Step outside of the typical conference space for your next event and explore off-the-beaten-path venues that can’t be found anywhere else. From historical properties and seaside inns to tranquil gardens and redwood retreats, Santa Cruz County has it all. For an event steeped in local culture, distinct architecture, and that uniquely Santa Cruz County factor, consider these out-of-the-box locations and boutique hotels.
Storied Stages with Character
Rich with history, Santa Cruz County has no shortage of museums and historic spaces ripe for making your next event a memorable one.
The Bockius-Orr House and gardens, headquarters of the Pajaro Valley Historical Association, offers a picturesque backdrop for events nestled into a private yard under the shade of 125-year-old oak trees. For a unique taste of local history, attendees can browse the rotating exhibits from one of the largest costume collections in the Central Coast area.
To dive into the local biology, science, and nature, consider Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. Its historic Carnegie Library building and galleries can accommodate up to 150 guests. Attendees can browse the meticulously preserved artifacts and exhibits, all while sipping cocktails and mingling.
Speakers and attendees alike will feel like stars at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium — a storied performance space where acts like Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, and the Miss California beauty pageant took center stage. Paired with the modern twist on Mission-style architecture, this venue is the perfect remix of classic and new style.
Let’s Take This Outside
Visiting the coast, mountains, and redwood forest all in one trip is the signature Santa Cruz County experience. To give attendees an adventure to remember, check out these unique venues shrouded in nature and the great outdoors.
Make a big splash at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, located on the bluffs of Monterey Bay. Rent the exhibit hall and seawater touch table for an up-close, hands-on encounter with local marine life. The main event room boasts panoramic ocean views and a private terrace so attendees are never far from the sea breeze.
Surround event attendees with unique, rare, and endangered flora and fauna from all over the world at the UCSC Arboretum & Botanic Gardens. This natural oasis makes an excellent vantage point for birdwatching and spotting local wildlife that come to play in the protected lush greenery. Set up shop in the Arboretum or opt for the meeting hall with an outdoor patio add-on.
DeLaveaga is known for its golf course, but this hidden gem serves as a crowd-pleasing entertainment hub with something for everyone, from foodies and disc golfers to theater enthusiasts and hikers. An award-winning restaurant, Shakespeare in the park, the Top of the World bench hike, and a world-renowned 27-hole disc golf course mean attendees will have no shortage of activities and exploration options during their downtime.
A Touch of Whimsy
Vintage charm and picturesque scenery abound in these intimate venues perfect for fun team building, cozy retreats, and smaller receptions in Santa Cruz County.
Walnut Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz is known for homes with fairytale Victorian architecture. Call to mind the same nostalgia by hosting your next meeting at the West Cliff Inn, a fully renovated Victorian inn with ten rooms — the perfect blend of boutique hotel and B&B. Located just steps away from Cowell’s Beach and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, attendees are never far from the excitement but can enjoy a calm respite in a cozy home.
The charming Ocean Echo Inn & Beach Cottages makes the perfect secluded location for corporate retreats and team building events. Perched right on Monterey Bay’s Sunny Cove Beach, attendees can leave the hustle and bustle behind and embrace the inspiration of a seaside escape.
A more rustic atmosphere can be found at The Cowell Ranch Hay Barn, a renovated space with an open floor plan and sweeping views of Monterey Bay. During business hours, attendees are free to explore the next-door UC Santa Cruz fully functional farm and center for agroecology.
For a private woodland retreat tucked into the Santa Cruz mountains and redwood forest, Kennolyn delivers a one-of-a-kind adventure. Set on 450 acres — most of it pristine and untouched — the private cabins, inns, and cottages feel like your own personal hideaway. Event spaces include several meeting rooms, dining room, parlor, and an outdoor amphitheater. The nearby Stone Creek Village makes the perfect venue for teambuilding. With a ropes course, trapeze, climbing wall, pool, pickleball court, shuffleboard, corn hole, and inflatable movie screen for movies under the stars, it’s like summer camp for grown-ups.