Sat, Nov. 15

Guided Coastal Nature Walk

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 cancels. Free event. Vehicle day-use…
Wilder Ranch State Park, Santa Cruz, CA
Sun, Nov. 16

Guided Redwood Hike

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 at the park visitor center,…
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton, CA
Sat, Nov. 22

Guided Coastal Nature Walk

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 cancels. Free event. Vehicle day-use…
Wilder Ranch State Park, Santa Cruz, CA
Sun, Nov. 23

Guided Redwood Hike

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 at the park visitor center,…
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton, CA
Sat, Nov. 29

Guided Coastal Nature Walk

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 cancels. Free event. Vehicle day-use…
Wilder Ranch State Park, Santa Cruz, CA
Sat, Nov. 29

Winter Opening Drone Show

Gather your loved ones and head to the Boardwalk’s Main Plaza to kick off Winter Wonderland with a tree lighting countdown and festive drone show! Enjoy free entertainment, cookies, and hot cocoa as you help up light up the Boardwalk with holiday cheer! Schedule: 12pm: Park Opens 5pm: Performance by Soquel Jazz Band 5pm: Complimentary Cookies & Hot Cocoa while…
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, CA
Sun, Nov. 30

Guided Redwood Hike

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 at the park visitor center,…
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton, CA
Thu, Dec. 4

King Tides

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 extreme low tides, expose tide…
All of Santa Cruz County
Thu, Dec. 4

Younger Lagoon Reserve Tour

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 local mammals, restore native habitat,…
Younger Lagoon Reserve, Santa Cruz, CA
Thu, Dec. 4

Full Moon Hike

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 shoes. For ages 8 &…
Quail Hollow Ranch County Park, Felton, CA
Mon, Dec. 8

Guided Mushroom Walk

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.
Aptos Village County Park, Aptos
Sat, Dec. 13

Nutcracker Hike

Explore the magic and resilience of the season at the very first State Park ever created in California! Long-time docents, Karen and Eva will guide you along  the easy, level, half-mile Redwood Loop trail while playing the music of the Nutcracker Suite. They will guide your imagination for seeing the ancient forest performing the ballet! Juxtapose the drama of the…
Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Boulder Creek, CA
Sun, Dec. 14

Antiques Faire

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.
Downtown Santa Cruz Antique Faire, Santa Cruz, CA