Half Moon Bay – Guided Walk at Gray Whale Cove

Join State Park Docents for a two-hour hike along the scenic Gray Whale Cove Trail at State Parks’ McNee Ranch at Montara.  Enjoy a moderate 2 mile hike overlooking the California coast.  From the trail you will be able to view evidence in the landscape of the Ocean Shore Railroad and bunkers left over from the World War II era. Enjoy the ocean views, the coastal plants, and the birds on this exciting hike. Meet on the north side of the Gray Whale Cove State Beach parking lot on Highway 1. If you have any questions or concerns please contact halfmoonbay@ports-ca.us or call (650) 726-8814.Click here to make your reservation today! 

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Basketry Workshop

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA, United States

During this program from 10:00am-12:00pm, you will be introduced to a traditional art: California Basket Weaving. CA basketry is some of the most ornate in the world, and this opportunity will pique your interest in learning more about, and supporting traditional arts and peoples. This 2-hour workshop will teach you how to weave your very own basket out of local Ponderosa Pine needles!All materials are supplied, and no previous experience is necessary. Suitable for participants 12 and up.Click here to RSVP!

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Sandhills Tour

Hike around an ancient seafloor?! Yes please! On this 1.5 mile hike through the Santa Cruz Sandhills, we'll be meandering through sandy soils on the mountain top, about 800' above present-day sea level! Join us on November 11th at 9:00am to explore this beautiful landscape and learn about the rare and unique things that call it home. RSVP for this event here!Let's plan to meet in the campground parking lot (located off Graham Hill Rd.). We hope to see you there! Hard rain cancels. 

La Selva Beach Winter Craft Fair & Book Sale

La Selva Beach Clubhouse 314 Estrella Avenue, La Selva Beach, CA, United States

Getaway to the beach for the La Selva Beach Winter Craft Fair and Book Sale on Saturday, February 10. This free event is open from 10 am to 4 pm at the La Selva Beach Clubhouse and Lawn, 314 Estrella Avenue, La Selva Beach. Shop from over 35 unique arts and crafts vendors and a huge used book sale. Enjoy baked treats and hot drinks from the Bake Sale. Savor delicious Mexican street foods from Tacos el Jesse food truck. Buy tickets to win prizes of vendor goods. Contact: BooksandBrewsLSB@gmail.com

Free

Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Guided Walk – Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA, United States

Come 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

Natural Bridges State Beach – Migration Festival

Join the fun at this annual family friendly event. Walk, run, bike or fly to Natural Bridges State Beach to celebrate the animal that migrate to and through the Monterey Bay. Enjoy hands-on booths from many community organizations, live music, sweets, crafts, games and more!  We hope to see you there. This event is free. Parking is $10 and your pass is good at any other State Park for the day.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Redwood Tour

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA, United States

Coast 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!

The American Woodwind Quintet

Christ Lutheran Church 10707 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA, United States

Let the Avenue Winds take you on a stirring sonic journey through America. Woodwind quintets paint rich and varied soundscapes from the peaceful Pastorale by Amy Beach and Summerland by William Grant Still to the bustle of New York City in Rubispheres by Valerie Coleman. John Bilotta’s Fire in Spring, William Susman’s Bay-Area-inspired Six Minutes Thirty Seconds, Irving Fine’s folk-infused Partita, and Samuel Barber’s expressive masterpiece Summer Music round out the colorful program. Performing two dates: Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 7:30PM Sunday, February 11, 2024 at 3:00 PM

Rio Theatre: Kendal Mountain Film Tour

Rio Theatre 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Take a break from the weather outside to join a film festival visiting from North West England! Take a cinematic journey through the world’s most breathtaking landscapes with a selection of award winning films showcasing the year’s most daring feats of courage and tales of human resilience. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or simply someone who appreciates the majesty of nature, this tour promises to ignite your sense of adventure and leave you with a renewed appreciation for the planet we call home.

Bean Hollow State Beach – Guided Walk

Join a State Park Educator and enjoy the flora, fauna, and coastal views on this leisurely 1.5 mile out-and-back along the bluffs between Bean Hollow State Beach and Pebble Beach. Hike is mostly flat with some mild elevation gain and loss. In the springtime, this hike will be bursting with color as the wildflowers bloom! Meet at the Bean Hollow State Beach south parking lot on Hwy 1. Exact location here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jQQT6TYsGdb7Wuko9Time: 10:00amParking:  Free parking located at Bean Hollow State Beach South Parking LotPreparation: Participants should wear sturdy shoes and a hat, and bring plenty of water & snacks.  Steady rain will cancel. Contact: halfmoonbay@ports-ca.us or (669)758-1819

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Redwood Loop Tour

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA, United States

Coast 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!

Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park – Adobe Tour

Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park 144 School St., Santa Cruz

Join us for a guided tour through Santa Cruz’s oldest building, the only remaining example of indigenous housing from the California Missions. Learn about the daily life of people who lived here, and ways in which the Spanish Mission system drastically impacted local native people’s culture and landscape. This is a FREE event open to the public, no reservations required. Call (831) 425-5849 for more information.

Sesnon Salons – Film and Digital Media

Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, United States

Free and open to the public with light refreshments as available. Check out the UC Santa Cruz Arts division at this salon-style gathering presenting the work of UCSC’s Film and Digital Media Department. – Jan 18: Digital Arts and New Media Department – Feb 15: Film and Digital Media Department – April 18: Department of Performance, Play & Design – May 16: Music Department PARKING – Lot 124 & 125 are the closest parking lot to the event. – Parking is by permit. – Click here for more visitor parking information.