting winter activities is embarking on hikes along the many water features that come to life during this season. Santa Cruz boasts an array of spectacular trails, where rivers and waterfalls take center stage, like the Lime Kiln Trail, which follows along a rushing river and offers several different waterfalls to enjoy. The winter rains transform these normally tranquil waterways into dynamic, rushing currents, adding an extra layer of excitement to the adventure. Whether you’re an avid hiker or a casual nature lover, exploring Santa Cruz’s water-centric trails during the winter unveils a captivating beauty that is unique to this season. This is also the perfect time to see banana slugs and newts along the damp forest trails!

_{The Sunset from West Cliff Drive}

5. ) Watch Spectacular Winter Sunsets

During the winter months here in Santa Cruz, the sunsets are truly phenomenal. The early setting sun sets the sky on fire with deep rich pink, orange, and red colors that will leave you awestruck. Santa Cruz winters bring cooler weather and rain, resulting in low humidity and crisp clean air. As a result, the winter air contains fewer particulates that can dull sunset colors or leave the air looking hazy. The daily light show of sunsets that look more like paintings than reality is best viewed in the Santa Cruz area between November and February. Find the best sunset viewing spots in the winter along West Cliff Drive or north at the beaches and bluffs along Highway 1 near Davenport like Four Mile Beach or Davenport Landing.

Monica Multer

November 18, 2024

Attractions, Events, Family Fun, Outdoor + Wildlife, Vacation Ideas
Your Guide to Fall Colors in Santa Cruz County

As autumn’s arrival brings shorter days and crisp breezes to the central coast, the seasonal shift welcomes vivid transformations of color across the natural landscape of Santa Cruz County! While California’s central coast may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of fall foliage, there are certainly golden-hued treasures to behold, and Santa Cruz County has its own distinct version of autumn beauty. From hidden pockets of vibrant color tucked in the redwood forests to the autumnal palette of local vineyards settled on rolling hillsides and the leaf-peeping hot spots of downtown’s historic district, there are plenty of options to soak in the sights of the season. Take some time to experience the fall colors in Santa Cruz County!

Redwood Forests

The captivating magnitude of the towering evergreen redwood trees of the Santa Cruz Mountains are certainly worth exploring in their own right, but there is an added magic to the forest as autumn’s coming adds pops of color amongst the green. Deciduous trees that thrive amidst the redwoods include the Big-Leaf Maple, whose sizable leaves turn a spectacular shade of amber, and the California Bay and Pacific Madrone, whose golden leaves scatter vibrant tones across the trees. Felton’s Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is an excellent location to check out these autumn hues: be sure to hike the River Trail, which winds along the banks of the San Lorenzo River as the park is awash in autumnal shades of red, orange, and yellow. The park’s Fall Creek Unit is another fall foliage hotspot: its Lime Kiln trail weaves past historic lime kilns as the redwood canopy is infused with the striking shades of autumn. It makes for a truly tranquil experience! For a more challenging adventure, head to Maple Falls in the Forest of Nisene Marks: this 10-mile-roundtrip trail will have you weaving your way through fern-lined canyons, over fallen logs, and across creek beds as the eponymous maples transform the scenery with their golden season tones. Whichever redwood adventure you choose, there is bound to be bursts of brilliant color around the forest!

Parks

Santa Cruz County’s parks offer a variety of scenic settings to soak in the beauty of autumn’s colorful arrival. Start your journey in the Santa Cruz Mountains at Felton Covered Bridge Park, where seasonal tints of gold and orange can be spotted while walking through the tallest covered bridge in the United States. Head up Highway 9 to Quail Hollow Ranch for a tranquil hike through its oak woodlands and meadows as they shift from lively greens to shades of copper and ochre, making it a prime location for fans of autumnal beauty. Harvey West Park & nearby Evergreen Cemetery make for a slightly-spooky stop on the fall foliage trail! With a canopy of changing oaks and maples hanging overhead, explore one of California’s oldest cemeteries before picnicking at the park.

Those seeking the tranquility of autumn will find refuge in the foliage around Schwan Lake in the Twin Lakes neighborhood as the calm waters and gorgeous colors create a serene leaf-peeping atmosphere. It’s particularly fantastic on foggy mornings! In Soquel, explore the trails in the back of Anna Jean Cummings Park, traversing hillsides covered in oaks and sycamores that paint the landscape in warm autumn colors. Further south, discover Watsonville’s Pinto Lake, where rich fall colors pop amidst the open meadows and tall trees, creating a peaceful backdrop for a lakeside picnic. These parks flaunt Santa Cruz’s fantastic fall foliage!

_{Photo by Daniel Gorostieta}

Farms & Orchards

A not-to-be-missed activity during the fall season in Santa Cruz is a visit to one of our many u-pick farms and orchards! As the warmth of early autumn turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, the local farms and orchards transform into a picturesque wonderland as the fruits of their labor reach peak ripeness. Apples are fully in season, and many charming farms and orchards await with a delectable assortment of apple varieties to choose from. Search for the golden and crimson tones that turn into a delicious snack once picked! Make a day out of a visit to Gizdich Ranch, where you can enjoy a sandwich or snack from their deli to fuel up before handpicking apples to bring home. Don’t forget to grab some pie from their shop before you depart with your bounty! That’s not the only colorful produce in season come autumn: it wouldn’t be Fall without picking a pumpkin to decorate your doorstep! There are an abundance of coastal farms and pumpkin patches where you can search for your favorite gourd with an epic ocean background. Whether you’re picking apples, enjoying fresh produce, or simply soaking in the views, Santa Cruz’s farms and orchards promise a memorable experience filled with the tones of the harvest season!

Historic Downtown District in Santa Cruz

There are few places better for leaf peeping than Santa Cruz’s very own Historic Downtown District. The tree-lined streets are dotted with wonderfully preserved Victorian homes, their colorful façades creating a charming backdrop for the vibrant shades of amber, copper, and rust that make an appearance in autumn. Stroll along the quaint streets with a coffee in hand while you take in the breathtaking views of the trees, draped in colorful foliage. Walnut Avenue is a particular favorite of locals, as several of the historic homes also get “dressed up” for spooky season with jack-o-lanterns and skeletons on the porch! With its extraordinary architecture that is well-framed by the autumnal palette of its foliage, Santa Cruz’s Historic Downtown District truly captures the essence of the season.

Vineyards

Blending the region’s celebrated wine culture with the beauty of the autumn season, head to the vineyards of Santa Cruz County for a distinctive fall foliage experience. As the coastal fog rolls in and autumn’s cooler weather settles over the terroir, the grapevines undergo a remarkable transition: the fruit ripens on the vine as the leaves turn brilliant shades of gold, amber, and crimson. Nestled along the rolling hills of the Corralitos countryside, the coastal cliffs of Davenport, and the open meadows of the Santa Cruz Mountains, there are plenty of options when it comes to enjoying a glass of wine while taking in the spectacular seasonal views.

From its redwood forests, enchanting parks, and historic downtown district to its rolling hills of vineyards, farms, and orchards, Santa Cruz County truly has its own unique and spectacular way of welcoming autumn! As the landscape transforms into a canvas of rich colors, take time to explore these local treasures, savoring the sights of the season. Santa Cruz County may not be the first destination you think of for fall colors, but with so many hidden treasures of foliage to discover, it has certainly earned its place as a leaf-peeping destination!

