With a wide range of free events taking place year-around, there’s always something to celebrate in Santa Cruz County every weekend. See what’s happening in Santa Cruz County and check out events here!
First Saturday Tours are a wonderful way to introduce yourself to the Arboretum or to deepen your understanding of the Arboretum’s plant collections. Each tour is a little different depending on the time of year, the interests of the tour guide and the people who join in. You might learn more about the birds and […]
Experience an old-growth redwood forest filled with ancient trees over 200 ft. tall, and connect one on one with park staff. On this 1-mile stroll, you will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc., and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. You don't want to miss this! Meet me at the visitor center. Although […]
Have you found the redwood forests of Santa Cruz County inspiring? Go see bestselling author Suzanne Simard, a scientist raised in a family of loggers committed to sensible forest stewardship discuss her new book, When the Forest Breathes. Your ticket price includes a copy of her new book. Suzanne will discuss what the natural world […]
It's spring! That cold, nutrient rich water upwelling from the canyon bigger than the Grand Canyon may make it hard to explore the "redwood forest of the ocean". Instead, head to Bookshop Santa Cruz and do an exploration with author Josie Iselin and illustrator Ellen Litwiller. They will be discussing their beautiful new book The […]
Want to learn about the plants that thrive at Big Basin? Curious about what plants can be used as food or medicine? Bring your “eye spy” skills on this fun and engaging plant walk. One of the park docents will lead this gentle walk, where folks of all ages can learn the names and uses […]
Earth Day 2026 will be held at beautiful Downtown Santa Cruz on Cooper St, Pacific and Abbott Square. Local businesses and organizations will gather for a day of fun and environmentally focused activities and education. Enjoy live music from SambaDá, FREE face painting and photo booth fun, flower crown making, hands-on Earth Day activities, and […]
Unplug & reconnect where ocean and forest meet. This two-night weekend wellness retreat at Chaminade Resort & Spa (Santa Cruz, Ca) invites you to lean into the steady heartbeat of the redwoods and soothing rhythm of the Pacific Ocean for a lasting reset. Dive into the healing properties of the forest and ocean - returning […]
As a volunteer docent for the County of Santa Cruz Park system, Richard James has researched the colorful history of Quail Hollow Ranch for years. His new tour, “Within These Walls: Ghosts of the Past at Quail Hollow,” condenses more than 151 years into roughly two hours. Learn about its history from transporting Abraham Lincoln […]
Enjoy a conversation with British mycologist and author, Merlin Sheldrake with redwoods surrounding you! Merlin Sheldrake will discuss his New York Times bestseller, Entangled Life: How Fungi Make our Worlds, Change our Minds, and Shape our Futures with UC Santa Cruz Associate Professor of History Benjamin Breen and the Deep Read community. They will explore […]
Take a scenic walk around Loch Lomond with City Water Resources Analyst, Michelle Tarian. They will be pointing out things to notice on your walk you may have never considered, discussing what has happened with invasive species throughout Santa Cruz County. They will talk about actions being taken at Loch Lomond for native species. This […]
This Loch Walk coincides with the international Secchi Dip-In annual event! Participate in citizen science recognized around the world by heading to the hidden gem of Loch Lomond in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Simple enough for children to use, the Secchi Disk is a diagnostic tool created in 1865 to measure water clarity. Participants in […]
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Saturdays and Sundays October 5th and 6th - North County; October 12th and 13th - South County; October 19th and 20th - All County
If you love California history and our state’s cultural heritage, come celebrate with us at the Castro Adobe State Historic Park! Visit at the next open house. This tour that repeats every 90-minutes throughout the day will surely have you falling head over heels with all the park has to offer! This 90-minute tour is […]
