Westside Santa Cruz: Farmers Market
Westside Farmers’ Market Mission St. Ext. and Western Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThe Westside Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday, year round at the corner of Hwy 1 and Western Drive. Here we serve the communities of the west end of Santa Cruz including Bonny Doon, the North Coast and the University of California, Santa Cruz campus. Sitting on the northern edge of Santa Cruz’s greenbelt this market is a great launching location for a day outdoors at Natural Bridges beach, Wilder Ranch or any adventure spot up the coast. It is also just a hop, skip and a jump, or bike ride, from Downtown. A community hub for over 15 years, the Westside Market showcases a great selection of 100% certified organic produce, artisan foods, beer, body products, tinctures, sustainable seafood, pasture raised meats, flowers and eggs along with cook-to-order cultural meals, live local music and a full espresso bar operated by Syllable. With an abundance of free parking and accessibility on its side, this market makes for a convenient and celebratory Saturday morning outing any time of the year.
Watsonville: Cactus and Succulent Fall Show and Sale
Portuguese Hall-Watsonville Atkinson Lane, Watsonville, CA, United StatesIf you love succulents, this event is for you! Vendors from throughout the Bay Area and Monterey County present an outstanding array of unusual and exotic cacti and succulents. Demonstrations are held daily. An “Ask an Expert” table is on-site to answer questions. Members bring their favorite plants to compete for best-in-show, judged by attendees. All who visit the show will receive a free plant!
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.
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 (831) 728-2822. The Docent will craft a walk that meets the groups needs and abilities.
Museum of Discovery: Potter the Otter
1855 41st Ave Ste J05, across from Wetzel’s Pretzels in the Capitola Mall 41st Avenue, Capitola, United StatesThe Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery is thrilled to announce a season of celebration in honor of its 10th anniversary and a decade of discovery in our community. Enjoy the exciting kick-off event as they unveil the “Potter the Otter: A Healthy Adventure” traveling exhibit. Dive into adventure with Potter the Otter™ on his quest to be healthy and strong! This hands-on interactive exhibit, spanning over 1,500 sq ft, brings the beloved First 5 children’s books to life through the power of play. Built by The San Jose Children’s Discovery Museum for preschool and kindergarten-age children this exhibit is enjoyable for all interested in living a healthy life. August 24th-November 11th Fridays & Saturdays 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Santa Cruz Beach Train
Roaring Camp Railroads 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, United StatesFrom Trees to Shining Seas – Felton to Santa Cruz. Departing from the Santa Cruz Mountains, travel through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge, and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Reverse roundtrips departing from the beach in Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp and back may be purchased from the conductor on the train departing from Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Big Trees & Pacific Railway operates passenger and freight services on one of the oldest and most historic lines in California. When the route opened in 1875 it carried lumber as well as picnickers and tourists to the Big Trees and Santa Cruz. Today’s Beach Train passengers can start their roundtrip journeys from either Roaring Camp in Felton or from the beach in Santa Cruz. Departs from both the beach in Santa Cruz and Roaring Camp. See departure times for more information. Please note that the 4 p.m. train leaving Santa Cruz is one-way only. There is no return train to the beach.
Live Earth Farm: U-Pick Strawberries
Live Earth Farm 1275 Green Valley Road, Watsonville, CA, United StatesSpots are limited for 2 hours at 10am, and 12:30 on Saturdays & Sundays. Dates are subject to change without notice. Discounts apply to produce the more you pick! Bring buckets, boxes, or other containers to harvest into, or purchase containers from them for a small fee. Make sure to dress accordingly – layers, hats, sunblock. Load up the kids, pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it!
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.
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
Rancho del Oso- Guided Walk
REGISTER HEREThank you for joining us at Rancho del Oso! We're excited to explore with you.We will depart at 11 am. Please meet us at the Nature and History Center. Depending on group preference, there are several routes available.-The Marsh Trail- This seasonally available trail is a 0.8 mile round trip out across Waddell Creek and to our Welcome Center and native plant garden at the base of the Skyline to the Sea Trail (currently closed). When ready, visitors can then either return to the Nature and History Center via the Marsh Trail or walk down to Waddell Beach and cross a short bridge on HWY 1. The bridge on HWY 1 is brief but has a narrow shoulder, some visitors including those with smaller children may prefer to return via the Marsh Trail.-The Hoover Loop Trail- This 0.7 trail gives excellent views of the Waddell Marsh, Waddell Beach, and the Pacific Ocean. A variety of coastal plants decorate the side of the trail, before you eventually rise into the recovering Monterey pine forest.-If time allows, naturalists are happy to lead groups onto both trails.If you have questions, you can call (831) 218-5750 or email [email protected] Note:Please dress in layers, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring binoculars, snacks, water, and sun protection. Please pack in your water as there is not potable water available in the park. With water, it’s a good idea to bring more than you think you need (1-3 liters recommended). There are pit toilets at Waddell Beach and the far side (Welcome Center/Skyline side) of the Marsh Trail, and then standard restrooms at the Nature and History Center.We look forward to connecting with you at Rancho del Oso!
Butano State Park – Junior Rangers
Butano State Park Visitor Center, 1500 Cloverdale Rd, Pescadero, CA 94060, USADiscover the wonders of the natural world through activities, crafts, experiments, and nature walks! Each week will feature a nature journaling workshop as well as a unique activity. This program is for 7 - 12 year olds. Meet at the Butano State Park Visitor Center.For more information, call (669) 758-1819.Program is free. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.Remember to bring water as none is available in this park!
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.
Watsonville: AAPI Identity Art Show
Pajaro Valley Arts 37 Sudden Street, Watsonville, CA, United StatesWhat is Identity? Enjoy an exploration of identity through the lens of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) artists. From traditional forms to contemporary expressions, each work offers a unique perspective inviting you to ponder the complexities of culture, heritage, and self-discovery. Sunday, August 11 from 2-4pm at 37 Sudden St; Opening Reception Sunday, August 11 at 2:30pm at 37 Sudden St; Watsonville Taiko Performance Saturday, August 17 from 2-3pm at 280 Main St; Storytelling Matinee Saturday, August 24 from 2-3pm at 280 Main St; Storytelling Matinee Sunday, September 8 from 2-3pm at 37 Sudden St; Poetry Reading & Artist Talk with Shirley Ancheta The Gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 4pm.