Caryn Hewlett

October 14, 2024

Family Fun, Outdoor + Wildlife, Parks, Things to Do
Get Spooked with these Halloween Events

Halloween is upon us and Santa Cruz County has all the spooky fun this October! Trick-or-Treating on the Wharf, Halloween Parades, Pumpkin Patches, and so much more! Check out some of the best Halloween events throughout the county!

Pumpkin Patches
Throughout October
Whether you’re looking for pumpkin picking with ocean views or patches decked out with spooky decor, Santa Cruz County has plenty of spots to get you (and your home) in the fall spirit! Check our list here for the best places to pick your perfect pumpkin in Santa Cruz County this fall!

Kianti’s Pizza and Pasta Bar: Halloween Pizza and Drinks
Throughout October
Have Kianti cook up your Halloween nightmares! Drink the frightening Lucifer’s Lemon Drop or Put the Fright in the Coconut. Indulge in the kids Spider Pizza if you are dining in. If you need to feed a crowd at your haunted house, there are delivery and Halloween specials!

Felton Farmer’s Market: Pumpkin Decorating Bonanza
October 14, 2025; 2pm – 5pm
Welcome the fall and its fading light with free pumpkin decorating! At this annual tradition, kids and adults alike will sit down to celebrate the harvest season, the coming holidays and the joy of playing with food. Rodoni pumpkins of all shapes and sizes will be dressed up with veggies, string, pipe cleaners, buttons, and googly eyes. Vendors take advantage of the theme – when you are done with the market hunt seek out some pumpkin ice cream and cardamom carrot pumpkin bread!

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: “Killer Clowns from Outer Space” Fright Flick
October 16, 2024; 7:30pm – 10pm
Bring your friends for a night of fun and frights! With a cocktail in your hand, enjoy this creepy movie filmed right here in Santa Cruz. Full bar featuring signature drinks; snacks available for purchase; fun inflatable chairs available on a first-come-first-served basis.

Actors Theatre: Lucky Time Spooky Play
October 17-20; 24-27, 2024; 8pm – 10pm
Actors Theatre is continuing their tradition of staging a show for the spooky season in October with the world premiere of Lucky Time, a new play by local playwright and author John Chandler, directed by Wilma Marcus Chandler. In Lucky Time, a vehicle breakdown near a remote cabin leads to a night of wine, dangerous confessions, and visitations from past misdeeds. Is it luck when a stranger offers help…or something far worse? Gather your courage and a friend’s hand to squeeze, and head to the theatre to find out!

Roaring Camp Railroads: Thomas and Percy’s Halloween Party
October 4 – 5; October 11 – 12; October 18 – 19; October 25 – 26, 2025
Little engineers won’t believe their eyes, or their ears! Percy will be joining Thomas the Tank Engine on the rails! Also, Thomas the Tank Engine™ will be able to talk to his fans! Dress up for Halloween with favorites Thomas™ and Percy™, for a 20 minute train ride, entertainment, and fun filled activities for the entire family. Activities include: face painting, story telling, train play tables, pick a pumpkin, cookie decorating, coloring, and more.

Scotts Valley: Family Halloween Fun Fest
October 19, 2024; 10am – 3pm
Shop from a variety of local artisans and business. Enjoy games, crafts, costume contests, and Halloween-themed activities for kids of all ages. Win exciting goodies from generous vendors!

Heritage Harvest Festival at Wilder Ranch State Par k
October 19, 2024; 11am – 4pm
It’s time to celebrate harvest time! Participate in historical activities and living history demonstrations including blacksmithing, the Pelton water wheel, and machine shop demonstrations. Enjoy live old-time music, baked goods, and hand-cranked pumpkin ice cream for sale. Enjoy kids’ crafts and games and partake in the apple cider press and heritage apple tasting!

Downtown Santa Cruz: Halloween Mask Making Festival
October 18, 2025; 12pm – 4pm
Enjoy the 26th annual Halloween Festival, including mask-making, creepy carnival games, All About Theatre Halloween performances and Thriller dance!

13 Days of Halloween on the Wharf
October 19 – 31, 2024
Join the Santa Cruz Wharf for 13 days of frightful fun! Take part in the Great Pumpkin BINGO Hunt, snap a photo at our scenic photo booth, and enjoy festive Wharf specials ALL 13 days! It all kicks off October 19. For the Great Pumpkin BINGO Hunt, take your Bingo Card to the Wharf any day during the 13 Days of Halloween on the Wharf. Find hidden pumpkins on the Wharf. Match their ghoulish image on your bingo card and stamp your card. There’s also a photo booth on the Wharf Stage for all 13 days: Snap a festive photo with your family with the scenic Monterey Bay and Lighthouse as your backdrop. Wharf Specials – all 13 days – enjoy fabulous, unique specials from restaurants and gift shops perfectly catered to the Halloween theme. And of course, Trick-o-Treating on the Wharf – October 31, 3:00 – 6:00 pm. Bring the family to show off your creative costumes and trick-o-treat at Wharf businesses.

Venus Spirits: Tiki Macabre
October 23, 2024
Embrace the dark and delightful world of Tiki Macabre with Lindsay Eshleman at Venus Spirits Tasting Room. Explore the spooky side of tiki cocktails in this thrilling and spooky class.

Bookshop Santa Cruz: Fang Fiction
October 24, 2024
Bookshop Santa Cruz welcomes bestselling author, Kate Styaman-London for a reading and signing of her fun new vampire romance, Fang Fiction. Stayman-London will be in conversation with Dr. Rebecca London, Professor of Sociology and Faculty Director of Campus and Community at UC Santa Cruz. The paperback is $19 but attendance is free.

Scotts Valley: Haunted House
October 24 – 26, 2024; 4pm – 8pm
Haunted Schmetterling Village is calling all young children to trick-or-treat at its doors.  Costumes encouraged! The tour is designed for children and their parents. The outdoor festival has something for everyone, including coffee and other vendors, a 125-foot maze, and roaming Thriller zombies.  Scary, but not gruesome or terrifying, the climbing and crawling features are not designed for teens and adults, but childlike parents are welcome to join in where they can!

Museum of Discovery: Halloween Wizarding Adventure
October 25 – 31, 2024; 10am – 5pm
Enter a world of spellbinding wonder where you can send letters via Owl Post, master the art of potion making, fly through a game of Quidditch, embark on a wizardly scavenger hunt, and craft your own magical creations all free with museum admission. Wizards, witches, and muggles welcome & costumes are encouraged!

Skypark: Halloween Food Trucks
October 25, 2024; 4:30pm – 7:30pm
There will be a great lineup of Food Trucks and an amazing local band playing your favorite rock songs – the Dad Beats! There will be beer and wine for the grownups and face panting and a pumpkin patch for the not-so-grown ups. Even Fido is invited for the howl-o-ween dog costume contest!

County Sheriff’s Office: Trunk or Treat
October 24, 2025; 5pm – 8pm
Join the county Sheriff’s Department for their annual Trunk or Treat event! Decorated Trunks, candy, games, food vendors and more! Free parking and shuttle service will be provided at the Capitola Mall.

