Stroll over sand dunes, enjoy beautiful ocean views, and gain a unique opportunity to view Northern elephant seals on this 3-mile, 2.5-hour guided trail! Layered clothing, closed-toed shoes, and rain/wind gear are strongly advised. Bring water. Food, umbrellas, and strollers are not permitted inside the preserve. No pets are allowed in the park. The vehicle
On this 2.5-mile, 2-hour family-friendly walk, we’ll explore the plants, animals, and geology of our coastal bluffs. Bring water, a hat, closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, and binoculars if available. Pre-registration required at www.santacruzstateparks.as.me. Meet next to the park map in the main parking lot. Rain cancels. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.
Every Saturday at noon, the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks will be taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest. On this 1-mile stroll, you will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among those old-growth giants
Discover what life was like a century ago on this innovative dairy ranch. This hour-long tour includes the 1896 water-powered machine shop, horse barn, uniquely constructed 1860's cow barn, 1858 farmhouse, and 1897 Queen Anne Victorian home. *This is a 1 hour tour that starts at 1PM on both Saturday and Sunday *Vehicle day-use
Explore the spectacular tidepools at Natural Brides State Beach on this 1.5 hour guided tour. Meet them at the Visitor Center. Bring layered clothing and good walking shoes. Day use fee for vehicles is $10. For more information, please call (831) 423-0871.
Every Sunday at noon, the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks will be taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest. On this 1-mile stroll, you will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among those old-growth giants
How did an isolated settlement clothe the hundreds of people who lived there? Take an in-depth look at the cloth industry of Mission Santa Cruz. Follow the path of wool from the sheep to the shirt and have the chance to try your hand at a drop spindle and spin your own wool. This event
Meet the historical park rangers in front of the Visitor Center at the Santa Cruz mission to join a guided tour through Santa Cruz's oldest building, the only remaining example of indigenous housing from California Missions. Learn about the daily life of people who lived here, and ways in which the Spanish Mission system drastically
Join a State Park docent on this one-mile hour-long stroll to the Aptos Creek Bridge and back to get the lowdown on Rafael Castro, Claus Spreckels, the development of Aptos, Seacliff Park, the "Madman of Seacliff", and the story of the Concrete Ship. This walking tour meets on the deck of the visitor center. For
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Event is free, day-use parking fee is $10.
Learn how Mission Santa Cruz participated in a world economy back in the early 1800’s, and the roles the native people played in the hide & tallow industry. Watch a demonstration of how a branding iron works on leather, and get involved by dipping your own candle to take home. This is a FREE event,