Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Gayle’s Bakery: Pre-Order Thanksgiving

Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria Bay Avenue, Capitola

Gayle’s will start taking Thanksgiving orders on October 1st.  There are limited quantities, so make sure you order early! They have everything from traditional turkey dinners, sides& appetizers, dinner rolls & rustic breads to handmade pies and holiday desserts.  View their menu online at the link below left. 

$5.25 – $425

The View at Chaminade: Thanksgiving Brunch or Early Dinner

Chaminade Resort and Spa 1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz

Celebrate Thanksgiving at Chaminade with a world-class festive buffet overlooking Santa Cruz & the Monterey Bay. $85++ per person (Ages 13+) $25++ per person (Ages 3 – 12) ++ Plus Tax & Gratuity Reservations Required

$25 – $85

Roaring Camp Railroads: Redwood Forest Steam Train

Roaring Camp Railroads 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton

Travel over trestles, through towering redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and the forest.

Natural Bridges State Beach: Monarch Butterfly Self Guided Tours

Natural Bridges State Beach 2531 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz

Stroll through the Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve and be on the lookout for every splash of orange on the walk! The monarch migration is variable, please check the website or contact the park at (831)423-0871 to find out the current population. To arrange a tour for groups of 10 or more, please visit www.thatsmypark.org. Events made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks. Parking near the trail accessible entrance is $10.

Free

Pajaro Valley Arts: Mi Casa es Tu Casa

Pajaro Valley Arts 37 Sudden Street, Watsonville

Mi Casa es Tu Casa is an annual Pajaro Valley Arts exhibit inspired by the traditional holiday of Día de Los Muertos/Day of the Dead celebrated in Mexico and beyond through altars to remember and honor those who have passed. This cherished tradition brings together families, communities and friends as they prepare to welcome the spirits back each year. PVA has invited artists, community groups and local residents “into our home” to construct altars, installations, and more to celebrate and pay homage to our ancestors. Opening reception will be held Sunday, November 3 from 1-3pm.  The exhibit will be on display until December 1.  The Gallery hours on Sudden Street are Wednesday-Sunday from 11am to 4pm.

Free

Ideal Bar and Grill: Thanksgiving Feast

Ideal Bar & Grill 106 Beach Street, Santa Cruz

Take your friends and family to a beachside Thanksgiving Day for a celebratory feast!  Please follow the link in the bottom left-hand corner to go to the website and reserve your spot due to limited availability.

$30 – $70

Santa Cruz Diner: Thanksgiving Feast

Santa Cruz Diner Ocean Street, Santa Cruz

A Thanksgiving feast without having to make a reservation?  Bring your friends and family to the Santa Cruz Diner! 

$15 – $30

Gilda’s: Thanksgiving Feast

Gilda’s on the Wharf Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz

Take your friends and family to Gilda’s on Thanksgiving Day for a celebratory feast on the wharf with views! They will have a traditional Thanksgiving turkey meal and their dessert specials will be a classic pumpkin pie or apple pie.  They even have a special fun “Cranberry Sauced” drink for adults! Call today at (831) 423-2010 to make a reservation.

$29.95

Shadowbrook: Thanksgiving Feast

Shadowbrook Restaurant 1750 Wharf Road, Capitola

Make a reservation for a Thanksgiving Feast at Shadowbrook!  Enjoy delicious food, beautiful views and transportation that makes travel part of the experience! Dress up nicely and enjoy a free shuttle service in a vintage taxi if your hotel is within a 3-mile radius of Shadowbrook.  Or you can park and take the trolley through the gardens to the entrance.  Of course, there is nothing stopping you from meandering through the gardens on foot!  There will be live music in the Rock Room Lounge from 5PM to 10PM by Elie Mabanza.  Walk-ins will be accepted at the Rock Room Bar & Lounge with roof top terrace from 11AM to 10pm. Dining room reservations will be from 11:30AM to 9PM. Traditional Turkey Entree – $37.95 Diestel Family Ranch oven-roasted turkey breast & thigh cranberry-orange relish bourbon-pecan dressing garlic-whipped potato & traditional gravy Pumpkin Pie – $11.95 served with Marianne’s Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Pumpkin Cheesecake with a gingersnap crust and topped with apple cider jelly and caramelized apples – $TBD

$37.95 – $50