Cabrillo College: Haunted Halloween Music
October 25, 2024
Go to Cabrillo College for some very spooky music of all genres in a collaborative effort of the entire music department! Costumes recommended.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Chili Cook-Off
October 25, 2025; see time details below
Bring your appetite and join the fun as both professional and amateur chefs work their culinary magic and compete for the title of Best Chili!
Cook-Off Schedule: 9:00 am – 10:00 am: Chef’s prep (no heat); 10:00 am – 1:00 pm: Chili cook time; 10:00 am: Tasting kits go on sale; 1:00 pm: Public tasting begins; 4:00 pm: Winners announced at the Colonnade Stage (front of Pirate Ship). Although not Halloween specific, there are plenty of folks dressed up, in great spirits, and serving up amazing chili!

Scotts Valley: Halloween Treasure Hunt
October 26 and 31, 2024, 10am – 9pm
Join the fifth annual Scotts Valley Halloween Treasure Hunt! Pickup your Treasure Map Saturday October 26th or Thursday October 31st from Togo’s Scotts Valley and begin your journey. They have expanded the treasure hunt to a second day to give more people the opportunity to participate. Event runs from 10am – 9pm on both days and participating businesses on the map will be sharing treasure.

Pleasure Point: Fall Sip and Scare
October 26, 2024; 12pm – 5pm
Bring your friends, get dressed- up & come sip & stroll & shop! Enjoy tastings while strolling through some of your favorite Pleasure Point shops. Check in at the address below to get your glass and follow the balloons to over 20 locations for a sip of your favorite beer and wine!

Santa Cruz MAH: Dia De Los Muertos
October 26, 2025; 1pm – 4pm
This October look forward to another vibrant gathering as we collectively celebrate life and death. For the past 7 years, the team at the MAH has had the opportunity to experience, grow, and share Día de los Muertos with more and more of Santa Cruz County.

Downtown Watsonville: Candy Crawl
October 26, 2024; 2pm – 6pm
Enjoy a hauntingly good time as you trick-or-treat your way through downtown Watsonville businesses! Save the date and fill your bags with treats and memories that will last a lifetime! No pre-registration is required — just show up!

Soquel: Howl-o-ween Doggie Date Night
October 26, 2025; 6pm – 9pm
Go to the dog parade and costume contest, then linger to watch Haunted Mansion with your pooch outside in the park. Don’t have a pet, but love dogs? Go anyway and cuddle with one that is up for adoption! Free and no registration needed.

Natural History Museum: Macabre Halloween Party
October 26, 2024; 6pm – 9pm
Come in costume and imbibe cauldron-concocted cocktails while exploring the chasms of the world beneath our feet. The seventh annual Museum of the Macabre will be bigger than ever with freakish festivities and special exhibits outdoors and inside the Museum’s galleries.

Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics at the Cabrillo College
October 26, 2024; 6:30pm & 9pm
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Santa Cruz. Get your tickets now to discover Halloween-inspired music at Cabrillo College under the gentle glow of candlelight.

Catalyst: Barbie Halloween Party
October 26, 2024; 9pm – 11:30pm
Hi Barbie!  Let’s go party, it’s almost Mali-BOO season at the Catalyst Club.  You must be aged 18 and up to attend this party and late show.  There will be costume prizes, ticket giveaways and more!

Witches Ball at the Brookdale Lodge
October 26, 2024
Fall is coming soon and so is the Witches Ball. Don your most fabulous frock for the best party of the year! Go to the Brookdale Lodge, the most haunted place in California …. if you dare! Vendors and multiple bars to tickle your fancy. Spellbinding witch hat and costume contest. Dance the night away. An exquisite time to be had by all! Lots of spooky vendors! Party will be held both inside and outside. Brookdale Cafe and Grill will be open for midnight pancakes.

Santa Cruz Harbor Witches SUP
October 26-28, 2024; 10:00am – 12:00pm
Join the SUP Shack for their 13th annual Halloween Paddle, where they bewitch onlookers and have general shenanigans on this witchly day at Santa Cruz Harbor. There are three outings. They are all at10am to noon for both Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

Downtown Santa Cruz Halloween Bar Crawl
October 26; October 31, 2024
Prepare to be spellbound by some atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the macabre ambiance, where haunted histories intertwine with contemporary charm. Savor the spine-chilling experience as you explore a selection of Santa Cruz’s most iconic bars and pubs, each offering exclusive food and drink specials tailored to tantalize your taste buds.

Capitola Village Halloween Parade and Trick or Treating
October 27, 2024; 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Ghosts, goblins, boys and ghouls… Don’t miss the annual Capitola Village Halloween Parade! Line up begins at 1:30 pm in the Beach & Village Parking Lot. Parade begins promptly at 2:00 pm. Parade will head down Capitola Avenue, wind through Capitola Village to the Esplanade, ending at Esplanade Park, where trick-or-treat bags and refreshments will be waiting. Trick-or-treating at Capitola Village shops following parade.

Watsonville Youth Center: Maze of Horror
October 30 and 31, 2024; 5pm – 6:30pm
The Youth Center Maze of Horror is BACK! Don’t get lost in the twists and turns of their annual Maze of Horror, where every corner may hold a spooky surprise… Can you make it all the way through?? Head over there to find out.  5pm – 6:30pm on both Wednesday and Thursday nights.

Museum of Natural History: Things That Go Bump in the Night
October 30, 2024; 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Go hear Dr. Jason Xavier Prochaska, with UCSC’s Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics, teach you how he uses sound to discover the edge of infinity. From listening to neutron stars, to the sound of an accelerating universe, it turns out there’s a lot of potential suspects when trying to uncover what things are going bump in the night!

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: “Trick ‘r Treat” Fright Flick
October 30, 2024; 7:30pm – 10pm
Bring your friends for a night of fun and frights! With a cocktail in your hand, enjoy this creepy movie. Full bar featuring signature drinks; snacks available for purchase; fun inflatable chairs available on a first-come-first-served basis.

Downtown Santa Cruz Trick or Treat
October 31, 2024; 2pm – 5pm
Every Halloween, the Santa Cruz Police Department and the City of Santa Cruz close down Pacific Avenue for kids to trick or treat! Watch for signs in the windows of participating businesses.

Aptos Village: Halloween Parade
October 31, 2024; 3pm – 4pm
Get ready for the spookiest, most thrilling event of the year! The Halloween Aptos Chamber Parade is creeping into town, and you won’t want to miss it! Enjoy a fang-tastic time in front of the New Leaf Community Markets in the Aptos Village as the ghouls and goblins take over the streets. Dress up in your most creative and spine-chilling costumes and bring your family and friends.

Trick-Or-Treat on the Santa Cruz Wharf
October 31, 2024; 3pm – 6pm
Little witches, goblins, ghosts, superheroes and their parents can enjoy trick-or-treating on the beautiful Santa Cruz Wharf. Stroll the Wharf and visit your favorite businesses for sweet surprises. The event is free!

Boulder Creek Halloween Celebration
October 31, 2024; 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Put on your silliest, scariest or wackiest costume and join the Boulder Creek Downtown Trick or Treat on Halloween! This is one of the BCBA’s favorite events to host. There will be traffic control volunteers at the intersections and crosswalks from 5-7 ONLY! Please do not cross at Forest Street. Crossing the highway will be allowed at Lomond Street and at the 9/236 intersection. The highway will not be closed, so limiting the places to cross will keep you and your kids safer! Trick or treat!!

Boulder Creek Sawmill: Halloween
October 31, 2024; 7pm – 10pm
Head to the Sawmill Restaurant & Ale House for their first annual Halloween party! They are setting up an outdoor movie from 7-9pm where fido is welcome.  Inside there will be Karaoke shenanigans from 7-10pm.  They are offering $100 restaurant credit for the best costume in the house!

