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!
Capitola: Flynn Creek Circus
Capitola Mall 1855 41st Avenue, Capitola, CA, United StatesSee multiple showtimes below. Flynn Creek Circus returns to Capitola with an all new show to dazzle for the holiday season! Witness their all-human circus spectacle under the big top tent at the Capitola Mall, December 19th – January 5th. This years theme “The Heavy Drift” is an original comedic adventure featuring international and award winning aerialists, jugglers, acrobats, comedians and more! No shows on Christmas day or January 2, 2025. Get your tickets through this link. Thursday, Dec 19 at 6PM – 8:30PM (Opening Night Special) Friday, Dec 20 at 4PM – 6:30PM Saturday, Dec 21 at 4PM – 6:30PM Saturday, Dec 21 at 7PM – 9:30PM (Must be 21+ to attend.) Sunday, Dec 22 at 2PM – 4:30PM Sunday, Dec 22 at 5PM – 7:30PM Monday, Dec 23 at 2PM – 4:30PM Monday, Dec 23 at 5PM – 7:30PM Tuesday, Dec 24 at 2PM – 4:30PM Thursday, Dec 26 at 4PM – 6:30PM Thursday, Dec 26 at 7PM – 9:30PM (Must be 21+ to attend.) Friday, Dec 27 at 4PM – 6:30PM Friday, Dec 27 at 7PM – 9:30 PM (Seniors Special – single seats half price.) Saturday, Dec 28 at 1PM – 3:30PM Saturday, Dec 28 at 4PM – 6:30PM Saturday, Dec 28 at 7PM – 9:30PM (Must be 21+ to attend.) Sunday, Dec 29 at 2PM – 4:30PM Sunday, Dec 29 at 5PM – 7:30PM Monday, Dec 30 at 2PM – 4:30PM Monday, Dec 30 at 5PM – 7:30PM Tuesday, Dec 31 at 4PM – 6:30PM (Must be 21+ to attend) Tuesday, Dec 31 at 7PM – 9:30PM (Must be 21+ to attend) Wednesday, Jan 1 at 5PM – 7:30PM (Family Special – Tables $10 off.) Friday, Jan 3 at 7PM – 9:30PM (Must be 21+ to attend) Saturday, Jan 4 at 1PM – 3:30PM Saturday, Jan 4 at 4PM – 6:30PM Saturday , Jan 4 at 7PM – 9:30PM Sunday, Jan 5 at 1PM – 3:30PM Sunday, Jan 5 at 4PM – 6:30PM (Season Finale – No ticket service fees.)
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.
Capitola: Flynn Creek Circus
Capitola Mall 1855 41st Avenue, Capitola, CA, United StatesSee multiple showtimes below. Flynn Creek Circus returns to Capitola with an all new show to dazzle for the holiday season! Witness their all-human circus spectacle under the big top tent at the Capitola Mall, December 19th – January 5th. This years theme “The Heavy Drift” is an original comedic adventure featuring international and award winning aerialists, jugglers, acrobats, comedians and more! No shows on Christmas day or January 2, 2025. Get your tickets through this link. Thursday, Dec 19 at 6PM – 8:30PM (Opening Night Special) Friday, Dec 20 at 4PM – 6:30PM Saturday, Dec 21 at 4PM – 6:30PM Saturday, Dec 21 at 7PM – 9:30PM (Must be 21+ to attend.) Sunday, Dec 22 at 2PM – 4:30PM Sunday, Dec 22 at 5PM – 7:30PM Monday, Dec 23 at 2PM – 4:30PM Monday, Dec 23 at 5PM – 7:30PM Tuesday, Dec 24 at 2PM – 4:30PM Thursday, Dec 26 at 4PM – 6:30PM Thursday, Dec 26 at 7PM – 9:30PM (Must be 21+ to attend.) Friday, Dec 27 at 4PM – 6:30PM Friday, Dec 27 at 7PM – 9:30 PM (Seniors Special – single seats half price.) Saturday, Dec 28 at 1PM – 3:30PM Saturday, Dec 28 at 4PM – 6:30PM Saturday, Dec 28 at 7PM – 9:30PM (Must be 21+ to attend.) Sunday, Dec 29 at 2PM – 4:30PM Sunday, Dec 29 at 5PM – 7:30PM Monday, Dec 30 at 2PM – 4:30PM Monday, Dec 30 at 5PM – 7:30PM Tuesday, Dec 31 at 4PM – 6:30PM (Must be 21+ to attend) Tuesday, Dec 31 at 7PM – 9:30PM (Must be 21+ to attend) Wednesday, Jan 1 at 5PM – 7:30PM (Family Special – Tables $10 off.) Friday, Jan 3 at 7PM – 9:30PM (Must be 21+ to attend) Saturday, Jan 4 at 1PM – 3:30PM Saturday, Jan 4 at 4PM – 6:30PM Saturday , Jan 4 at 7PM – 9:30PM Sunday, Jan 5 at 1PM – 3:30PM Sunday, Jan 5 at 4PM – 6:30PM (Season Finale – No ticket service fees.)
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.
Capitola: Flynn Creek Circus
Capitola Mall 1855 41st Avenue, Capitola, CA, United StatesSee multiple showtimes below. Flynn Creek Circus returns to Capitola with an all new show to dazzle for the holiday season! Witness their all-human circus spectacle under the big top tent at the Capitola Mall, December 19th – January 5th. This years theme “The Heavy Drift” is an original comedic adventure featuring international and award winning aerialists, jugglers, acrobats, comedians and more! No shows on Christmas day or January 2, 2025. Get your tickets through this link. Thursday, Dec 19 at 6PM – 8:30PM (Opening Night Special) Friday, Dec 20 at 4PM – 6:30PM Saturday, Dec 21 at 4PM – 6:30PM Saturday, Dec 21 at 7PM – 9:30PM (Must be 21+ to attend.) Sunday, Dec 22 at 2PM – 4:30PM Sunday, Dec 22 at 5PM – 7:30PM Monday, Dec 23 at 2PM – 4:30PM Monday, Dec 23 at 5PM – 7:30PM Tuesday, Dec 24 at 2PM – 4:30PM Thursday, Dec 26 at 4PM – 6:30PM Thursday, Dec 26 at 7PM – 9:30PM (Must be 21+ to attend.) Friday, Dec 27 at 4PM – 6:30PM Friday, Dec 27 at 7PM – 9:30 PM (Seniors Special – single seats half price.) Saturday, Dec 28 at 1PM – 3:30PM Saturday, Dec 28 at 4PM – 6:30PM Saturday, Dec 28 at 7PM – 9:30PM (Must be 21+ to attend.) Sunday, Dec 29 at 2PM – 4:30PM Sunday, Dec 29 at 5PM – 7:30PM Monday, Dec 30 at 2PM – 4:30PM Monday, Dec 30 at 5PM – 7:30PM Tuesday, Dec 31 at 4PM – 6:30PM (Must be 21+ to attend) Tuesday, Dec 31 at 7PM – 9:30PM (Must be 21+ to attend) Wednesday, Jan 1 at 5PM – 7:30PM (Family Special – Tables $10 off.) Friday, Jan 3 at 7PM – 9:30PM (Must be 21+ to attend) Saturday, Jan 4 at 1PM – 3:30PM Saturday, Jan 4 at 4PM – 6:30PM Saturday , Jan 4 at 7PM – 9:30PM Sunday, Jan 5 at 1PM – 3:30PM Sunday, Jan 5 at 4PM – 6:30PM (Season Finale – No ticket service fees.)
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.
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.