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

Join us at Rally in the Pajaro Valley, our annual community softball tournament! It’s an event that brings together local organizations, businesses, and residents to raise funds and awareness for programs supporting our youth in the Pajaro Valley. Rally is all about celebrating our community spirit, building connections, and making a positive impact together. Everyone is invited to come out for free, cheer on the teams, and learn about the amazing local nonprofits making a difference. Feel free to stop by to donate on-site during the event, every little bit helps support these important causes. See you there!

On this 2.5-mile, 2-hour family-friendly walk, you will explore the plants, animals, and geology of the Santa Cruz County coastal bluffs. Bring water, a hat, closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, and binoculars if available. Pre-registration required at the link in the orange button above. Meet next to the park map in the main parking lot. Rain cancels. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.

Go explore the harbor shops, restaurants and experiences with very little car traffic! 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.

Experience an old-growth redwood forest filled with ancient trees over 200 ft. tall, and connect one on one with park staff. On this 1-mile stroll, you will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc., and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. You don’t want to miss this! Meet at the visitor center. Although the event is free, the vehicle day-use fee is $10. Hold on to that receipt! Once you have paid for parking at one state park, you have paid for them all. There are 14 state parks in Santa Cruz County alone!

Want to learn about the rich dairy history of Wilder Ranch State Park? Dreamt of peeking inside our beautiful Victorian homes and barns? Join us weekly on Saturdays and Sundays for a 1.5 hour long tour of the historic buildings of Wilder Ranch! Meet at the visitor's center at 1 pm. Pre-register here or join us on the day-of. This tour is free. Parking in Day-use lot is $10. Questions?Call (669)758-1963or email [email protected]

In today’s world of screens and deadlines, many people often don’t have the time to unplug and immerse themselves in nature. Here in Monterey County, there are so many opportunities to do so if we put our mind to it. The Elkhorn Slough Reserve is a perfect place to unwind and live in the moment while surrounded by the natural world. That’s the theme of a monthly “mindfulness tour” led by docent Renate Funke. She’s been exploring this area for 30 years, and she is happy to share the wonders of the reserve with others while encouraging them to use their senses. The two-mile, easy- to moderate-grade trail offers a chance to see, touch, hear and smell the scenery. But don’t try to taste anything. [EC] 2-4pm Saturday, July 25. Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Royal Oaks. Free. (831) 728-2822, elkhornslough.org.

Learning about different tree species? How in-tree-guing! During this 1 mile walk, we'll be chattin' about a handful of trees that reside in the park, and giving you the tools you need to identify species during your future park visits. Beleaf us, it'll be a great time! This free program will meet in front of the Visitor Center and meander down River Trail and back through the Redwood Grove. Hard rain cancels! Hope to see you there! Click here to RSVP.

Enjoy this astronomy-based guided hike where you will be guided up to the Observation Deck, perched on an ancient seabed, over 800 feet above sea level and 17 miles from the beach. You will participate in activities and learn about the night sky. This involves a 1 mile round trip hike. Meet at the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground. Follow the link in the orange button above to RSVP. Although this event is free, it costs $10 to park at State Parks. If you plan to visit any other state park earlier in the day, hold on to that receipt! Once you have paid for parking at one state park for the day, you have paid for them all. There are 14 state parks in Santa Cruz County alone!

Go explore the harbor shops, restaurants and experiences with very little car traffic! 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.

Experience an old-growth redwood forest filled with ancient trees over 200 ft. tall, and connect one on one with park staff. On this 1-mile stroll, you will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc., and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. You don’t want to miss this! Meet at the visitor center. Although the event is free, the vehicle day-use fee is $10. Hold on to that receipt! Once you have paid for parking at one state park, you have paid for them all. There are 14 state parks in Santa Cruz County alone!

Want to learn about the rich dairy history of Wilder Ranch State Park? Dreamt of peeking inside our beautiful Victorian homes and barns? Join us weekly on Saturdays and Sundays for a 1.5 hour long tour of the historic buildings of Wilder Ranch! Meet at the visitor's center at 1 pm. Pre-register here or join us on the day-of. This tour is free. Parking in Day-use lot is $10. Questions?Call (669)758-1963or email [email protected]