Hotel Paradox: Halloween Party
October 31, 2024; 7pm – 11:59pm
Big Queer Events invites all allies to a burlesque & drag show, plus a fully costumed DJ Dance Party lasting until the witching hour! Costume contest at 8pm, Drag and Burlesque show at 8:30 and DJ;s Mothership Connection from 10pm to midnight.

Joe’s Bar: Halloween Dance Party
October 31, 2024; 7:30pm – 11:30pm
Get ready to hit the dance floor with Jacks and Dogs, your new favorite Americana/rock and roll fusion crew, set to sweep you off your feet with their sweet tunes.  Go hang out, grab a cold one, and let your feet move and your soul groove.  If you haven’t been to Joe’s, you haven’t been to Boulder Creek!

Oblò Cocktails & Kitchen: Yeobo Halloween
October 31, 2024; 8:30pm – 11:59pm
Get ready for a night of frights, delights, and everything in between. Dress up in your best costume and get ready to dance the night away with Yeobo, Cold Water Law Firm, Desert Rider, Encounters of the Funky Kind! There will be a costume contest with significant prizes, and the first 50 ticket purchasers will receive a free drink from the band.

Passed Events

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Fright Flicks – “Us”
October 2, 2024; 7:30pm – 10pm
Bring your friends for a night of fun and frights! With a cocktail in your hand, enjoy this creepy movie filmed right here in Santa Cruz. Full bar featuring signature drinks; snacks available for purchase; fun inflatable chairs available on a first-come-first-served basis.

Downtown Boulder Creek: Treat Walk
October 4, 2024; 5pm – 8pm
Head to Downtown Boulder Creek to enjoy the Annual Treat Walk where both artists and merchants will be handing out candy and treats to the kiddos. Although you are welcome to break out your Halloween costume early, it is not required.

Roaring Camp Railroads Harvest Faire
October 5 – 6, 2024
Welcome Fall with the Harvest Faire at Roaring Camp! Take the Redwood Forest Steam Train to Bear Mountain. Pick a pumpkin from the town pumpkin patch. Activities include: Pick a Pumpkin, Harvest Themed Kids Crafts, Blacksmith, Gold Panning, Live Entertainment.

Museum of Natural History: Creepy Crawly Watercolor Class
October 8, 2024; 6pm – 8pm
Featuring chilling insect displays, and the rarely seen insect taxidermy collection, this program is perfect for aspiring artists and entomologists alike. Taught by a professional entomological illustrator, this workshop will begin with a scientific presentation on insects before transitioning to the painting portion.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: “Dawn of the Dead” Fright Flick
October 9, 2024; 7:30pm – 10pm
Bring your friends for a night of fun and frights! With a cocktail in your hand, enjoy this creepy movie. Full bar featuring signature drinks; snacks available for purchase; fun inflatable chairs available on a first-come-first-served basis.

UCSC: Festival of Monsters
October 11-12, 2024
The Festival of Monsters begins with two days of free public events! Stay tuned for some ways to nerd out on your favorite ghouls on a research level.

Chaminade Resort & Spa: Vampire Ball
October 12, 2024
(21+ event) Sink your teeth into the most enchanting party of the year. Dress in your finest attire or costume and prepare for a night that will awaken your inner vampire. Enjoy drinks, heavy bites, a vampire DJ, dancing, costume contest, photo backdrops and entertainment including fortune tellers and fire dancing.

Tractor or Treat at the Agriculture History Project
October 12, 2024; 11am – 3pm
Come on out for some amazing fall fun! Second Saturday on the farm, Tractor or Treat! Kids and families will enjoy trick-or-treating around the farm, fall crafts, drive a tractor, enjoy a hay wagon ride around the fairgrounds and so much more!

Scarecrow Sip and Stroll in Downtown Felton
October 12, 2024; 12pm – 4pm
Sip apple cider as you stroll charming Downtown Felton and cast your votes at the shops with your favorite scarecrow display.

Special to Visit Santa Cruz

September 29, 2024

Events, Family Fun

events in santa cruz for halloween, Halloween events, halloween events in santa cruz, Halloween in santa cruz, halloween in santa cruz ca, santa cruz 2018 halloween
Coastal Farms & Pumpkin Patches

Whether you’re looking for pumpkin picking with ocean views or patches decked out with decor, Santa Cruz County has plenty of spots to get you (and your home) in the fall spirit! Check our list below for the best places to pick your perfect pumpkin in Santa Cruz County this fall!

Rodoni Farms

Farmers’ market regulars will recognize Rodoni Farms, an organic farm known for their pristine artichokes and Brussels sprouts. During the fall, you can visit their picture-perfect pumpkin patch with rows of the festive squash lining a gentle hill overlooking the ocean.
Pumpkin Patch Open Daily from 9am – 6pm Beginning September 28th
4444 Cabrillo Hwy, Santa Cruz

Post Street Farm

For those sticking in Santa Cruz proper, Post Street Farm is a local favorite for fall fun. Their festive decorations, large variety of pumpkins, and other seasonal vegetables and flowers, make this urban farm a gem of the season! Make sure your phone or camera are charged – you’ll love all the photo ops at this place – and all the scares!
Pumpkins Available as of September 23, 2024; Open Daily from 9am – 9pm
122 Post Street, Santa Cruz

Crystal Bay Farm

Located in Watsonville, Crystal Bay Farm is a fall favorite! With a variety of pumpkins and festive Halloween decor, this small local organic farm also offers u-pick sunflowers, vendors, music on the weekends, food trucks, and more! Entrance fee of $2 per person; no pets please.
Open October: Weekdays from 10am – 6pm; Weekends 11am – 6pm
40 Zils Road, Watsonville

Clearview Orchards: U-Pick Apples and Pumpkins

Clearview Orchards sells fresh apples, apple juice, delicious apple turnovers, organic squash, pumpkins, dried lavender, honey, and more. The orchards are in a beautiful terraced setting overlooking the valley of Watsonville, Only 3 miles from the ocean and La Selva Beach! See their website for more information and to book, as space (and parking) is limited.
September and October: Open Weekends from 10am – 4pm
646 Trabing Road, Watsonville

Corralitos Hills Farm

It’s Corralitos Hills Farm’s inaugural season and they are welcoming visitors to their Pumpkin Patch on weekends from September 28 through October 28! Come out and enjoy a day of fun with your family where you can pick from a wide variety of locally grown and sourced pumpkins and gourds. They have fun games like bocce ball, cornhole, and horseshoes plus, picnic tables to enjoy a beautiful day at the farm in the countryside of Corralitos.
Open Weekends, September 28 – October 28, 10am – 5pm
3240 Freedom Boulevard, Watsonville

Swanton Berry Farm

You’ll want to pull over when you see the old yellow pick-up truck that marks the incredibly charming Swanton Berry Farm. Swing open the screen door and step into the cozy farm stand teeming with a giddy assortment of strawberries, jams you can sample, pies, cobblers, warm cider, and pumpkins. Once you’ve assembled your sweet haul, plop some money into the honor system till and dig in at the blue picnic tables outside.
The Farmstand is Open Daily from 8am – 7pm
25 Swanton Road, Davenport

