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 […]
Every Thursday throughout the summer, enjoy a family-friendly party on the beach at no charge! There will be local bands and DJs performing on the outdoor stage, providing music for dancing and socializing. There will be BBQ food and drinks for purchase at reasonable prices all in a beachside setting providing stunning views of the […]
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 […]
Enjoy a family-friendly movie night under the stars this summer! The movie this Summer is The Wild Robot. The movie begins at Dusk. Low back chairs, blankets and jackets are recommended. Go early and bring a picnic to enjoy!
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 […]
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 […]
Learn about the story of Big Basin: past, present, and future while wandering under the guardian old-growth redwoods that have seen it all! This program is a 1 hour walk on a 0.6 mile, flat and easy trail designed for all ages. They will be covering the cultural history of this unique area including indigenous […]
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 […]
Soak up the sun with family-friendly festivities, food, and fun. Kids of all ages will enjoy an afternoon of live music, arts and crafts, sweet treats, live animals, and so much more! There will be shows taking place in the amphitheater throughout the day and activity stations located across Tyrrell Park. As a bonus, there […]
The free, inner-harbor water taxi operates between 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM, on summer weekends and holidays. In addition to weekend service, the water taxi will operate on Thursday evenings during the Crow's Nest beach barbecues from 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Passengers may be picked up and dropped off at the following locations: X1 […]
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 […]
During this program, you'll learn about a few in-tree-guing plant species residing in the Santa Cruz Mountains! On this 1 mile walk, you'll be chattin' about tree identification with a local expert and observing a handful of species along River Trail and in the adjacent Redwood Grove. Beleaf us, it'll be a great time! Although […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Discover local artisans, makers and crafters! There will be music for your strolling enjoyment. Delicious food and drinks will be available for purchase.
This is a moderate hilly, fun course that begins and ends at the temporary location, Landmark Elementary School in Watsonville while Ramsay Park is being renovated. You will traverse Watsonville's famous sloughs with an out and back section on Ohlone Parkway. No dogs, but families and strollers are welcome. Register through the link below or […]
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 […]
Roaring Camp presents the Annual Brewgrass Festival featuring local breweries, music from favorite bluegrass artists, and food from our popular local food trucks. VIP Brewgrass Tasting Train roundtrip from Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp. Line-up Info Coming Soon. ACTIVITIES Optional Tasting Train Live Music Craft Beer & Cider Local Food Vendors Free Kids Activities
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 […]
The City of Capitola is thrilled to add to Sunday Art & Music this summer! Now called Capitola Makers Market, a fresh and inspiring evolution of Art at the Beach where you can soak up the stunning views of Monterey Bay while exploring an incredible collection of artwork. From beautiful paintings to captivating photography, unique […]
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.
Head to the Chaminade courtyard as Chef Samuels and his culinary team create gourmet a gourmet four-course dinner expertly paired with wines from Orin Swift Cellars & Winery. Purchase just the dinner or get the overnight package which includes two tickets to the dinner.
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 […]
Nationally recognized Pit-Masters and local Grill Gurus alike battle it out for cash prizes, trophies and the honor of having their secret recipes voted Best BBQ at the Roaring Camp Cook-Off. Come hungry and vote for your favorite to win the People's Choice award. Want more than a taste? BBQ vendors will be ready to […]
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 […]
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.
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 […]
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 […]
The Capitola 10k, a 6.2-mile and 3.8 mile run/walk that starts in the heart of Capitola Village. The scenic route takes participants through vibrant Pleasure Point and along East Cliff Drive, providing breathtaking views of the majestic Monterey Bay. Continuing on East Cliff, participants reach the designated turn-around point before retracing their steps. As they […]
Chaminade Resort & Spa welcomes you and your furry friends to our dog-friendly property for an afternoon of play, treats and pup-worthy pampering. Enjoy activities like Photo Booths, Pet Portraits, Paint-Your-Pet, a Fashion Show Competition, Pet Massage, Dog Pools, an Agility Course and more! Vendors/partners include Santa Cruz SPCA, Santa Cruz Animal Shelter, Peace of […]
This free community event helps you kick off Labor Day weekend celebrations! Watsonville's Airport Open House includes first responder aviation assets, local agri-business flight departments, antique aircraft, flyovers, parachute flag jump, live music, free Kidz Zone, food vendors and a fireworks show! Parking and admission are free.
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 […]
Go to the 22nd Annual Festival! It's the best little party in the Santa Cruz Mountains! Participate in an afternoon of tastings with local wineries & breweries, artist and craft vendors, food, music and dancing, wine pull, silent auction and all around good vibes. Non-alcoholic beverages are also available. Must be 21 or older […]
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, […]
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 […]
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.
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!
10:30 AM - 2:30, Saturdays and Sundays, October 4th and 5th, 11th and 12th, 26th and 24th, 26th.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
