Steamer Lane: World Surf League – O’Neill Cold Water Classic
Steamer Lane at Lighthouse Point 700 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThe O’Neill Cold Water Classic – North America’s Longest Running Surf Contest is back for again, providing unique content and marketing longevity beyond the on-site experience. Since 1987, The O’Neill Cold Water Classic has been northern California’s premier professional surfing event held at Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz. “The Lane” is perhaps the best spectator venue for a surf contest to be found anywhere in the world. No surf spot resembles an ancient roman stadium more than Steamer Lane, with steep, vertical cliffs overlooking the fabled right-point break. As a unique destination, event spectators flock to northern California’s iconic point break to hug the cliff railing and witness the world’s top surfers compete.
Watsonville Plaza: Holiday Tree Lighting
Watsonville Civic Plaza 275 Main Street, Watsonville, CA, United StatesEnjoy the most wonderful time of year in Watsonville! Join the festive tradition of lighting up the holiday tree in the Plaza, ejoy a musical performance, convocation, a welcome by the mayor and, of course, a visit by Santa!
Natural History Museum: Saturdays in the Soil
Santa Cruzs Museum of Natural History 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesGo join the community to steward Tyrrell Park through the City’s Adopt-A-Park program. At the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, you gain new wisdom about local ecology, native plants, and sustainable gardening while connecting with nature outdoors. It’s time to get your hands dirty! Join us and volunteer in the Museum’s Garden Learning Center and Pilkington Creek.
La Selva Beach: Holiday Fair
La Selva Beach Clubhouse 314 Estrella Avenue, La Selva Beach, CA, United StatesHead to the La Selva Clubhouse’s Florido Avenue Lawn! Over 50 arts and crafts vendors will be selling handcrafted jewelry, woodworks, bags, ceramics, specialty foods, candles, soaps, books and more. The Friends of the La Selva Library host their Used Book Sale. La Selva CERT Bake Sale will sell delicious baked treats and hot drinks. Enjoy a delicious snack, lunch or early dinner from Tacos el Jesse and S&B Burgers food trucks. And don’t miss a chance to win at the prize raffle of vendor-donated goods.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Guided Walk – Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA, United StatesCome 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. We will be covering the cultural history of this unique area including Indigenous groups, loggers, and preservationists. Of course, we will also discuss natural history such as the amazing coast redwood and the CZU Lightning Complex Fire as well as the future of our park.Participation is free, however, a $10 vehicle day-use fee will be charged upon arrival, or you can reserve a parking spot by clicking here. Please plan to meet at the temporary visitor center area located next to the restrooms at 10:45 am. There is no drinking water or cell service at Big Basin, so be sure to bring plenty of water!For more information, questions, or concerns, please contact bigbasin@ports-ca.us.Click here to Register
Wilder Ranch State Park – Guided Coastal Walk
On this 2.5 mile family friendly walk, we’ll explore the plants, animals, and geology of our coastal bluffs. Bring water, hat, closed toe shoes, layered clothing, and binoculars if available. Sign up here!Meet next to park map in Wilder Ranch main parking lot. Rain cancels. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 426-0505.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Redwood Tour
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA, United StatesCoast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed! Every Saturday at 12:00pm, we are taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest together. On this 1-mile stroll, we will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. Click here to RSVP. Let's plan to meet in the front of the Visitor Center, we hope you can join us!
Pigeon Point SHP – 151st Lighthouse Anniversary
Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park 210 Pigeon Point Rd, Pescadero, CA, United States151st Anniversary Celebration of Pigeon Point LighthouseSaturday, November 18 from 12:30 pm to 7 pmCelebrate 151 years of Pigeon Point Light Station! This annual anniversary event has information booths for local parks so visitors can learn about the incredible natural world and fascinating history around us, and participate in children’s activities. From 5 to 7 pm, the Fresnel lens will be lit in the Fog Signal Building for visitors to enjoy! Wheelchair and stroller accessible. Free event. For more information, call (650) 879-2120. Event made possible by Coastside State Parks Association and California State Parks.
Santa Cruz Mission – Hides & Tallow Living History Demo
Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park 144 School St., Santa CruzCome and learn how Mission Santa Cruz participated in a world economy back in the early 1800’s, and the roles the native people played in the hide & tallow industry. Watch a demonstration of how a branding iron works on leather, and get involved by dipping your own candle to take home.This is a FREE event, no reservation required. The Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park is located on School St. off Mission and Emmet Street in Santa Cruz. Please call (831) 425-5849 for more information.
Wilder Ranch State Park – Ranch History Tour
Wilder Ranch State Park 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesWant to learn about the rich dairy history of Wilder Ranch State Park? Dreamt of peeking inside our beautiful Victorian homes and barns? Join us weekly on Saturdays and Sundays for a 1.5 hour long tour of the historic buildings of Wilder Ranch! Meet at the visitor's center at 1 pm. Pre-register here or join us on the day-of. This tour is free. Parking in Day-use lot is $10. Questions? Call (831)426-0505 or email wilderranch@ports-ca.us
Downtown Santa Cruz: Makers Market
Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market Pacific Ave and Lincoln St, Santa CruzVisit the Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market featuring 40+ local makers & artists in beautiful Downtown Santa Cruz! Located on the 1100 block of Pacific Ave. between Cathcart and Lincoln Streets, this monthly market hosts a wide range of locally handmade goods! *In the event of rain, the market will be held on the following Sunday
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Redwood Loop Tour
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA, United StatesCoast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed! Every Saturday at 12:00pm, we are taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest together. On this 1-mile stroll, we will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. Click here to RSVP. Let's plan to meet in the front of the Visitor Center, we hope you can join us!
Santa Cruz Mission – Adobe Building Tour
Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park 144 School St., Santa CruzJoin us at 1pm for a guided tour through Santa Cruz’s oldest building, the only remaining example of indigenous housing from the California Missions. Learn about the daily life of people who lived here, and ways in which the Spanish Mission system drastically impacted local native people’s culture and landscape.This is a FREE event open to the public, no reservations required. Call (831) 425-5849 for more information.
Wilder Ranch State Park – Ranch History Tour
Wilder Ranch State Park 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesWant to learn about the rich dairy history of Wilder Ranch State Park? Dreamt of peeking inside our beautiful Victorian homes and barns? Join us weekly on Saturdays and Sundays for a 1.5 hour long tour of the historic buildings of Wilder Ranch! Meet at the visitor's center at 1 pm. Pre-register here or join us on the day-of. This tour is free. Parking in Day-use lot is $10. Questions? Call (831)426-0505 or email wilderranch@ports-ca.us
Winter Wonderland
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesGet in the holiday spirit – celebrate the season at the beach! Activities Include Selection of Boardwalk Rides, Games, and Arcades Festive Holiday Decorations and Lights (Including a 3-story tall Christmas tree!) Delicious Boardwalk Treats Photos with Santa (Operating Days: Nov. 24 – Dec. 24) Fire Pit Rentals & Holiday S’Mores Holiday Shopping Winter Wonderland Package (includes MyBoardwalk Card and one 6X8 printed photo with Santa. Available operating days Nov. 24 – Dec. 24) And don’t forget the breathtaking beach view! Hours and Dates 12pm – 5pm Thursday – Sunday: November 23-26 Saturdays – Sundays: December 2-10 Every Day: December 16-31 Special Dates December 2 & 3 – Mini Nutcracker performance at Colonnade Stage at 2pm December 10 & 11 – Roaming Carolers