Rodoni’s Farm Fresh Produce

Formally Fambrini’s, Rodoni Farm Fresh Produce is a quaint farm stand with a variety of organic and fresh fruits and veggies, flowers, snacks and cold drinks, frozen treats; locally made goods like soap, honey – and more; everything you need for your local gift buying! During the month of October, you can also take home a pumpkin or two!
Open seasonally May – October: 10am-6pm Daily
Located approximately 2 Miles South of Davenport, on Highway 1

Sunnyside Pumpkin Patch

The best of a traditional pumpkin patch, plus family friendly fun! Sunnyside Pumpkin Patch is centrally located in Soquel and is open from every day for the month of October. In addition to their pumpkins, Sunnyside also has gourds, squash, a gift shop, games, photo ops, and a jump house!
Open 11am – 7pm Weekdays; 10am – 8pm Weekends
2831 Daubenbiss Avenue, Soquel

Capitola Produce

Sister company to Sunnyside Pumpkin Patch, Capitola Produce is an excellent local spot in the heart of Capitola! Get in the fall spirit and enjoy the best harvest of the season.
Open 11am – 7pm Weekdays; 10am – 8pm Weekends
700A Bay Avenue, Capitola

The Great Pumpkin Patch

Conveniently located and family-friendly, never scary, but always festive feel, The Great Pumpkin Patch is great for little ones!
Open October 1st – 31st from 10am to 8pm
2124 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz

Farmer’s Markets

And of course, if you’d rather pick your pumpkins (and gourds) as you shop the vast agricultural abundance of the county, stop by one of our farmer’s markets! With a market nearly every day of the week, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the farmers’ bounty! See the farmer’s market locations and schedules here.

Happy fall and happy pumpkin picking in Santa Cruz County!

Garrick Ramirez

September 15, 2024

Events, Family Fun, Things to Do

Coastal Farms in Santa Cruz, coastal farms with pumpkins santa cruz, Davenport Pumpkin Patches, Davenport Pumpkins, fambrini’s farms, pumpkin patch in santa cruz, Pumpkin Patches in Davenport, Pumpkin picking, Pumpkin picking in santa cruz, pumpkin picking santa cruz, pumpkins in santa cruz, rodoni farms, santa cruz pumpkin patches, santa cruz pumpkin picking, santa cruz pumpkins, seaside farms santa cruz
Scenic Santa Cruz Strolls

Thanks to an enviable setting between redwood-filled mountains and the wondrous Monterey Bay, one of the most rewarding activities in Santa Cruz County is simply strolling its scenic landscape. Whether you’re seeking a post-brunch dawdle or pre-sunset stride, you’ll discover many pleasing pathways throughout the region – nearly all stroller and wheelchair accessible. So ditch the car, lace up the tennies, and walk, don’t run to the following picturesque spots!

SEASIDE SAUNTERS

For seaside splendor, it doesn’t get more spectacular than the dazzling promenade along West Cliff Drive which winds over ice plant-blanketed bluffs and alongside scenic beach coves. Not to be outdone, East Cliff Drive in Pleasure Point traverses sheer coastal bluffs with exceptional views of the surfer-filled sea. In Aptos, you can amble along a lengthy beachfront path that stretches from Rio Del Mar to Seacliff State Beach. On the western shore of the Santa Cruz Harbor, you’ll find a short but sweet path that skirts the harbor channel-side by side with sailboats, kayakers, and paddleboarders headed out to sea-before reaching Walton Lighthouse which stands on the edge of a dramatic, wave-splashed jetty. At adjacent Seabright State Beach, watch for scores of cute, tiny sanderlings playing chicken with the crashing surf.

GARDEN VARIETY STROLL

You needn’t know a poppy from a protea to appreciate the tranquil respite found at the UCSC Arboretum. The Westside’s best-kept secret features numerous paths that meander through peaceful gardens of exotic plants and succulents from such far-flung destinations as New Zealand, Africa, and Australia. Watch for a pair of elusive-and very rare-white hummingbirds darting about the lush Hummingbird Trail.

PIER PEERS

Who’s going to refuse a stroll that ends with a crab cocktail and bag of oyster crackers? This over-a-century-old structure remains the longest of its kind on the West Coast, currently at nearly 2,600 feet long – that’s approximately two Empire State Buildings, laid on their sides! Wander its wooden plank pathways – perhaps with a steaming cup of clam chowder in hand – and uncover fresh-seafood eateries, local artisan shops, fascinating displays of nature and history, engaging seasonal events, and, of course, the charming chorus of barking sea lions.

MARSHLAND MOSEY

Once you get over the shock of discovering Neary Lagoon – an unexpected and serene wildlife refuge located smack dab in the middle of town-you’ll be even more delighted to explore its plant and wildlife-filled waters via a floating, nearly 1-mile walkway. In Watsonville, you can stroll a pleasant pathway alongside the birder’s paradise of Struve Slough, one of the area’s many scenic waterways that teem with diverse sea and shorebirds and flows out to the Monterey Bay.

HUB CRAWL

Craving some good people-watching-and maybe a little window browsing, too? Head to Pacific Avenue, a bustling, nine-block thoroughfare that’s chock-a-block with colorful boutiques, historic architecture, and lively restaurants and bars that spill out onto the sidewalk. In Capitola, Neapolitan ice cream-colored buildings, cute shops, and heaps of seaside charm make strolling the resort village a delight. Don’t miss the waterfront esplanade whose 500-foot seawall that’s lined with 1,400 colorful tiles created by locals sharing their memories of Capitola.

You haven’t reached the end of the road just yet! There are many more ways to stretch your legs in Santa Cruz County, including gaining some elevation-and killer views-with our list of scenic stairways, or swapping the trainers for hiking boots on one of these top trails.

Garrick Ramirez

July 15, 2024

Beaches, Family Fun, Hiking, Things to Do

Arboretum, best places to stroll in santa cruz county, best places to walk in santa cruz, Capitola, Capitola Village, Capitola Wharf, east cliff drive, neary lagoon, santa cruz county strolls, Santa Cruz Wharf, strolls in santa cruz county, uc arboretum, UCSC Arboretum, west cliff drive
Your Guide to U-Pick Farms in Santa Cruz County
Blanketing the coastline of Santa Cruz County are seemingly endless fields of strawberries, artichokes, olallieberries, and more: an assortment of the delicious, farm-fresh bounty that feeds this area and the world beyond. The coastal fog covers the rich, fertile land with much-needed moisture all year round, producing an astoundingly fresh bounty meant to be savored. Head to the source of it all to connect to the land and harvest your own crops at one of the many U-Pick Farms sprinkled throughout Santa Cruz County. From the lush, green fields of Davenport to the sun-dappled orchards of Watsonville, don’t miss a chance to spend the day luxuriating in the Santa Cruz County U-Pick Farm experience!

SUMMER

Come summertime, there is a multitude of options when it comes to foraging fruits, vegetables, and flowers! Swanton Berry Farm opens its organic olallieberry season to the public in June, July, and August. Speaking of olallieberries, they have grown sweet and full of flavor alongside the boysenberries at Gizdich Ranch* by midsummer. From June until September, it’s the opportune time to pick raspberries at Crystal Bay Farm in Watsonville. Head to Live Earth Farm to search for the best juicy, ripened blackberries late in summer. Strawberries are still ripe for picking and plentiful during the summer at Swanton Berry Farm, Live Earth Farm, Crystal Bay Farm, and Gizdich Ranch*! For a bite of something more savory, collect tomatoes and peppers in August at Live Earth Farm in Watsonville or Post Street Farm in Santa Cruz. Be sure to call or check websites before your visit as some locations require reservations.

