2024 marks the 200th anniversary of the last remaining building of the Santa Cruz Mission, a structure built by the hands of Ohlone and Yokuts people under Spanish control. Join us to learn about building methods of the indigenous people here before European arrivals, and how this and other adobe buildings were constructed under Spanish control. Visitors will get a chance to participate in a hands-on activity in demonstration of each building style, and learn about how life changed for Native people at the mission.  All living history demonstrations are FREE, no reservation required. Call (831) 425-5849 or email santacruzmission@ports-ca.us with questions.

Coast 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!

Join us 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.  

Explore the ocean without getting your feet wet on this exciting tidepool tour! Join us for some fun in the sun and meet the incredible creatures of the Natural Bridges Tidepools. Prepare to walk over slippery rocks, through sand and up hills on this tour. Our tidepools are part of a Marine Protected Area which means that the animals are protected and cannot be touched, picked up, or moved.  Thank you for helping us preserve these animals and their home.Please Sign up ahead of time using this link: https://SantaCruzStateParks.as.me/?appointmentType=23305287Meet at the Visitor Center. Questions? Call 831-423-0871 or email naturalbridges@ports-ca.usThis tour is free. Parking is $10 and can be used in any State Park that day. Event is made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.

Park: New Brighton State Beach Where: Day-use parking lot at 3pm. Parking: There is a $10vehicle day-use fee.What to Expect:Join us for a 2-mile round trip adventure from New BrightonState Beach to Capitola. We will encounter interesting geological features inthe coastal bluffs, 5-million-year-old whale fossils and tide pool creaturesexposed by the low tide. Sign up here https://santacruzstateparks.as.me/scheduleLength: 90 minutes.Ages: All arewelcome.Preparations:Please wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes, warm clothes, a bottle of water anda flashlight. Special Instructions:Rain and high waves cancel this event. Contact: seacliff@ports-ca.us or call831-685-6444.Social Media:Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

Park: New Brighton State Beach Where: Day-use parking lot at 3pm. Parking: There is a $10vehicle day-use fee.What to Expect:Join us for a 2-mile round trip adventure from New BrightonState Beach to Capitola. We will encounter interesting geological features inthe coastal bluffs, 5-million-year-old whale fossils and tide pool creaturesexposed by the low tide. Sign up here https://santacruzstateparks.as.me/scheduleLength: 90 minutes.Ages: All arewelcome.Preparations:Please wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes, warm clothes, a bottle of water anda flashlight. Special Instructions:Rain and high waves cancel this event. Contact: seacliff@ports-ca.us or call831-685-6444.Social Media:Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

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.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.

Join State Park Docents for a two-hour hike along the scenic Gray Whale Cove Trail at State Parks’ McNee Ranch at Montara.  Enjoy a moderate 2 mile hike overlooking the California coast.  From the trail you will be able to view evidence in the landscape of the Ocean Shore Railroad and bunkers left over from the World War II era. Enjoy the ocean views, the coastal plants, and the birds on this exciting hike. Meet on the north side of the Gray Whale Cove State Beach parking lot on Highway 1. If you have any questions or concerns please contact halfmoonbay@ports-ca.us or call (650) 726-8814.Click here to make your reservation today!