★ Spotlight 2027
San Lorenzo Valley
Felton · Ben Lomond · Boulder Creek
San Lorenzo Valley winds up Highway 9 from Felton into Boulder Creek, with redwood groves, river parks and mountain towns tucked beneath the canopy. Steam trains, a historic covered bridge and a lively music hall give the valley a character all its own. It rewards slow days, short hikes and a stop at a neighborhood market.
A Redwood Day in Felton
- Start with the flat Redwood Grove Loop at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, then stretch out on a forested trail if energy allows.
- Walk or drive to Felton Covered Bridge County Park for a picnic by the river and a look at the historic bridge.
- Finish at Wild Roots Market on Highway 9 for organic sandwiches, smoothies or picnic supplies to take home.
Eat & Drink
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Cowboy Bar & Grill
A family-run Felton restaurant and bar serving comfort food with a twist, popular for casual dinners, drinks and parties along Highway 9.
5447 Highway 9, Felton, CA 95018
Website for Cowboy Bar & Grill (opens in a new tab) ↗ Directions to Cowboy Bar & Grill (opens in a new tab) ↗
Locally owned · Checked
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Scopazzi's Restaurant & Lounge
A historic Italian dining room in the redwoods with a full lounge, an extensive wine list and a long history as a Boulder Creek gathering place. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served Wednesday through Sunday.
13300 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA 95006
Website for Scopazzi's Restaurant & Lounge (opens in a new tab) ↗ Directions to Scopazzi's Restaurant & Lounge (opens in a new tab) ↗
Locally owned · Checked
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The Red Pearl
A neighborhood Chinese restaurant on Boulder Creek's main road serving dishes prepared fresh daily, with a playful dragon motif and a loyal local following. Open Wednesday through Sunday.
13151 Highway 9, Boulder Creek, CA 95006
Website for The Red Pearl (opens in a new tab) ↗ Directions to The Red Pearl (opens in a new tab) ↗
Locally owned · Checked
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Wild Roots Market (Felton)
An organic market with produce from local farms, made-from-scratch prepared food, fresh sandwiches and smoothies. Two valley stores, in Felton and Boulder Creek, make it an easy stop for picnic supplies.
6240 Highway 9, Felton, CA 95018
Website for Wild Roots Market (Felton) (opens in a new tab) ↗ Directions to Wild Roots Market (Felton) (opens in a new tab) ↗
Locally owned · Checked
Shops & Local Makers
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Creekside Wellness
A licensed dispensary on Boulder Creek's main road offering a retail counter for adult customers in a small mountain-town setting. Hours vary, so check before visiting.
12603 Highway 9, Boulder Creek, CA 95006
Website for Creekside Wellness (opens in a new tab) ↗ Directions to Creekside Wellness (opens in a new tab) ↗
Locally owned · Checked
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Willow Works
A new Felton boutique stocking handmade pottery, jewelry, art prints and small gifts from regional makers, a good stop for one-of-a-kind presents along Highway 9.
5980 Highway 9, Felton, CA 95018
Website for Willow Works (opens in a new tab) ↗ Directions to Willow Works (opens in a new tab) ↗
Locally owned · Checked
Arts, Culture & Entertainment
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Felton Music Hall
A live music hall in the Santa Cruz Mountains hosting touring musicians and local talent across genres, with craft food and cocktails served in house. Shows range from all ages to 21 and over.
- Live music
- Rainy-day pick
6275 Highway 9, Felton, CA 95018
Website for Felton Music Hall (opens in a new tab) ↗ Directions to Felton Music Hall (opens in a new tab) ↗
Locally owned · Checked
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Mountain Community Theater
A long-running community theater company staging plays and musicals at Park Hall in Ben Lomond, with evening shows and weekend matinees through the season.
- Rainy-day pick
Park Hall, 9400 Mill St, Ben Lomond, CA 95005
Website for Mountain Community Theater (opens in a new tab) ↗ Directions to Mountain Community Theater (opens in a new tab) ↗
Checked
Parks, Beaches & Outdoors
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Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Recovering from the 2020 wildfire, the park welcomes day visitors to the flat Redwood Loop and other reopened trails and fire roads among surviving giants. Campgrounds remain closed and parking is limited.
Local tip: Parking reservations are highly recommended because spaces are limited: $6 plus a $2 reservation fee.
- Reservations recommended
- Family-friendly
20580 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA 95006
Website for Big Basin Redwoods State Park (opens in a new tab) ↗ Directions to Big Basin Redwoods State Park (opens in a new tab) ↗
Checked
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Fall Creek Unit, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Day-use trails climb through second-growth redwoods and old logging and wagon roads, with about twenty miles of routes that range from short walks to longer, quieter forest loops.
Local tip: Use the boot brush stations at trailheads to avoid spreading non-native seeds into the burn scar.
Felton Empire Rd trailhead parking, Felton, CA 95018
Website for Fall Creek Unit, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (opens in a new tab) ↗ Directions to Fall Creek Unit, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (opens in a new tab) ↗
Checked
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Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Old-growth redwoods, a flat interpretive loop and miles of forested trails line the San Lorenzo River beside a busy visitor center, nature store and picnic area.
Local tip: The Redwood Grove Loop is a flat 0.8-mile walk; dogs are not allowed on it.
- Family-friendly
- Dog-friendly
- Bike-friendly
101 Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA 95018
Website for Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (opens in a new tab) ↗ Directions to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (opens in a new tab) ↗
Checked
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Highlands County Park
A broad riverside community park in Ben Lomond with playgrounds, picnic areas, tennis courts, a skate park, sports fields, a nature trail and open lawn for an easy afternoon outdoors.
- Family-friendly
8500 Highway 9, Ben Lomond, CA 95005
Website for Highlands County Park (opens in a new tab) ↗ Directions to Highlands County Park (opens in a new tab) ↗
Checked
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Loch Lomond Recreation Area
A forested reservoir with rental row boats, paddle boats and electric motor boats, plus picnic areas and shaded trails. Open seasonally from March through October; swimming is not permitted.
Local tip: Leashed dogs are welcome on trails and in picnic areas, but not on boats or in the reservoir.
- Seasonal
- Family-friendly
- Dog-friendly
100 Loch Lomond Way, Felton, CA 95018
Website for Loch Lomond Recreation Area (opens in a new tab) ↗ Directions to Loch Lomond Recreation Area (opens in a new tab) ↗
Checked
Landmarks & Local Highlights
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Felton Covered Bridge County Park
A historic wooden covered bridge anchors a riverside park with a playground, picnic area, sand volleyball court, fishing access and a new pump track. A simple, shady stop for a picnic.
- Family-friendly
Graham Hill Rd at Mount Hermon Rd, Felton, CA 95018
Website for Felton Covered Bridge County Park (opens in a new tab) ↗ Directions to Felton Covered Bridge County Park (opens in a new tab) ↗
Checked
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Roaring Camp Railroads
Vintage narrow-gauge steam locomotives pull the Redwood Forest Steam Train on a roughly 75 minute climb through redwood groves and over trestles toward the summit of Bear Mountain.
Local tip: The Santa Cruz Beach Train is listed as returning in spring 2027.
- Family-friendly
- Seasonal
5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton, CA 95018
Website for Roaring Camp Railroads (opens in a new tab) ↗ Directions to Roaring Camp Railroads (opens in a new tab) ↗
Locally owned · Checked
Spotlight 2027 edition. Places are checked against their own websites, most recently in November 2026. Hours and seasons change, so check before you go. Every business listed is locally owned.
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