Half Moon Bay – Guided Walk at Burleigh Murray Ranch
Burleigh H. Murray Ranch State Park 305 Higgins Canyon Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA, United StatesJoin State Park Docents on a leisurely two-hour walk. Take a journey back in time along Mills Creek at Burleigh H. Murray Ranch State Park. This walk will be a 2.5 miles round trip hike with only a small gain in elevation. Along the way you will learn about the lives of early pioneers and farming families who first settled here in the 19th century. Enjoy one of our area’s hidden treasures. Meet in the parking lot. For more information, call (650) 726-8814.Click here to make your reservation today!
Half Moon Bay – Guided Walk at Pescadero Marsh
Cabrillo Hwy S Parking 1 Cabrillo Hwy, Pescadero, CA, United StatesJoin a State Park Interpreter on a 2 hour leisurely walk to the observation deck on the North Pond Trail, with a few stops along the way for some opportunities to reflect, write, or draw. This walk is 1.5 miles out and back requires walking on sandy beach. Dress in layers, wear walking shoes, and bring water and sun protection. You may also want to bring binoculars, a camera, or a sketchbook/notebook. Dogs are not permitted. Participation is free, and there is no fee to park. Please plan to meet promptly at 10 AM at the Middle Pescadero Beach Parking Lot. Rain cancels the hike.For more information, questions, or concerns, please contact (669) 758-1819 or email [email protected].
Wilder Ranch State Park – First Day 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.
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.
Big Basin Redwoods First Day Hike
Big Basin Main Day Use Visitor Center 21600 Big Basin Hwy, Boulder Creek, CA, United StatesJoin Interpreter Erin on a 2025 First Day Hike!What to Expect: This moderately difficult tostrenuous hike with an 800-foot elevation gain will take you up the Dool Trail,along the Middle Ridge fire road, down the Meteor Trail, and back on the lowerportion of the Skyline to the Sea Trail next to Opal Creek. Length of Hike: 5.5 mile, 3 hoursPreparation: Dress in layers, including raingear if necessary, and bring a hat for sun protection. Sturdy hiking shoes orboots recommended. Bring water, two liters recommended, and snacks and/orlunch. There is NO potable water in Big Basin. Water may be purchased for $3per 16-ounce aluminum can. Special Instructions: The hike will happen rainor shine, but the route may be altered depending on weather conditions. Highwinds will cancel. Parking: Parking is $10 per car payable by debit, credit, or Apple Pay only. No cash accepted. Parking may be reserved ahead of time for $8. Details: https://www.cognitoforms.com/FSCSP1/bigbasinparkingAges: Recommended for ages 10 and up. Childrenmust be accompanied by an adult. Pets allowed? No
First Day Hike in the Old-Growth Redwood Forest
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA, United StatesCoast Redwoods offers a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed! This January 1st, 2025 at 12:00 pm, 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. Let's plan to meet in front of the Visitor Center, we hope you can join us!
Downtown Santa Cruz: Farmers Market
Downtown Farmers’ Market 700-798 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThe Downtown Santa Cruz Market runs year-round on Wednesdays, 1-5pm year round. Our largest and oldest market, it is situated in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz, one block off of Pacific Avenue. Established in 1990, many of the farms that sell here were and remain pillars of the organic and ecological farming movement. This is the place to eat with the seasons! The variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, pastured meats and other products is swoon worthy. The Downtown Market also spotlights a large variety of up-and-coming, unique cultural food businesses. This weekly spot may serve up the most diverse selection of ethnic foods in the county including naan and curry, Japanese fermented misos, Eritrean dishes, crepes, El Salvadorean pupusas, traditional Italian cookies, fish and chips and long-ferment fresh breads. Shopping at the Wednesday market is a wonderful way to support regional responsible farms and small local businesses. Fill your grocery bags! Then sit down for a delightful meal and rest your weary arms.
Shadowbrook: New Years Day Feast
Shadowbrook Restaurant 1750 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA, United StatesMake reservations for a New Year’s Day Feast at Shadowbrook. Enjoy delicious food, beautiful views and transportation that makes travel part of the experience! Dress up nicely and enjoy a free shuttle service in a vintage taxi if you are staying within a 3-mile radius of Shadowbrook. Or you can park and take the trolley through the gardens to the entrance. Of course, there is nothing stopping you from meandering through the gardens on foot! Either way, mark your calendars for the end of the year to secure your New Years adventure as soon as possible!
Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery: Comedy Night
Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing 402 Ingalls Street #27, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThe Microbrewery that makes organic beers and serves them in a dog-friendly biergarten is bringing back the Wednesday night comedy shows! Catch the best comedians from far and wide every week.
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.
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.
Watsonville: Farmers Market
Downtown Watsonville CA, United StatesThe Watsonville Farmers Market is every Friday afternoon from 2-7 all year round at the City Plaza in Downtown Watsonville. Don’t miss out on the wonderful locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. Bring your appetite as there are tons of delicious prepared foods to try.
First Friday Santa Cruz
Multiple locations throughout Santa Cruz County Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesOn the first Friday evening of every month, Santa Cruz galleries, shops, and cultural venues open their doors to showcase the works of Santa Cruz County artists. With a block party-like vibe, the multi-venue event provides an opportunity to discover local creative talent in a fun and festive setting. Many venues entice attendees with yummy cheese-and-wine-filled spreads, while others have food trucks joining in on the fun.
Cabrillo College: Aptos Farmers Market
cabrillo college 6500 Soquel Dr, AptosMarket customers appreciate the bountiful selection of top quality produce and specialty foods as well as the opportunity to connect with the farmers and vendors who produce it. Ninety vendors, of which most are certified organic or use sustainable farming methods, offer pastured grass fed meats and poultry, sustainable fish, oysters, handcrafted cheeses, locally produced olive oil, fresh pasta and gourmet sauces, organic juices, handmade sauerkraut, Corralitos smoked sausages and bacon, artisan breads and baked goods, organic honey, mushrooms, sprouts and microgreens, farm fresh eggs, flowers, potted plants, seedlings, herbs, and an unsurpassed selection of certified California grown fruits, vegetables and nuts.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Birdwatching
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground 2591 Graham Hill Road, Scotts Valley, CA, United StatesWe are offering a bird watching program on January 4th at 9:00am. Join us to learn all about life histories, behaviors, field markings, etc. On this 1-mile walk, we will make specific observations about characteristics that will certainly help us quack the case for many bird identifications! Let's plan to meet in the main parking lot of the park. Hope to see you there! Make sure to bring binoculars and weather appropriate attire. RSVP for this event at this page.