To spend an afternoon or evening collecting blossoms, head to Beeline Blooms in Ben Lomond, in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains. After 2020’s wildfires scorched the land around her home, owner Karla DeLong created Beeline Blooms to tend to the community’s need for a safe haven and hope. Visit her garden, pick some lively dahlias to take home, and marvel at the healing ability of nature and community. Dahlia U-pick begins in July/early August and runs until Autumn. And if you’d rather do your dahlia U-picking in south county, visit Vallejo Street Dahlias at 37 Paulsen Road in Watsonville. Tickets are available on their website.

Also blooming in mid-July is the sweet scent of lavender at Noble Harvest Farm in Aptos. Visit their website for current hours and location. Pro tip: it’s a great place for a photo shoot! Another fantastic setting for lavender picking is Watsonville’s Mariquita Farms, where they’ve created a stunning lavender labyrinth to wander through. Immerse yourself in the relaxing scent and colors of the blooms, for visitors aged 10 and above by reservation only.

_{(season currently closed as of August 10, 2024)}

AUTUMN

The autumn harvest season is one of the best times to visit Santa Cruz County! As the warmth of early autumn turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, many orchards, vines, and blooms reach peak ripeness. Apples are fully in season, and it’s Watsonville’s time to shine: charming farm orchards await, with a delectable assortment of apple varieties to choose from. Make a day out of a visit to Gizdich Ranch, where you can enjoy a sandwich or snack from their deli to fuel up before handpicking apples to bring home. Don’t forget to grab some pie from their shop before you depart with your bounty! Another local favorite is Live Earth Farm, whose gala and fuji apples are ready to pick in late September. Reservations are required. Nearby is a family-owned, certified organic farm focused on their apples and peaches: Clearview Orchards. From September to November, you can pick your own organic fuji and gala apples on weekends. If apple picking isn’t your style, you can still grab a treat from the Apple Barn, which stocks the finest organic apples, dried lavender, local honey, and even homemade apple turnovers. Support local orchards while getting the freshest apples you’ve ever tasted right from the tree!

Autumn is more than apples, however: the strawberry season comes to a close in September, so head to Swanton Berry Farm for the last organic berries of the season. Dahlias are at their fullest in autumn, vibrant blooms covering the mountainside at Ben Lomond’s Beeline Blooms. A spectacular field of marigolds awaits at Mariquita Farm near Watsonville; take your pick at the end of October and early November for Day of the Dead celebrations and more! They often host string-lit dinners on the farm in autumn, so be sure to check out their offerings. Advanced reservations for visitors 10 and older are required. And it wouldn’t be Fall without picking a pumpkin to decorate your doorstep: there is an abundance of coastal farms and pumpkin patches where you can search for your favorite gourd with an epic ocean background.

WINTER

While the winter season is one of rest for most farms, gardens, and orchards around Santa Cruz County, some crops thrive in the coldest season of the year here. From November through January, visitors can drive up the coast to Davenport’s Swanton Berry Farm to gather organic kiwi as a scrumptious souvenir. Winter is also a great time to stop at the many farmstands and markets to stock up on locally-made preserved goods, such as jams, jellies, and pickled bounty!

SPRING

After the winter rains give way to sunnier spring days on the coast, up pop tiny flashes of scarlet: strawberries, vibrantly shining amidst the expansive green fields along the central coast. From May to October, it’s strawberry season in Santa Cruz County! Take your pick from local, certified organic farms, like Davenport’s Swanton Berry Farm on weekends and Watsonville’s Crystal Bay Farm on Wednesdays & weekends. Live Earth Farm, also in Watsonville, opens its doors in early June for strawberry picking. Reservations are required. For some extra sweetness, head to Watsonville’s Gizdich Ranch, whose strawberry season starts in May alongside their Pie Shop and Deli, so you can have a picnic after you pick. Don’t forget to check out their Farm Store & Antique Shop on-site! If handpicking flowers is more to your taste, head to Santa Cruz’s Post Street Farm to gather your fill of pastel peonies and vibrant ranunculus.

For something a bit more savory, head to Mariquita Farm near Watsonville to gather your own fresh herbs from the farm. Their lavender labyrinth is available to explore, although the blooms won’t be ready until summertime. The beautiful property welcomes visitors ages 10 and over by reservation only, and the best way to stay up-to-date on their offerings is to sign up for their newsletter!

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL U-PICK EXPERIENCE:
- Check the farm’s schedule. Many farms require reservations or have specific hours when visitors can pick the bounty, so it’s always best to check each farm’s website for requirements to ensure a smooth visit.
- Dress appropriately. Santa Cruz’s cool marine layer can roll in or out quickly, so be sure to wear layers so that you can be comfortable no matter the climate. Sturdy shoes that you’re not worried about getting dirty are a must!
- Pack supplies. Don’t forget to lather on the sunscreen and bring water, a hat, and a reusable bag to carry your crops.
- Respect the farms. Support these small, local farms while respecting the guidelines they have in place to ensure everyone has a safe and fun visit.
The abundance of U-Pick farms in Santa Cruz provides a noteworthy way to connect to the area’s roots, its local agriculture, and to revel in its fresh, seasonal produce. No matter which season you’re planning to visit Santa Cruz County, the area’s bounty, from strawberries to olallieberries, apples, and kiwis, is sure to delight. Gather your friends and families to head to the fields and pick your way through Santa Cruz County this season!
Caryn Hewlett

June 21, 2024

Family Fun, Food & Drink, Things to Do
Summer Guide to the Beach Boardwalk
Is there any purer expression of summer than a day at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk? For over 100 years, the seaside amusement park has thrilled all ages with its festive mix of sun, fun, and nostalgia. It’s just as enchanting today as the day it opened in 1907 and it continues to delight with new rides, treats, and events. Here’s a handy guide to all that’s happening this summer at the Boardwalk.

ENTERTAINMENT

Evenings on the Colonnade at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Come for the rides and stay for the entertainment with Evenings on the Colonnade! Where you can listen to live music with delicious food & drink in your hand, be amazed by magicians & acrobats, and show off your best dance moves with a DJ dance party at the Plaza stage. Evenings at the Colonnade are from June 17 – August 9, 2024 from 9pm – 10:30pm on the Colonnade Deck. Live Music is on Mondays & Tuesdays, Musicians and Acrobats is on Wednesdays & Thursdays, and DJ Dance Parties are on Saturdays & Sundays (DJ Parties are from July 22 – August 4).

Evenings on the Colonnade Monday & Tuesday Live Music Lineup:
- June 17, 2024: Ripatti & Rose
- June 18, 2024: Simon Santiago
- June 24, 2024: Ted Welty
- June 25, 2024: Scott Cooper and Fred Rodriguez
- July 1, 2024: Lucas Lawson
- July 2, 2024: Billy Reese
- July 8, 2024: Jim Lewin & Diana Z
- July 9, 2024: 7th Wave
- July 15, 2024: Anthony Arya
- July 16, 2024: Paul Hayward
- July 22, 2024: Matt Masih Duo
- July 23, 2024: Amy Obenski
- July 29, 2024: Noach Tangeras
- July 30, 2024: Shawn Yanez
- August 5, 2024: Shotgun Suitor
- August 6, 2024: Liam Gillespie
Free Movies on the Beach
What’s better than free summertime movies on the beach? From June 14 through August 9, 2024, each Friday night at 9:00pm, the Boardwalk screens popular classics on a giant screen set between the Monterey Bay and the twinkling lights of the Boardwalk. This year’s killer line-up includes The Lost Boys, Space Jam, Selena, Shrek, and more. Bring the family, your blanket, or a low-back chair, and smell the kettle corn, corn dogs, and saltwater taffy filling the air!

