From the waves to the redwoods, it's all happening here.

From 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. The Beach Train will run weekends and holidays through May, and then daily June through the first week of August, then back to weekends and holidays to the end of September. Please note that the 4 p.m. train leaving Santa Cruz is one-way only. There is no return train to the beach.

Joaquín Isidro de Castro, grandfather of adobe owner Juan José Castro, traveled with the 1775–1776 Anza Expedition. Throughout the day, enjoy live music in the garden, children’s crafts, knowledgeable docents, and the opportunity to explore the fully restored 176-year-old, adobe hacienda of the Castro family. Take a picnic lunch and spend the day surrounded by history, craftsmanship, and the beauty of the Watsonville countryside. Scheduled Special Speakers: 11am – Hear about “The Bold Widow,” one of the most remarkable women of the Anza Expedition. by Jennifer Lucido, M.A., RPA 1pm – Hear insights into the Anza Expedition, its route, its people, and its lasting impact on California history. by Dr. Greg Smestad, Anza Expedition Scholar • Author • Descendant Preregistration is encouraged! To preregister visit the Santa Cruz State Parks reservation site

If you love California history and our state’s cultural heritage, come celebrate with us at the Castro Adobe State Historic Park! Visit at the next open house. This tour that repeats every 90-minutes throughout the day will surely have you falling head over heels with all the park has to offer! This 90-minute tour is led by State Park docents who will share the history of the Castro family, and the two-story adobe hacienda built over 170 years ago. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon touring Rancho San Andres Castro Adobe State Historic Property in Watsonville, CA. Learn about the Vaquero culture and living during the Mexican Rancho Period of California History. *This event requires pre-registration through the link in the orange button above.

Led by Conductor-in-Residence Octavio Más-Arocas, the beloved free Family Concert features Paul Dooley‘s The Conductor’s Spellbook, an interactive musical adventure introducing audiences of all ages to the orchestra through playful storytelling, alongside Gala Flagello‘s vibrant fanfare Bravado. A “Tour of the Orchestra” invites curious minds of all ages to explore the instruments that bring the music to life. In a special partnership with El Sistema Santa Cruz/Pajaro Valley, select honor students will open up the concert with a short presentation—continuing the Festival’s commitment to access, education, and mentorship.

Led by Conductor-in-Residence Octavio Más-Arocas, the beloved free Family Concert features Paul Dooley‘s The Conductor’s Spellbook , an interactive musical adventure introducing audiences of all ages to the orchestra through playful storytelling, alongside Gala Flagello‘s vibrant fanfare Bravado . A “Tour of the Orchestra” invites curious minds of all ages to explore the instruments that bring the music to life. In a special partnership with El Sistema Santa Cruz/Pajaro Valley, select honor students will perform alongside orchestra musicians!