Santa Cruz County: King Tides
All of Santa Cruz CountyCalifornia 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 pools rarely seen and allow miles of beach walking and extended exploration. The upcoming official King Tide dates are January 11 and 12, 2024, and February 9, 2024, however, there are even more dates with these extreme tides! Extreme low tides (and high tides) will be present on the days leading up to and after the dates listed above.
Santa Catalina Lower and Middle School Open House
Santa Catalina Lower and Middle School 1500 Mark Thomas Drive, MontereyTruly Major: Middle School Open House! Learn more about how middle school students develop essential skills, explore new interests, and deepen friendships—all at the heart of their journey at Santa Catalina. Our students and faculty will provide a unique and immersive experience for student visitors while also offering invaluable insights to parents.
New Brighton State Beach – King Tide Walk
New Brighton State Beach 1500 Park Avenue, Capitola, CA, United StatesPark: 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
Santa Catalina Lower and Middle School Open House
Santa Catalina Lower and Middle School 1500 Mark Thomas Drive, MontereyTruly Major: Middle School Open House! Learn more about how middle school students develop essential skills, explore new interests, and deepen friendships—all at the heart of their journey at Santa Catalina. Our students and faculty will provide a unique and immersive experience for student visitors while also offering invaluable insights to parents.
London Nelson Community Center: Santa Cruz Fungus Fair
London Nelson Community Center 301 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThis year’s Fair will celebrate 50 years of mycological exploration since the inaugural event in 1974. The 2024 celebration will be at the London Nelson Community Center and feature hundreds of fascinating species from the area, uniquely displayed in a re-created woodland habitat. This unique Santa Cruz tradition will offer three days of fun, demonstrations, informative speakers, and fungus-forward activities for the whole family.
Wilder Ranch State Park – Birding Walk
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.
Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic
Santa Catalina School 1500 Mark Thomas Drive, MontereyFor seven years, a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs ... who just happened to be there too. Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic is for anyone who has never been destined to save the world. As the New York Times declared, "For Potterphiliacs who grew up alongside Potter and are eager to revisit that world, Puffs exudes a jovial, winking fondness for all things Harry!"
Half Moon Bay – Guided Walk at Gray Whale Cove
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!
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Sandhills Tour
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground 2591 Graham Hill Road, Scotts Valley, CA, United StatesHike around an ancient seafloor?! Yes please! On this 1.5 mile hike through the Santa Cruz Sandhills, we'll be meandering through sandy soils on the mountain top, about 800' above present-day sea level! Join us on November 11th at 9:00am to explore this beautiful landscape and learn about the rare and unique things that call it home. RSVP for this event here!Let's plan to meet in the campground parking lot (located off Graham Hill Rd.). We hope to see you there! Hard rain cancels.
Elkhorn Slough: Free Tour of the Preserve
Elkhorn Slough Reserve 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville, CA, United StatesDocent-led tours of the Elkhorn Slough Reserve are every Saturday AND Sunday, at 10 am and 11 am. Tours are on a first-come, first-serve basis – visitors may sign up at the Visitor Center front desk, or call ahead the morning of using the phone number below. The Docent will craft a walk that meets the groups needs and abilities.
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. Bring your own water or purchase water from Parking Kiosk as there is no running water, electricity or cell service at Big Basin!For more information, questions, or concerns, please contact bigbasin@ports-ca.us.Click here to Register
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!
Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic
Santa Catalina School 1500 Mark Thomas Drive, MontereyFor seven years, a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs ... who just happened to be there too. Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic is for anyone who has never been destined to save the world. As the New York Times declared, "For Potterphiliacs who grew up alongside Potter and are eager to revisit that world, Puffs exudes a jovial, winking fondness for all things Harry!"
Elkhorn Slough: Free Tour of the Preserve
Elkhorn Slough Reserve 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville, CA, United StatesDocent-led tours of the Elkhorn Slough Reserve are every Saturday AND Sunday, at 10 am and 11 am. Tours are on a first-come, first-serve basis – visitors may sign up at the Visitor Center front desk, or call ahead the morning of using the phone number below. The Docent will craft a walk that meets the groups needs and abilities.
Santa Catalina School Admission Open House
Santa Catalina School 1500 Mark Thomas Drive, MontereyCurious about Santa Catalina School? Come learn more about our signature programs, meet faculty, sample our academic and co-curricular offerings, and talk to students about clubs, activities, leadership, and campus life. Lunch is provided and complimentary admission to our theatre production of Puffs is available following the open house. The production will run from 2:00-4:00 p.m.