Fall is here in Santa Cruz County! With crisp fall air mornings and warm afternoons, taking the time to bring a team together to bond outside the workplace is a no-brainer. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-packed adventure or a more introspective experience for your group, Santa Cruz County offers a variety of team-building experiences!
Adventure in the Trees
Eco-Adventures in the Redwood Forest at Mount Hermon Adventures – A variety of options await in the Santa Cruz Mountains! Nestled in a coastal redwood forest, groups of all sizes can experience team play, a Redwood Canopy Tour, a Sequoia Aerial Adventure, and a Zayante Team Building Course. Zip lining through the forest, navigating across a suspension bridge, and relying on co-workers to bond through outdoor adventure exercises are all on tap at Mount Hermon!
Wine Down
Enjoy cabernet, chardonnay, cuvee, and other exquisite wines at an exclusive tasting or while you play outdoor games at picturesque Regale Winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains – Bocce ball, croquet, corn hole, and horseshoes are just some of the ways to play at Regale Winery. Inspired by Italian architecture and landscapes, groups can enjoy meals outdoors on the Vineyard Patio surrounded by lush gardens and mountain views. The winery itself feels like a private estate, with breathtaking views of expansive vineyards.
For the Mellow Members
Team Building & Leadership Development with Horses – Join Intentional Leaders for a unique equine experiential leadership and teambuilding retreat held on a Soquel ranch. This more introspective activity partners participants with horses (free of equipment – no riding) as the co-facilitators and offers powerful insight about effective relationships, creative problem solving, and the self-empowerment that results from enhanced awareness, presence, and intention.
Jump Start
Take in the view of Santa Cruz County at 18,000 feet with Go Jump! Corporate groups can gain elevation in a private spacious aircraft, then enjoy an ocean view jump with an experienced instructor. Kick-off your corporate event or celebrate the end of your conference with the highest parachute jump in California. Easy breezy!
Crafty Crew
Get creative with Craftbar at Annieglass Studios – Corporate groups can get creative at renowned glass artist Ann Morhauser’s studio factory in Watsonville. In addition to factory tours and wine tasting, Craftbar features workshops creating art from different mediums, including ceramics, clay and metal jewelry, textiles, glass, wax painting, and other forms of art. Meet the artist herself: Annie Morhauser’s designs are sold at luxury retailers such as Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales; as well as at boutique retailers across the United States. Annieglass is used at leading hotels and restaurants such as the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, the Four Seasons, the Ritz Carlton, and the Waldorf Astoria.
LinksIn
Play Around at Pasatiempo Golf Club – Designed by renowned golf architect Alister MacKenzie, Pasatiempo was named by Golf Digest as one of the top 3 “Courses You Can Play in California” (along with Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill). Schedule group golf lessons with a pro who can help your group master technique, perfect swings, and putting. For corporate groups who are already familiar with the sport, reserve some tee times and make a day of it! Finish the afternoon with lunch at Mackenzie Bar & Grill.
Board Meeting
Stand Up Paddle Boarding with SUP Shack – Work out your core while gaining trust with co-workers as you test your mettle with a one or two-hour SUP lesson. Explore the Santa Cruz Harbor and then venture out to Twin Lakes Beach on the Monterey Bay where teammates can gain confidence in the water.
Kayak Excursion with Kayak Connection – Whether it’s trusting your teammates to hold their kayaks steady as you walk across them, or working together to practice water rescues, they’ve got something that will inspire, thrill, and motivate your crew out on the beautiful Monterey Bay!
For a classic Santa Cruz experience, Club Ed International Surf School and Camp and Richard Schmidt Surf School both offer group surfing lessons. Try this official sport of California in the birthplace of mainland surfing in the United States, where legendary wetsuit pioneer Jack O’Neill helped bring this iconic pastime to the world stage. Friendly instructors will get your team members standing on a board and riding the waves in no time.
Sails Team
Learn to Sail with Chardonnay Sailing Charters – Take your team out to sea and learn to sail a Santa Cruz 70-foot world-class yacht! After your introduction to their vessel, it is time to set sail into open water, where your new skills will allow you to take the helm, trim the sails, and lead your shipmates on an adventure navigating the waters of the Monterey Bay!
The team at Visit Santa Cruz County looks forward to welcoming you back in 2022! Be sure to follow Meet in Santa Cruz on LinkedIn for the latest news and information.