Roaring Camp Railroads: Redwood Forest Steam Train
Roaring Camp Railroads 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, United StatesTravel over trestles, through towering redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and the forest.
Half Moon Bay State Beach – Junior Rangers
Francis Beach Amphitheater, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, USADuring this 1-hour program for ages 7 to 12, kids become Junior Rangers by participating in hands-on activities to earn prizes while learning how to protect the natural world! Activities vary from nature walks, to games, to nature-inspired crafts and are based on a different theme each week. Register in advance here. Walk-ins are welcome. Meet at the amphitheater at the north end of the campground.Program is free. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.
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.
Santa Cruz: WEDNESDAY NIGHT SAILBOAT RACES
Santa Cruz Harbor 135 5th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesSanta Cruz is known near and far for its surfing legacy, but there is another water sport that finds a niche on our coast, with a similarly devoted following. Sailboats dot the waves almost as frequently as surf boards here, benefiting from the tides and currents that make this beach town so special. So it is no surprise that the Santa Cruz Harbor and the Santa Cruz Yacht Club have become a nexus for the sailing community, with a calendar packed with activities and a weekly regatta, which brings out even the biggest land lover to admire the race every Wednesday.
Capitola: Summer Twilight Concerts
Esplanade Park Capitola Village, Capitola, CA, United StatesBring chairs, jackets, a picnic supper, and the family to enjoy free live music and the sunset! Concerts begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and take place at the Esplanade bandstand. Visit local restaurants and pick up dinner to go and enjoy a picnic at the beach! Suggested to bring low back chairs or picnic blanket for seating. *No dogs or alcohol in the park or on the beach. June 12: Spun (Funky Rock) June 19: Pacific Roots (Reggae Rock) June 26: Ribsy’s Nickel (Rock/Reggae) July 3: Dirty Cello (Blues & Rock) July 10: Mike Hammar & The Nails (Contemporary Blues) July 17: Extra Large (Original Pop) July 24: The Joint Chiefs (R&B, Soul, American Roots) July 31: Dolce (Old School, R&B, Soul, American Roots) August 7: Space Heater (Funk/Dance/Jam) August 14: The Inciters Band (60’s Style Original Soul) August 21: Cowboys After Dark (Classic Rock/Funk) August 28: Alex Lucero (Soul/Americana)
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.
Gizdich Ranch: Olallieberry U-Pick
Gizdich Ranch 55 Peckham Rd, Watsonville, CA, United StatesPlants are notoriously unreliable for sharing their arrival and departure itinerary, so please call the ranch in advance before you go! Experience the most fun part of growing fruits at the Ranch! Combined with fresh air, sunshine and a little sweat, it’s a whole lot of fun for the kids and the entire family. Don’t forget your camera. When everyone’s ready for lunch, picnic behind their sales barn and let the kids play.
Seymour Marine Discovery Center: Younger Lagoon Reserve Tour
Younger Lagoon Reserve 130 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThis 90-minute, behind-the-scenes hiking tour takes visitors into Younger Lagoon Reserve adjacent to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Part of the University of California Natural Reserve System, Younger Lagoon Reserve contains diverse coastal habitats and is home to birds of prey, migrating sea birds, bobcats, and other wildlife. Come and see what scientists are doing to track local mammals, restore native habitat, and learn about the workings of one of California’s rare coastal lagoons. A tour is offered on selected Thursdays and Saturdays of each month beginning at 10:30 AM. Younger Lagoon Reserve tours are free and open to the public. Space is limited to 18 participants. Advance reservations are highly recommended using the website link below. Tours are best suited for children 10 years of age and older. Participants must be physically able to walk up and down steep inclines. Water and weather protection is strongly suggested.
Roaring Camp Railroads: Redwood Forest Steam Train
Roaring Camp Railroads 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, United StatesTravel over trestles, through towering redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and the forest.
UCSC: Farmstand
Cowell Ranch Hay Barn 1156 High St., Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThe Center for Agroecology Farmstand is open to all and features organic vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers grown at the UCSC Farm and Chadwick Garden. Find the Farmstand at the Cowell Ranch Hay Barn near the base of campus every Thursday from 12:30-6pm, beginning June 20 and continuing through September 26, 2024.