Here is the Boardwalk Movies at the Beach schedule:
- June 14, 2024: The Lost Boys
- June 21, 2024: Book of Life
- June 28, 2024: Barbie
- July 5, 2024: The Sandlot
- July 12, 2024: The Endless Summer
  - Special Event: Special Endless Summer 60th Anniversary Merch for sale at The Walk on the Colonnade. 12pm-3pm: Surf Band, The New Shockwaves, free performance at Coasters Patio. 7pm-8:30pm: Meet & Greets from Endless Summer II’s Robert “Wingnut” Weaver, Big Wave Surfer Jeff Clark, and Jimbo Phillips at The Walk on the Colonnade. 9pm: Movie starts.
- July 19, 2024: Wonka (2023)
- July 26, 2024: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
- August 2, 2024: Trolls (2016)
- August 9, 2024: The Goonies
For additional Boardwalk Entertainment throughout the summer, check their website.

DEALS & DISCOUNTS

Monday – Thursday from June 17 – August 8, 2024, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is offering Summer Discount Nights after 6pm. Come in the evenings and save, all summer long! Purchase a “Summer Discount Night” wristband and get Unlimited Rides after 6pm for only $24.95 + tax! Valid Monday-Thursday only.

WHAT’S NEW

There are two new rides at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk this year: Dream Wheel and Surge! Dream Wheel, a 65-foot modern take on a classic Ferris wheel features 15 colorful gondolas which seat four adults or six children. This mellow, family-friendly ride provides stunning views of the Monterey Bay, Downtown Santa Cruz, and the boardwalk itself. Surge is a classic thrill ride with a unique spin: seating up to 24 riders, this new attraction employs over-the-shoulder restraints to lock riders in as they are spun swiftly in a circle and tilted while being raised off the ground, providing 360 degrees of excitement.

EATS AND DRINKS

Whether it’s frozen or fried, the Boardwalk delivers over-the-top treats. Don’t skip out on an opportunity for a deep fried Oreo® or Smucker’s® Uncrustable® peanut butter and jelly sandwich. And these aren’t the only fried eats to be tried – artichokes, Fish and Chips, and Twinkies to name a few can also be found at the Boardwalk. Sweet tooth? No problem. This magical place offers loaded churros, root beer floats, Dippin’ Dots, cotton candy, soft serve, and more. Cruzin’ Crepes offers delicious made-to-order crepes filled with sweet or savory fillings and fresh-brewed, flavored teas. Looking to wash these treats down? Head over to the Coca-Cola Refreshment Zone to grab a one-of-a-kind beverage from Coca-Cola or enjoy a Boardwalk Dreamin’ IPA from local brewery, Humble Sea Brewing Co.

Some additional favorites include corn dogs, Tater Twists, popcorns (they even have Cheeto flavor!), and the Boardwalk Pretzel Factory where you can watch as gourmet soft pretzels are hand twisted before your eyes!

And no trip the the Boardwalk would be complete without a stop at Marini’s Candies! From classic Salt Water Taffy and candy apples to more adventurous finds like chocolate covered bacon, Marini’s has something for every sweet tooth!

For more Boardwalk food finds, check out these Buzzworthy Boardwalk Bites!

RIDES

Although the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster (shout-out to its 100th Birthday in 2024!) and the Looff Carousel are still Boardwalk favorites, the spins and wave-shaped track of the 65’ Shockwave keeps its 24 riders thrilled every second, on individual motorcycle-style seats facing outward around a large disk. Enjoy a panoramic ocean view from high above the Boardwalk as you float around a watery track on Logger’s Revenge. And a pro-tip for a day at the Boardwalk: buy your wristbands in advance to save! Or better yet, snag an annual pass that pays for itself in just two visits! See more info on the Boardwalk tickets page.

GAMES

Don’t pass up on a few games at the Boardwalk! Test your skills, win prizes, and at least get a good laugh at the many Midway Games. From classics like Dime Toss and Milk Bottle to less traditional favorites like Jungle Climb and Ping-A-Palooza, you and your crew are sure to be entertained! And of course, if you’re looking for traditional arcade games, a round of mini golf, or to give bowling a shot, head over to Neptune’s Kingdom, Casino Arcade, and the Boardwalk Bowl.
Garrick Ramirez

June 12, 2024

Attractions, Family Fun
Opt Outside in Santa Cruz County

We are highlighting some of the best places in Santa Cruz County to explore the great outdoors! From miles of sand to comb on the beaches of south county to zip lining through the resilient redwoods, you’ll love getting some fresh air with these outdoor explorations.

#1: HIKE THE FOREST OF NISENE MARKS
Located in Aptos, The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park offers 30 miles of trails for walking, running, hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Interesting sites include an unusual, twisted grove of redwoods, remnants of an old sawmill, and the epicenter of the devastating 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. For those looking for a longer trek with big rewards, hike to Maple Falls where you’ll enjoy all the splendor of the redwoods, a waterfall, plus a few creek crossings along the way.

#2: TIDE POOL AT NATURAL BRIDGES
There are many spots to tide pool in Santa Cruz County, but a classic has to be Natural Bridges State Beach. The famed arch, monarchs in the winter, and year-around abundance of wildlife by land, sea, air, and lagoon, make this spot a must-see. Take a peek at this Moment in Nature from Natural Bridges State Beach and you’re sure to be convinced. Request a free Birding and Wildlife Watch Guide for info on where to go, when, and what to look for! And be sure to check out the King Tides and Monarch Butterflies in the winter months!

#3: TAKE A LONG WALK ON THE BEACH
Enjoy miles and miles of continuous sand at south county beaches. From Seacliff to Rio Del Mar, Seascape to La Selva and Manresa to Sunset (pictured here), you just might have a bit too much sand to explore! These wide-open beaches are perfect for a socially distanced day at the beach. And if you’re looking to extend your south county adventures, find places to stay here.

#4: ROAM THE GARDENS AT THE ARBORETUM
With 135 acres of gardens and blooms, there’s plenty of room to roam at the UCSC Arboretum. Succulent gardens and botanical and foliage from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and California are all found on the expansive grounds. See a variety of rare fruit trees and bustling aroma gardens – bustling with hummingbirds and bees that is.

#5: SURF THE MONTEREY BAY
Whether you’re a seasoned (salty) surfer or a hang ten newbie, get out in the Monterey Bay and take to the waves. Surf lessons are available or you can opt for surfboard, stand-up paddle board, or boogie board rentals. And if you’d rather watch from the shore, that’s okay too.

#6: TAKE A SCENIC WATERFRONT WALK
Enjoy a stroll along the coast with the Best Waterfront Walks in Santa Cruz County. West Cliff Drive is a classic oceanfront promenade where you can take the family, pups, and kids, and bask in the dazzling, local scenery. Be sure to check our whole list – spoiler: one isn’t by the ocean!

#7: VISIT THE WATSONVILLE WETLANDS
“Birds are everywhere you look,” proclaims a trail sign along the Struve Slough, one of six, interlinked freshwater sloughs that slice through South County. Over 90 percent of California’s wetlands have been lost to development and the Watsonville Sloughs are one of the largest remaining marshlands in the state. The wetlands provide a year-round home for local birds such as the White Pelican and serve as a stopover point for migratory birds visiting from faraway locales such as South America. Request a free Birding and Wildlife Watch Guide for more helpful info.

