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 DeLavega Park to enjoy the full outdoor theatre experience! You can bring your own picnic basket and drinks to enjoy the picnic bluff area or check out concession options before you go! Why not grab some wine from the Santa Cruz mountains and a curated charcuterie box to make it a picnic and […]
This event builds on the history of one of California's longest-running events. Santa Cruz has all things outdoors; surf, sand, and sun. From the historic lighthouse Santa Cruz Surfing Museum to the Beach Boardwalk and the Santa Cruz Wharf. A California coastline course with a beach finish line. Consisting of a 1.2 mile ocean swim, […]
Discover the charm of the Wee Kirk Market, a delightful new monthly farmers/makers marketplace celebrating local farmers, artisans, and makers in the heart of Ben Lomond. Held on the first Sunday of each month from June through October at the historic Wee Kirk Church, this vibrant market offers fresh produce, handmade crafts, delicious foods, and […]
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 […]
Welcome back to Tuesday Night Live at the Wharf Common’s stage! Every 2nd Tuesday of the month, head to the Wharf for live music and games from 6 to 8pm. Check out Wharf Business pop ups, game and photo booth by The Booth Biz in the Commons. Get a stamp validation from any business on […]
Santa Cruz is known near and far for its surfing legacy, but there is another water sport that finds a niche on our coast, with a similarly devoted following. Sailboats dot the waves almost as frequently as surf boards here, benefiting from the tides and currents that make this beach town so special. So it […]
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 […]
Head to Esplanade Park bandstand stage and see a movie on the beach! The movie will begin at dusk. Bring your own low back chairs and blankets to get comfy. Consider bringing a picnic dinner or dining locally at Capitola Village. Just make sure you don’t bring any alcohol or dogs with you to the […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Treat yourself to an evening of fun and relaxation at Roaring Camp's Redwood Evening Dinner Train Party. Start with a hearty BBQ dinner while you enjoy live musical entertainment. After, get into the swing of things by line dancing or two-stepping the night away, followed by a leisurely train ride aboard vintage railway cars. The […]
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 […]
The Santa Cruz Antique Faire is on the 2nd Sunday of every month from 9am-5pm, weather permitting. Vendors offer an eclectic blend of antiques and unique items, vintage clothing, collectibles and more! Visit the Antique Faire on Lincoln Street between Pacific and Cedar.
Head to the beautiful Seascape Golf Club to peruse local artisans and local food for one evening only!
The Pu Pu 'O Hawaii Outrigger Club is ready to race! These short-course outrigger races are designed especially for the new or novice paddlers. Come out and support the racers as well as enjoy hula performances by Kūhai Hālau O Mehanakealohakalaua'eikapoli Pā 'Ōlapa Kahiko.
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 […]
Taste, sip and tap your toes as you sample local eateries, farms, breweries, vintners and musicians of the Soquel neighborhood! Enjoy kids' games, prizes and more!
Evening train and dinner excursion departs from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and travels along the San Lorenzo River through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park to Roaring Camp. Upon arrival, a delicious BBQ dinner awaits you. After dinner, get up and move to a live band. On the return trip to Santa Cruz, the train […]
The Ladybug’s Labyrinth at Mariquita Farm is open for U-Pick marigold harvests by individuals or groups. Hundreds of Chedi Orange Marigolds surround the labyrinth, making it a fun visual experience. After picking your marigolds you can walk the labyrinth and enjoy the area for a snack or simply sit and take it all in. You […]
10:30 AM - 2:30, Saturdays and Sundays, October 4th and 5th, 11th and 12th, 26th and 24th, 26th.
Enjoy an outdoor dinner celebrating the scientific wonder of our moon, sun, universe and beyond. Enjoy a chef-curated family-style dinner and discussion with planetary science educators from UC Santa Cruz followed by a telescope viewing overlooking the Monterey Bay.
Enjoy a quiet exploration of Quail Hollow Ranch, under the moonlight. On this one-hour guided hike on the lower trails, you can search for critters and meander through the forest. Bring flashlights and/or a headlamp (though you may try to hike without them), and some drinking water. Dress for the weather and wear good walking […]
Head to the Chaminade Resort and Spa as Executive Chef Samuels and his culinary team create a gourmet four-course dinner expertly paired with wines from Bargetto Winery (Santa Cruz, CA). Enjoy dinner in the Chaminade Courtyard as you watch the sun set over Monterey Bay.
Check out the Classic, Vintage and Retro Thunderbirds on display then stick around to enjoy fabulous shopping and/or grab a bite at one of the many fine local eateries with the best views in Santa Cruz!
Go see an exciting musical parade as 55 Northern California high school and junior high school marching bands compete next to the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in the ONLY band review with warm sand, cool surf, and hot rides!
Head to Capitola to watch some amazing ladies do some long distance swimming races and surf contests! To the left of Capitola pier, keep an eye out for the long distance swimmers. Closer to the village, the Surf contest will start on Saturday, in heats divided by age groups. The goal is to have every […]
Enjoy 13 days of frightful fun on the Santa Cruz Wharf! Take part in the Great Pumpkin BINGO Hunt, snap a photo at our scenic photo booth, and enjoy festive Wharf specials ALL 13 days! It all kicks off October 19! The Great Pumpkin BINGO Hunt - All 13 Days Join the the Great Pumpkin BINGO […]
Bring your appetite and join the fun as both professional and amateur chefs work their culinary magic and compete for the title of Best Chili!
Artists set up their easels on the wharf, shore, and streets of beautiful Capitola, to paint live for four days. You'll find hundreds of paintings on display, for sale, and entered into competition. You can take home a piece of Capitola culture, vote for your favorites for the People's Choice Award, have a delicious meal […]
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 […]
Check out hundreds of sweet hot rods, street rods, vintage, muscle, custom, and classic cars in the Boardwalk Parking Lot. Free admission!
Presenting the Downtown Santa Cruz Fall Wine Walk 2025! Enjoy the heart of the Central Coast to taste great wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains and beyond. Sip while strolling through many favorite Downtown Santa Cruz shops. At Check-in, receive your glass and a map of the pouring locations, and enjoy an afternoon of tasting […]
Enjoy sipping local wines and beers while strolling through our charming shops and boutiques in Capitola by the Sea. Pre-registration includes: – Capitola Village Sip & Stroll commemorative glass – 12 two-ounce pour tickets to be used as you shop – A map to locate which Village shops are hosting Be a part of this […]
This is a walk-in Christmas display located in the midtown of Santa Cruz, CA. Their exhibit is very traditional: lots of Christmas trees, garlands, sleighs, an elf village, miniature village’s, and a log cabin that Santa uses for his rest stops. Being Irish, where you have elves you have fairies, so there is a fairy […]
Learn about fascinating fungi and the basics of mushroom identification; just looking, not eating! Open to ages 8 and up. An adult must accompany ages 17 & under.
