Around the World in 60-90 Minutes! The first Saturday of each month, the Arboretum offers a docent or staff-led tour of the Arboretum. Sometimes you will see New Zealand, South Africa, California, or Australia. Sometimes you might see combinations of several gardens, the developing World Conifer Collection, or Rare Fruit Garden. Tour length varies depending […]
Head to the Seymour for spectacular coastal views and learn about why whales are key to a healthy ocean ecosystem. When you visit the 87-foot blue whale skeleton, you will also learn about the climate-friendly effort to restore her bones. The Seymour’s welcoming and passionate docents can’t wait to share how local science is sparking […]
Being the tallest species in the world, redwood trees create a lot of redwood duff. This natural mulch creates unique habitats. These gargantuan trees hide an equally massive array of wildlife, and none more extraordinary than the seemingly mythical Giant Salamander. There is a lot to unpack with these large legends and here is an […]
The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History is turning 120 years old! To celebrate, enjoy an evening of games, arts and crafts, music, and so much more. As a special treat, there will be a story time at 5:30 and 6:30 inside the museum with internationally acclaimed children’s book author, Taylor Lahey. Taylor will be […]
Rooted in the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, this is a gentle, evidence-based experience down to the meadow and into the forest (not a hike), including sensory invitations. Come experience Chaminade’s Certified Forest Therapy Trail, one of the first of its kind in the country, thoughtfully created to support healing, reflection, and deep well-being. Who […]
Docent-led tours of the Elkhorn Slough Reserve are every Saturday AND Sunday, at 10 am and 11 am. Tours are on a first-come, first-serve basis - visitors may sign up at the Visitor Center front desk, or call ahead the morning of using the phone number (831) 728-2822. The Docent will craft a walk that […]
On this 2.5-mile, 2-hour family-friendly walk, you will explore the plants, animals, and geology of the Santa Cruz County coastal bluffs. Bring water, a hat, closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, and binoculars if available. Pre-registration required at the link in the orange button above. Meet next to the park map in the main parking lot. Rain […]
Join a Volunteer Docent or State Park Interpretive Staff on a guided walk through the iconic Redwood Loop at Big Basin! This program is a 1 hour walk on a 0.6 mile, flat and easy trail designed for all ages. Learn about the natural and cultural history of Big Basin and how the forest is […]
Every Sunday at Noon Experience a guided hike through an old-growth redwood forest filled with ancient trees over 200 feet tall. Connect one on one with park staff. During this adventure you will learn about redwood life, histories, ecology and more! The trail is flat, accessible, and just under one mile long. Meet […]
This 90-minute, behind-the-scenes hiking tour takes visitors into Younger Lagoon Reserve adjacent to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Part of the University of California Natural Reserve System, Younger Lagoon Reserve contains diverse coastal habitats and is home to birds of prey, migrating sea birds, bobcats, and other wildlife. Come and see what scientists are doing to track […]
On this 2.5 mile hike, be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces, with many stops to view the many birds, plants, and scenery along the way. You will help each other spot and identify birds! Bring your binoculars if you have them, clothes for variable weather, and good walking shoes. Meet next to park map […]
Get ready to hike around an ancient seafloor! On this 1.5 mile hike through the Sandhills, which will last approximately 2 hours, participants can meander through sandy soils on the mountain top, about 800 feet above present day sea level. Explore this beautiful landscape and learn about the rare and unique things that call it […]
Starting in April, on both Saturday and Sunday of the second weekend of each month, the City of Santa Cruz staff will lead tours of Loch Lomond Reservoir on the Newell Jewell (pontoon boat). Attendance is limited to 25 people and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Although the boat tour is free, there […]
Enjoy this astronomy-based guided hike where you will be guided up to the Observation Deck, perched on an ancient seabed, over 800 feet above sea level and 17 miles from the beach. You will participate in activities and learn about the night sky. This involves a 1 mile round trip hike. Meet at the Henry […]
On this hike you will be discovering the natural history of Wilder Ranch as well as the people and forces that shaped it. Be prepared to explore for 5 hours on this 8 mile hike with 1000 ft. of elevation gain. Bring your binoculars if you have them, clothes for variable weather, and good hiking […]
Remember to reserve your parking spot before heading up to Big Basin for this Family-Friendly Gathering. This is the 5th Anniversary of the fire that hit Big Basin, and a rare opportunity to see the resilience of redwoods other generations have been marveling over for hundreds of years. There will be stories, a guided walk, […]
Take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle with this 1.5-mile gentle walk guided by a doctor while discussing lifestyle approaches you can take home with you after your visit. Safe, fun and free, the Walk with a Doc will inspire you through movement and conversation within nature. Group size is limited, and advance registration […]
Tucked up in the countryside hills near the wine trail of Corralitos is the lesser-known redwood forest of Byrne-Milliron. Guided by an expert ecologist, prepare to trailblaze into the unknown as you explore unique redwood forest ecosystems, survey wildfire scars, and, if you’re lucky, you might even discover an albino redwood! This Land Trust property […]
Rocks, ridges and redwoods- this park has it all! Join experienced interpretive state park staff and volunteers as they highlight different features of Castle Rock State Park! Keep in mind most hikes are somewhat strenuous due to the ridgeline nature of the park and may include long sunny stretches without shade. Bring closed-toe shoes, plenty […]
Bay Area ornithologist Jeff Smith will lead a short interpretive hike around Loch Lomond with a focus on bird identification by sight and sound. This free event is a great opportunity to learn from an experienced ornithologist! See the many perching birds, raptors, and waterfowl that frequent Loch Lomond. Layered clothing, snacks, water, bird guidebooks […]
Mark the fall migration at one of the most beautiful places on the planet for the Monterey Bay Festival of Birds featuring field trips, workshops, family-fun activities, and keynote speakers. Activities are planned throughout the Monterey Bay area in Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Salinas, and Monterey. Check out the website linked below to register for field […]
Enjoy welcoming the monarch butterflies back to the park, where they will spend the winter. There will be arts and crafts, active games for kids, live music, information booths on monarch butterflies and butterfly gardens, and more! *This event is free. Parking is $10 to park in the day-use lot. For more information, call […]
California King Tides are coming to the shores of Santa Cruz County this winter! These naturally occurring and predictable events are when the highest and lowest tides hit our shores and create an even more dramatic coastline. At high tide, the powerful waves often crash against seawalls and extend beyond their usual natural borders. The […]
The 2026 celebration will be at the London Nelson Community Center and feature hundreds of fascinating species from the area, uniquely displayed in a re-created woodland habitat. This unique Santa Cruz tradition will offer three days of fun, demonstrations, informative speakers, and fungus-forward activities for the whole family. 2-5pm on Friday. 9am to 6pm on […]
