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 bigbasin@ports-ca.us.Click 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 ranchodeloso@ports-ca.us.Please 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.
Simpkins Swim: Parks and Rex Pool Party
Simpkins Family Swim Center 979 17th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesEveryone will have a blast at this end-of-summer celebration – take the whole family, including your dog! Enjoy local craft beer, wine, great food, ice cream, games, music and fun in the pool for adults, children and your dog too! Sign up for your dog’s swim time will take place at the event.
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.
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.
Roberts Ranch Vineyards: Wine & Déjeuner d’Ouvrier
Roberts Ranch Vineyards Roberts Road, Ben Lomond, United StatesThis year, Roberts Ranch Vineyards is celebrating the French Provençal communal tradition of the Déjeuner d’Ouvrier, also known as the Worker‘s Lunch. This is a perfect time to grab some friends and gather around the table for a generous prix fixe communal lunch of delicious soup and main course, artisan bread, a fruit and cheese course salad and (bien sur) dessert!
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Free Walk With a Doc
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA, United StatesTake the first step towards a healthier lifestyle with this 1.5-mile gentle walk guided by a doctor while discussing lifestyle approaches you can take home with you after your visit. Safe, fun and free, the Walk with a Doc will inspire you through movement and conversation within nature. Group size is limited, and advance registration is required through the link below on the left.
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!
Nicholson Vineyards: Summer Series
Nicholson Vineyards 2800 Pleasant Valley Road, Aptos, CA, United StatesEnjoy summer weekend afternoons at the beautiful Nicholson Vineyards! They will be featuring local food vendors. Saturdays from noon to 5pm – Enjoy perusing art from local artists Sundays from noon to 5pm – Enjoy listening to local musicians July 6 & 7: Epoch Eats & True Blue Studio Music by R&B July 13 & 14: Mattia Pizza & Scout + Sea Music by Sam Kellerman July 20 & 21: Chubby Tacos & Luna Dorada Music by Dave Tate July 27 & 28: My Mom’s Mole & Natalia Aandewiel Music by Tom Jacobs August 3 & 4: Areperia 831 & Nathan Goldsmith Music by Will Breman August 10 & 11: The Pesce Veggie & Papelline Music by Kip Allert August 17 & 18: SC Eatery & Sierra Evans Music by Michelle Lambert August 24 & 25: Taquizas Gabriel & Desert Moon Designs Music by Wild + Blue August 31 & September 1: Real Taco & The Clay Chalet Bottle Bash Event