Half Moon Bay – Library Rangers at Half Moon Bay Library
Join Half Moon Bay State Beach Staff at the Half Moon Bay Library for a story and a craft. Each month we learn about a different aspect of the natural world. This month's topic is
Junction Park: Free Music in the Park
Junction Park 13264 Middleton Avenue, Boulder Creek, CA, United StatesJust one block from Downtown Boulder Creek is beautiful Junction Park, named for the junction of Boulder Creek and the San Lorenzo River. This summer, you will be able to enjoy free music concerts every Thursday here. Dinner and drinks will be available for purchase or bring your own picnic to enjoy! June 13: Flypaper Blues June 20: Love Creek June 27: Drew & Elie (International) July 11: Jim Lewin & Diana Z July 18: Love Creek July 25: Swag Tones August 1: Tyler Diamond
Seacliff Inn: Sip and Stroll
Seacliff Inn 7500 Old Dominion Court, AptosEvery third Thursday, join Seacliff Inn for a Sip & Stroll event where local artists come together to show and sell their works. What goes better with art than wine? The featured winery of the month will be offering tastings of three varietals for you to enjoy in the company of your most creative Aptos neighbors.
Santa Cruz Harbor: Free Water Taxi
Santa Cruz Harbor 135 5th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThe free, inner-harbor water taxi operates between 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM, on summer weekends and holidays. In addition to weekend service, the water taxi will operate on Thursday evenings during the Crow’s Nest beach barbecues from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Passengers may be picked up and dropped off at the following locations: X1 Gate (northeast harbor) AA Dock (southwest harbor) Launch Ramp (southeast harbor) Please visit the Port District’s website to view the map for all water taxi pick-up and drop-off locations in the harbor. Visitor parking is available for water taxi passengers in the north harbor near X Dock.
Crow’s Nest: Thursday Night Beach Parties
The Crow’s Nest Restaurant 2218 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesEach Summer on Thursday evenings, the Crow’s Nest offers its Summer Beach Party series with fun and funky live entertainment right on the beach. The party starts at 5:30 pm each week and goes until sunset. With live entertainment on the outdoor beach stage and Crow’s Nest’s famous BBQ and outdoor bar, beach parties are a unique and popular event. Families are welcome, and there is no admission charge! After the sun sets the fun begins upstairs with dancing to the best of local live bands beginning at 8:30 pm with only a $5 cover charge. May 23, 2024: Sambada (Brazilian Rhythms) / Fuse (Funk, Soul and Rock & Roll) May 30, 2024: Harry & The Hitmen (Classic Motown and Soul) / Burnin Vernon (Funk, Soul, R&B, Jazz and Blues) June 6, 2024: Izzy & The Haze (Contemporary Pop, R&B, Hip Hop)/Big Bad Wolf (Blues, Grunge, Folk) June 13, 2024: The Cruzers (Folk, Pop, R&B) / Fire Peach (90’s Rock Covers) June 20, 2024: Jive Machine (Old-School Funk, Progress) / Locomotive Breath (Progressive Rock, Hard Rock, Blues Rock) June 27, 2024: Extra Large (High Energy Dance Band) / Hall Pass (Indie Rock) NO BBQ BEACH PARTY 4th OF JULY July 11, 2024: The Lost Boys (70s and 80s Party Rock) / Velvet Jones (Funk, Soul, Rock) July 18, 2024: Fishhook (Classic Rock) / Cake by the Ocean (Pop, R&B, Dance, Disco-Funk) July 25, 2024: The Messengers (Funk, Soul, Groove) / Afrohilife (Tropical Fusion-Funk Dance Music) August 1, 2024: Houserockers (Rock, Funk, Blues, 60s Soul, R&B, Swing) / John Michael Band (Funk, Soul, Reggae, Blues, 90’s Rock) August 8, 2024: The Joint Chiefs (Funk, Acid Jazz, Classic R&B) / Rusty Rock N Roll (Classic Rock Covers) August 15, 2014: The Dylan Rose Band (Rock & Roll) / Anthony Arya Band (Americana Rock) August 22, 2014: Sambada (Samba, Reggae, Funk) / Sweet Voodoo (Mashup covers of Classic Rock, Funk and Soul)