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Showing 30 of 33 upcoming events Β· Outdoors Β· from 2026-09-05 Β· to 2026-09-06
π Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
π 8:00 AM β 10:00 AM Β· FREE
Learn all about life histories, behaviors, field markings, etc. On this 1-mile walk, you will make specific observations about characteristics that will certainly help you quack the case for many bird identifications! Make sure to bring binoculars and weather appropriate attire. For this month, meet in front of the Henry Cowell Visitor Center, near the redwood loop trail. Free event. The vehicle day-use fee is $10. Hold on to that receipt! Once you have paid for parking at one state park or beach, you have paid for parking at all of them, and there are over 14 in Santa Cruz County alone!
π Lighthouse Field State Beach
π 9:00 AM β 12:00 PM Β· FREE
Come get your hands dirty and help native plants thrive in some of the parkβs most popular day-use areas and trails! Volunteers will water and weed around previously planted native plants while removing invasive and non-native vegetation, including ice plant, Himalayan blackberry, English ivy, mustard, wild radish, and other weeds. Weβll use hand tools like hori horis, Pulaskis, hand clippers, and loppers, plus 5-gallon buckets and other equipment to haul water to thirsty plants. Ages 8 and older are welcome! Minors must be accompanied by an adult and bring a signed waiver. Snacks will be provided, but we recommend bringing a personal lunch. Want something extra? Steamers Lane Coffee Supply has food, snacks, and refreshments available for purchase. Come lend a hand, get some fresh air, and help keep the parkβs native habitat healthy and thriving! πΏ REGISTER HERE: https://volunteer.calparks.org/opportunity/a3tJw000002qFeXIAU/lighthouse-field-state-beach Meeting Location: 644-670 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Google Link : https://goo.gl/maps/Wowc8kYVpneDUKoV7 The most convenient parking is in the lots near Steamer Lane Coffee Supply. There is also street parking available on Pelton Ave if the lot is full. Carpooling is recommended. Meet in the open field immediately behind Steamer Lane Supply. Volunteer event signs will be posted at the entrances to the parking lots to help guide volunteers to the correct location.
π Moran Lake Beach
π 9:00 AM β 10:30 AM Β· FREE
Please join Vets 4 Vets Santa Cruz and Save Our Shores to help keep our coastline pristine. Itβs a great way to connect with neighbors and protect our local marine life. We provide gloves, bags, fresh donuts, and hot coffee. Meet us at the East Cliff Drive parking lot.
π Dynomite Farm
π 9:00 AM β 5:00 PM Β· $59
Enjoy Dynomite Farmβs show-quality dahlia beds for intimate, unhurried cutting experiences where you and your friends have the field to yourselves. No crowds. No rushing. Just you, your people, and a thousand flowers. Companion passes are available for guests who want to join the fun, explore the farm, and take in the beauty without cutting flowers. Friendly chickens roam the property, there are swings for little ones.
π Sweet Water Farms
π 10:00 AM β 4:00 PM Β· $2
Enjoy another season of: π U-Pick Apples π Pumpkins π³ Beautiful Orchard Views π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ Family Fun Apples are notorious for not reading travel itineraries. Please double check on what is ready to be picked before you go!
π Roaring Camp Railroads
π 10:00 AM β 4:00 PM Β· $32
From Trees to Shining Seas β 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. Todayβs 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.
π Luz de Valle Farm
π 10:00 AM β 4:00 PM Β· $12
Ticket price includes 1 pound of apples in addition to what you pick during your timed hour on the farm. Click the link in the orange button above to reserve your hour time slot. Apples are notorious for not reading travel itineraries. Please double check on what is ready to be picked before you go!
π Elkhorn Slough Reserve
π 10:00 AM β 12:00 PM Β· FREE
Docent-led tours of the Elkhorn Slough Reserve are every Saturday AND Sunday, at 10 am and 11 am. Tours are on a first-come, first-serve basis β visitors may sign up at the Visitor Center front desk, or call ahead the morning of using the phone number (831) 728-2822. The Docent will craft a walk that meets the groups needs and abilities.
π Wilder Ranch State Park
π 11:00 AM β 1:30 PM Β· FREE
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.
π UC Santa Cruz Arboretum
π 11:00 AM β 12:15 PM Β· $10
First Saturday Tours are a wonderful way to introduce yourself to the Arboretum or to deepen your understanding of the Arboretumβs plant collections. Each tour is a little different depending on the time of year, the interests of the tour guide and the people who join in. You might learn more about the birds and mammals that make this land their home or about the amazing physical adaptations that plants have evolved to better deal with extreme weather and climate conditions.
π Santa Cruz Harbor
π 11:00 AM β 6:00 PM Β· FREE
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 Districtβs 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.
π Arboretum
π 11:00 AM β 12:00 PM Β· See listing
First Saturday Tours are a wonderful way to introduce yourself to the Arboretum or to deepen your knowledge of the Arboretumβs plant collections. Each tour is a little different depending on the time of year, the interests of the tour guide, and the people who join in. For example, you might learn about the birds and mammals that make this land their home or about the amazing physical adaptations that plants have evolved to better deal with our extreme weather and climate conditions. Tours are free with paid admission.
π Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
π 12:00 PM β 1:30 PM Β· FREE
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 donβt 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!
π Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
π 12:00 PM β 2:00 PM Β· See listing
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!
π Wilder Ranch State Park
π 1:00 PM β 2:30 PM Β· See listing
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]
π Chaminade Resort and Spa
π 2:00 PM β 3:00 PM Β· $140
Through the hands-on exploration of a bustling beehive on Chaminade's grounds, you will learn about the intriguing world of honey bees in a way that very few get to experience. Your hive tour, led by Northern Roots Bee Co.βs professional beekeepers, will include suiting up in beekeeping attire and learning about the different roles and contributions that bees make in the colony. Weβll finish the experience with a honey tasting where participants delight in the nuanced flavors of varietal honeys. This experience is open to overnight resort guests and community members.
π The Crepe Place
π 4:00 PM Β· See listing
A garden party concert with Harry and the Hitmen in an outdoor venue setting.
π The Audrey Stanley Grove at DeLaveaga
π 7:00 PM Β· See listing
Thereβs a thin line between love and hate and sometimes, itβs the barrier between balconies. Thatβs the premise of Noel Cowardβs Private Lives. Two divorced lovers find themselves spending their new honeymoons next door to one another at the same hotel. Both are egotistical, passionate, and selfish, so how are they going to manage to live next to each other at a hotel? Better yet, how are they going to live without each other? This laugh-out-loud comedy is rich, witty and as sharp as Cupidβs arrow. See the play on Friday, September 4th for a matinee preview or check out one of the multiple showings through October 4th. -Mat Weir; Good Times Santa Cruz
π Roaring Camp Railroads
π 8:00 PM β 10:30 PM Β· See listing
Fridays & Saturdays 8pm-10pm through October. Opening weekend July 10-11! Experience the magic once again as this beloved art and light installation returns to the Santa Cruz Mountains for its second year. Lighted lanterns hang high overhead surrounded by thousand year old redwoods that are uplit to create a unique and awe-inspiring retreat back to nature.
π Roaring Camp Railroads
π 8:30 PM β 10:00 PM Β· $15.9
This nighttime experience will bring you a magical and immersive perspective on the ancient forest at Roaring Camp. During the 0.8-mile loop walk, you will view 26 unique, lighted lanterns, hung approximately 50 feet above the ground. The lanterns were crafted by local artists including Anna Bobisuthi, Roaring Campβs resident blacksmith, and Chris Butler, who also created the lighting design for Sequoias at Night. Tickets are available at the link in the orange button above. Kids under two enter for free. Roaring Campβs food services and gift shop will be open.
π Dynomite Farm
π 9:00 AM β 5:00 PM Β· $59
Enjoy Dynomite Farmβs show-quality dahlia beds for intimate, unhurried cutting experiences where you and your friends have the field to yourselves. No crowds. No rushing. Just you, your people, and a thousand flowers. Companion passes are available for guests who want to join the fun, explore the farm, and take in the beauty without cutting flowers. Friendly chickens roam the property, there are swings for little ones.
π Elkhorn Slough Reserve
π 10:00 AM β 12:00 PM Β· FREE
Docent-led tours of the Elkhorn Slough Reserve are every Saturday AND Sunday, at 10 am and 11 am. Tours are on a first-come, first-serve basis β visitors may sign up at the Visitor Center front desk, or call ahead the morning of using the phone number (831) 728-2822. The Docent will craft a walk that meets the groups needs and abilities.
π Luz de Valle Farm
π 10:00 AM β 4:00 PM Β· $12
Ticket price includes 1 pound of apples in addition to what you pick during your timed hour on the farm. Click the link in the orange button above to reserve your hour time slot. Apples are notorious for not reading travel itineraries. Please double check on what is ready to be picked before you go!
π Palm Beach State Park
π 10:00 AM β 12:00 PM Β· $33.85
Sun, Movement & Good Vibes!! Join us for a morning of beach Pilates, followed by a little time to soak it all in
π Sweet Water Farms
π 10:00 AM β 4:00 PM Β· $2
Enjoy another season of: π U-Pick Apples π Pumpkins π³ Beautiful Orchard Views π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ Family Fun Apples are notorious for not reading travel itineraries. Please double check on what is ready to be picked before you go!
π Roaring Camp Railroads
π 10:00 AM β 4:00 PM Β· $32
From Trees to Shining Seas β 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. Todayβs 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.
π Santa Cruz Harbor
π 11:00 AM β 6:00 PM Β· FREE
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 Districtβs 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.
π Roberts Ranch Vineyards
π 11:30 AM β 1:30 PM Β· $92.55
In the ProvenΓ§al tradition, enjoy a to tour the cellar and vineyard property with the stewards of this special place! After a seasonal walk & talk around the property, youβll gather on the Terrace for French Workerβs Lunch paired with featured wines.
π Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
π 12:00 PM β 2:00 PM Β· See listing
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!
π Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
π 12:00 PM β 1:30 PM Β· FREE
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 donβt 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!