#8: RIDE THE TRAIN AT ROARING CAMP RAILROADS
Hop aboard the train at Roaring Camp where you can see California’s towering redwood trees from two historic railroads. Travel on authentic 19th century steam trains through the Big Trees to the summit of Bear Mountain or ride early 1900s Pullman cars on open-air excursion cars along a scenic river gorge through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park to the beach of Santa Cruz.

#9: HIKE THE COAST AT WILDER RANCH
Enjoy the best of both views at Wilder Ranch State Park. Grasslands, oaks, knobcone pines, coastal redwoods, douglas firs, rugged coastline, tidepools, hidden beaches, Victorian farmhouse, barns — need we say more? Wilder Ranch boasts a wide assortment of terrain and habitat, and offers over 34 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails winding through coastal terraces and valleys. Need more proof? Watch this Moment in Nature from Wilder Ranch State Park.

#10: GO HIGH IN THE REDWOODS AT MOUNT HERMON ADVENTURES
For the thrill seekers, you can climb, crawl, swing and soar through a redwood canopy at Mount Hermon Adventures. On the Redwood Canopy Tour, enjoy six zip lines and two suspension bridges hung serenely above a babbling creek among towering redwoods. This continuous canopy tour experience keeps you high above the earth in the branches of ancient trees. For a more active adventure, take the Sequoia Aerial Adventure where you traverse rope and timber obstacles suspended between the redwood trees high above the forest floor.

#11: HIKE THROUGH ANCIENT REDWOODS AT HENRY COWELL
Take a Moment in Nature at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Located in Felton, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is known for its rich history and lush, towering redwoods. Notable visitors such as President Theodore Roosevelt spent time among the old-growth redwoods and inspired preservation efforts to keep our nature pristine. The Redwood Grove Trail circles around the park’s oldest and largest trees and is wheelchair and stroller accessible. And in case you missed the first link, watch this video from Henry Cowell and see how many creatures you can spot.

After all that outdoor action, fuel up al fresco with some local eats and drinks at one of the best scenic patios in Santa Cruz County! And if you’re looking to extend your adventures in Santa Cruz County, check our site for information on hotels, motels, B&Bs, and vacation rentals.

Special to Visit Santa Cruz

June 3, 2024

Beaches, Family Fun, Hiking, Outdoor + Wildlife, Parks, Things to Do, Vacation Ideas
3 Reasons to Visit the Arboretum & Botanic Garden
Nestled among the towering redwood trees and rolling hillsides of UCSC is an extraordinary garden filled with rare and exotic plants from around the world: The Arboretum & Botanic Garden at UC Santa Cruz. Showcasing remarkable flora from near and far, the Arboretum’s variety of blooms and greenery is an excellent habitat befitting the many pollinators and other wildlife in the area. After taking a stroll around this serene sanctuary, stop in at Norrie’s Gift and Garden Shop, where you can browse the nursery plants and goods that bring a bit of the Arboretum’s botanical magic to your home. The spectacular flora, abundant fauna, and delightful gift and garden shop are three fantastic reasons to visit the Arboretum & Botanic Garden at UCSC!

Flora

The Arboretum is home to over 300 rare and unique plant species from all around the world! Stretching across 115 acres, the grounds are covered in an assortment of micro-climates, soil types, and topography, allowing a diverse range of plants to thrive here. The Arboretum has a world-class collection of unique, endangered, and exceptional plants from all over the globe. Begin your world tour close to home at the California Natives garden, highlighting local species which range from Ponderosa Pines and California Poppies to Coast Live Oaks and Wild Lilacs, many of which flourish here naturally. Continue your botanical adventure through the South African garden, which features the distinguished King Protea plant, whose colorful inflorescences can grow to a significant size! The proteas reach their peak bloom in mid-winter, bringing vibrancy to gardens all year round. More spectacular blooms in the South African garden include the dazzling jewel tones of leucadendrons and pincushions, as well as the largest collection of Erica flowers outside of Africa, with over 600 species growing.

Many of the rare and endangered blooms on display are actively being preserved by the Arboretum to protect the world’s biodiversity. Discover the botanical beauty from around the globe as you continue through the remarkable New Zealand and Australian gardens, with rarities like a young kauri forest and Fireballs, “whose botanical name, Telopea speciosissima, roughly translates as ‘most spectacular object seen from afar.’” The gardens bloom throughout the year, with enough horticultural diversity to fill you with wonder and delight with every visit!

Fauna

The expansive horticultural space at the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum is also home to an abundance of wildlife: hummingbirds and butterflies, as well as other fauna, like scrub jays and rabbits. It’s truly a birdwatcher’s paradise! Keep your eyes peeled for the flitting of the delicate Anna’s Hummingbirds, which live in the garden year-round. Springtime and early summer bring Allen’s Hummingbirds, which tend to hang out in the Arboretum’s Hummingbird Hot Spots, found in the Australian and South African gardens. Avian admirers may catch a glimpse of some California quail, which thrive in the garden’s shrubbery, red-tailed hawks, which search for prey in the great meadows just outside of the gardens, and western bluebirds, which have been encouraged to live at the Arboretum through a Nest Box program (read more here: UCSC Arboretum). Other winged creatures flourish in the park too: butterflies can often be found tucked between the California and New Zealand gardens, in the part of the garden dedicated to providing them nectar and refuge. Common sightings include Monarchs, Common Buckeye, and Cabbage Whites. If you’re lucky, you may spot a Western Tiger Swallowtail! Other wildlife to be found around the expansive property include Western Fence Lizards, rabbits, and snakes. The gardens are brimming with life: their year-round blooms create a spectacular habitat for all kinds of wildlife!

Norrie’s Gift and Garden Shop

A visit to the Arboretum wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Norrie’s Gift and Garden Shop! Browse the shop’s outdoor nursery, which stocks Mediterranean-climate-friendly plants for your home garden. Support local pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, by planting these in the nearby community. The gift shop is a treasure trove filled with garden art, jewelry, homewares, books, and more. Peruse the botanical offerings at Norrie’s Gift and Garden Shop and pick up something unique to add a bit of character to your home!

Bonus: Tours

With so much land to explore, it can be a challenge to know where to start exploring the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum. Good news: on the first Saturday of each month, there is a docent-led tour of the gardens at 11 am. For one hour, learn all about the Arboretum’s plant collections, deepen your knowledge of how this ecosystem interacts, and consider the adaptations these plants and animals have evolved to continue thriving amidst a changing climate (read more here: UC Santa Cruz Arboretum). If exploring solo is more your style, try one of the Arboretum’s self-guided tours.

Take Note:
- Admission is $10 for adults, with discounted rates for seniors and children.
- The garden is open from 9 AM – 5 PM daily.
- No pets are allowed at the Arboretum.
The Arboretum is a botanic wonderland brimming with spectacular flora, fantastic fauna, and a charming gift and garden shop to help you remember your visit. Discover rare plants, spot wildlife, and seek out serenity in the living canvas of the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Gardens!

^{_{Photo by Jenn Day; All other photos by Caryn Hewlett}}
Caryn Hewlett

May 15, 2024

Family Fun, Hiking, Outdoor + Wildlife, Things to Do