Gayle’s Bakery: Pre-Order Thanksgiving
Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria Bay Avenue, Capitola, United StatesGayle’s will start taking Thanksgiving orders on October 1st. There are limited quantities, so make sure you order early! They have everything from traditional turkey dinners, sides& appetizers, dinner rolls & rustic breads to handmade pies and holiday desserts. View their menu online at the link below left.
The View at Chaminade: Thanksgiving Brunch or Early Dinner
Chaminade Resort and Spa 1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesCelebrate Thanksgiving at Chaminade with a world-class festive buffet overlooking Santa Cruz & the Monterey Bay. $85++ per person (Ages 13+) $25++ per person (Ages 3 – 12) ++ Plus Tax & Gratuity Reservations Required
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.
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.
Ideal Bar and Grill: Thanksgiving Feast
Ideal Bar & Grill 106 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesTake your friends and family to a beachside Thanksgiving Day for a celebratory feast! Please follow the link in the bottom left-hand corner to go to the website and reserve your spot due to limited availability.
Santa Cruz Diner: Thanksgiving Feast
Santa Cruz Diner Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, United StatesA Thanksgiving feast without having to make a reservation? Bring your friends and family to the Santa Cruz Diner!
Gilda’s: Thanksgiving Feast
Gilda’s on the Wharf Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, United StatesTake your friends and family to Gilda’s on Thanksgiving Day for a celebratory feast on the wharf with views! They will have a traditional Thanksgiving turkey meal and their dessert specials will be a classic pumpkin pie or apple pie. They even have a special fun “Cranberry Sauced” drink for adults! Call today at (831) 423-2010 to make a reservation.
Shadowbrook: Thanksgiving Feast
Shadowbrook Restaurant 1750 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA, United StatesMake a reservation for a Thanksgiving 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 your hotel is 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! There will be live music in the Rock Room Lounge from 5PM to 10PM by Elie Mabanza. Walk-ins will be accepted at the Rock Room Bar & Lounge with roof top terrace from 11AM to 10pm. Dining room reservations will be from 11:30AM to 9PM. Traditional Turkey Entree – $37.95 Diestel Family Ranch oven-roasted turkey breast & thigh cranberry-orange relish bourbon-pecan dressing garlic-whipped potato & traditional gravy Pumpkin Pie – $11.95 served with Marianne’s Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Pumpkin Cheesecake with a gingersnap crust and topped with apple cider jelly and caramelized apples – $TBD
Reindeer Round-Up
Downtown Santa Cruz Pacific Avenue Between Water and Locust Streets, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesSanta has lost his reindeer, but you can help find them! Pick up a map at the Downtown Santa Cruz Information Kiosk or Pacific Cookie Company to find participating businesses, and then visit them all to search for the beautiful hidden reindeer. Find just 12 of the reindeer and return your map to the Info Kiosk for a small prize! Find all 28 and you'll be entered to win of our many grand prizes. FUN for the whole family.
Santa Cruz Harbor: Winemakers Sail
Santa Cruz Harbor 135 5th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesChardonnay Sailing Charters features a different local winery every Friday evening from May through October. Enjoy the fabulous wines provided and entice your palate with complimentary hours-d’oeuvres while taking in the stunning views of the California coastline. Learn about the local wineries and the art of winemaking. Watch the sunset, raise your glasses, and give a toast to a wine tasting at its finest!
Wilder Ranch State Park: Guided Coastal Birding Walk
Wilder Ranch State Park 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesOn this 2.5 mile hike, be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces, with many stops to view the many birds, plants, and scenery along the way. You will help each other spot and identify birds! Bring your binoculars if you have them, clothes for variable weather, and good walking shoes. 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. Follow links below for the required free registration.
Wilder Ranch State Park – Birding Walk
On this 2.5 mile hike, be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces, with many stops to view the many birds, plants, and scenery along the way. You will help each other spot and identify birds! Bring your binoculars if you have them, clothes for variable weather, and good walking shoes.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.
West Cliff: Outdoor Holiday Market
Steamer Lane at Lighthouse Point 700 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesJust in time for holiday shopping, head to the outdoor market with unique artisans while taking in the spectacular view of the ocean. This one-of-a-kind market will be held in two parking lots along West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. This is always a popular spot for locals and tourists, as it overlooks the famous Steamer Lane surf spot. The market will feature hand-crafted gifts and admission is FREE! See you on the cliffs! Black Friday, November 29, 10am-6pm Saturday, November 30, 10am-6pm
Roaring Camp Railroads: Holiday Tree Walk
Roaring Camp Railroads 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, United StatesGet in the holiday spirit by bringing the family to ride the Redwood Forest Steam Train through the wintry redwoods to Bear Mountain. Sip hot cider while greeting Santa Claus. In town, enjoy winter-themed activities. ACTIVITIES Visit from Santa Hot Cider Winter Themed Activities DATES November 29 – December 1 December 7 – 8 December 14 – 15 December 21 – 22