Castro Adobe: Open House
Castro Adobe State Historic Park 184 Old Adobe Road (off of Larkin Valley Road), Watsonville, CA, United StatesThis 90-minute tour is led by State Park docents who will share the history of the Castro family, and the two-story adobe hacienda built over 170 years ago. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon touring Rancho San Andres Castro Adobe State Historic Property in Watsonville CA. Learn about the Vaquero culture and living during the Mexican Rancho Period of California History. Please note that dogs are not permitted during your tour of the castro adobe. They do not recommend that you leave your dog in your car. Preregistration is required! There is a tour starting every 15 minutes on May 18, June 15 August 11, September 21, October 13, November 16, and December 8. NOTE: Continuous rain will cancel event.
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 [email protected] here to Register
Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Guided Walk in the Woods
Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA, United StatesJoin a Volunteer Docent or State Park Interpretive Staff on a guided walk through the iconic Redwood Loop at Big Basin!This program is a 1 hour walk on a 0.6 mile, flat and easy trail designed for all ages. Learn about the natural and cultural history of Big Basin and how the forest is growing since the 2020 CZU Lightening Complex Fire. Each docent and staff person has their own niche and is excited to share their passion with you!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 [email protected] here to Register
Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Guided Walk Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA, United StatesLearn 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. They will be covering the cultural history of this unique area including indigenous groups, loggers, and preservationists. They will also discuss natural history such as the amazing coastal redwoods, the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, and the park’s future. Registration is required to ensure your spot on the walk.
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.
Wilder Ranch State Park: Guided Coastal Nature Walk
Wilder Ranch State Park 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesOn this 2.5-mile, 2-hour family-friendly walk, we’ll explore the plants, animals, and geology of our coastal bluffs. Bring water, a hat, closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, and binoculars if available. Pre-registration required at www.santacruzstateparks.as.me. Meet next to the park map in the main parking lot. Rain cancels. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.
Natural Bridges State Beach: Monarch Butterfly Self Guided Tours
Natural Bridges State Beach 2531 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesStroll 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.
Pajaro Valley Arts: Mi Casa es Tu Casa
Pajaro Valley Arts 37 Sudden Street, Watsonville, CA, United StatesMi 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.
Felix Kulpa Gallery: ‘Mining the Plastocene’ Opening Reception
Felix Culpa Gallery Elm Street, Santa Cruz, United StatesSanta Cruz Mountain erstwhile resident and international artist, Tara de la Garza, transforms her own yearly consumption of plastic into minimalist sculptures that challenge our notion of worth and waste. This solo show, spanning two galleries, includes LED light forms with pillars embedded with plastic, monumental origami sculptures crafted from a year’s collection of window envelopes. A blending of nature and the built world, recycled 3D printed shelves hold miniature gardens of Santa Cruz driftwood and beach plastic. The November 1st opening aligns with Santa Cruz First Friday, giving visitors the chance to engage with themes of waste and sustainability while enjoying the lively local art scene. The Opening Reception is free and open to the public on November 1, from 5 pm to 8pm. The exhibit will be on display throughout the month of November, Thursday through Sunday from 11am to 6pm
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!
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Redwood Loop Tour
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA, United StatesEvery weekend day at noon, the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks will be taking folks on a guided walk through the Old Growth Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest. On this 1-mile stroll, you will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among those old-growth giants over 200 feet tall. They say that the Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed!
Downtown Santa Cruz: “Encounter” Art Exhibition
m.k. contemporary art gallery Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesEnjoy a captivating new exhibition featuring the works of eight talented artists from Santa Cruz and the wider bay area. The exhibition will run through November 24th, 2024. “Encounter” explores the moment of convergence—where materials, ideas, and experiences collide. Each piece captures the ephemeral nature of these intersections, provoking curiosity and inviting viewers into a space of contemplation and connection. The work challenges perception, inviting introspection while offering intimate yet expansive reflections on the world around us. Exhibition Dates: October 4th – November 24th, 2024 Closed Mondays through Wednesdays. Open Thursday through Sunday from noon to 5:00 PM M.K. Contemporary Art invites art lovers and the general public to experience this powerful collection of works in person. The gallery is located in Downtown Santa Cruz, easily accessible to visitors from across the Bay Area.
Wilder Ranch State Park: Historic Ground Tours
Wilder Ranch State Park 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesDiscover what life was like a century ago on this innovative dairy ranch. This hour-long tour includes the 1896 water-powered machine shop, horse barn, uniquely constructed 1860’s cow barn, 1858 farmhouse, and 1897 Queen Anne Victorian home. *This is a 1 hour tour that starts at 1PM on both Saturday and Sunday *Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 426-0505
Wilder Ranch: Historic Grounds Tours
Wilder Ranch State Park 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesDiscover what life was like a century ago on this innovative dairy ranch. This hour-long tour includes the 1896 water-powered machine shop, horse barn, uniquely constructed 1860’s cow barn, 1858 farmhouse, and 1897 Queen Anne Victorian home. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 426-0505. Please reserve your spot online.
Wilder Ranch State Park – Ranch History Tour
Wilder Ranch State Park, 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USAWant 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 [email protected]