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 Roaring Camp Railroads
Graham Hill Road
Felton, CA 95018
(831) 335-4484
The magic of Roaring camp begins as soon
as you leave the parking lot and step foot on the charming covered bridge
that leads into the park. Like a gateway to the past, the bridge
leads over a lively duck pond and into the little "village" of Roaring
Camp -- and the recreated look and feel of the 1880s
(augmented by flush toilets, ice cold cans of soda, and modern prices).
Here you will find a barn that hosts local dances (call for info.), a
country store chock full of train related souvenirs and old fashioned
toys, the Chuck Wagon BBQ and group picnic areas, and of course the
Roaring Camp train depot where authentic vintage steam engines pull in
with a mighty flourish of noise and vapor.
At the depot you can purchase a ticket to
ride the Roaring Camp
narrow gauge stream train to Bear Mountain (1:15 hours roundtrip)
or the Santa
Cruz Beach Train (1:30 hours or 3 hours roundtrip) which will deposit
you at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.. Call (831) 335-4484 or
visit their website for current information about fares and schedules.
Whichever excursion you choose you're in for a beautiful ride through the
scenic Santa Cruz mountains and the wonder of the redwoods (Roaring Camp
adjoins Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park).
Be sure to check out the
Roaring Camp Events
Calendar for upcoming adventures and exhibitions -- including Civil
War re-enactments, gold panning, the Spring Easter Egg Hunt, The
Halloween Ghost Train (sells out early), and -- at Christmas time -- the
Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train.
Tips: You'll be spending a lot of time outdoors so bring
your sun screen, hats that won't fly off (during the breezy train ride)
and your sweater or coat. If you wilt easily in the heat, be
advised that temperatures in Felton are more akin to San Jose than Santa
Cruz. Be sure to pack some bottled water if you plan to hike around
on Bear Mountain, and of course some little snacks to deal with the
appetites you may work up with all that exertion. Also, be aware
that refreshments, souvenirs, and tickets can really take a bite out of
your pocket book. Parents and children may want to have that little
talk about spending wisely, before they cross the scenic covered bridge
into the camp. See the
Roaring Camp FAQS for
more useful info.
Day Out With
Thomas! Every summer, for one weekend only, a life size
Thomas the Tank Engine arrives to pull coaches of gleeful children
through the redwoods. A relaxed carnival of free activities keeps
little ones busy while they wait for their trip with Thomas.
Plenty of Thomas & Friends merchandise
available for purchase.
 Henry Cowell State Park &
Big Trees
101 North Big Trees
Park Road
Felton, CA 95018
831-335-4598
Not as big as Big Basin, but if you have
children in tow, that could be a good thing! Plus, the last time we
visited -- in the middle of August, it wasn't as dry and dusty as Big
Basin was at that same time of year. In Spring Henry Cowell is
positively magical, filled with lush green ferns, moss, its myriad "dry
creeks" are transformed to tinkling brooks, and the trees themselves
seem all fresh and new. (Spring trails get mucky in a few spots,
so leave the stroller at home if you can, and bring extra clothing
changes.)
In contrast to Big Basin, Henry Cowell
has only about 15 miles of hiking trails. Additionally, Henry Cowell's
loop trail seems to feature a greater
variety of flora to examine -- without all the dust and trample. And as for fauna, we more often spot a
deer or two at Henry Cowell. Not sure why that is. Perhaps it is the
large grassy fields adjoining the woods.
Henry Cowell also has picnicking areas with a
nice "wildy" feeling about them. But be warned, the
mosquitoes come out at dusk (sometimes earlier), so bring your repellent
just in case. Do be sure to visit the nature center.
Includes some hands on touchy feely items that will appeal to all
children, especially preschoolers. For our family a stop at the
redwood tree slice a (a cross section displaying tree rings) is a must.
We read the tags pointing to when various historic events relative to
the life of the tree and marvel at the sheer antiquity -- awed at both
the sweep of history and the amazing longevity of the mighty redwoods.
(Note that a restroom is provided half way through the loop -- a real
boon to small children.)
Camping is available on the other end of
Henry Cowell (S.E. of Roaring Camp). For more information call
831-438-2396.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
21600 Big Basin Way
(831)338-8860
Want to get "lost" in the Redwoods? This
is the spot. Established in 1902, the park consists of 18,000 acres of
old growth and recovering redwood forest intermingled with a stunning
variety of biomes and microclimates -- riparian, chaparral, etc.
With 80 miles of trail and links
to Castle Rock State Park, Theodore J. Hoover Natural Preserve,
the eastern Santa Cruz Mountains, and the coastal Highway 1, Big Basin
presents virtually limitless possibilities to the serious hiking
enthusiast. For those who prefer a more leisurely sojourn
with nature, there is the Big Basin Loop trail -- starting out near the
visitor center and taking about 30 - 45, depending on the pace (stroller
accessible). Whichever route you take, be sure to watch out
for the banana slugs
(the U.C. Santa Cruz mascot), they may be slimy,
but they are a vital part of the complex redwood ecosystem. As we
respect the lowly slug, so do we respect the mystery and wonder of the
web of life.
A great place to camp or picnic, Big
basin also features a wonderful, not to be missed, museum. Here you can
learn about rainfall and micro-climates, minerals and geology, and the
variety of animal life that inhabits the area. Warning: a good sized
collection of taxidermy animals is housed in the back room. It's really
quite a beautiful and educational exhibit. (But you will want to come
armed with explanations of "how come these animals are dead"!)
Center is open weekdays 9-5.
Near the museum you will also find a gift
shop full of T-shirts, posters, and other souvenirs featuring the
redwoods and it's wild inhabitants.
 The park also hosts special events,
nature talks, and other activities (especially in the Summer months) so
check out their online
current events
page to see what's coming up. Educators will want to check out
their links page for
resources that will help extend the learning experience
Directions:
From Santa Cruz take Hwy 17 to Mount Hermon road. Follow Mt.Hermon to
Graham Hill Road, turn right onto Graham Hill. Go 1 block to light, turn
right onto Hwy 9, follow Hwy 9 to Boulder Creek. At the 236
intersection, turn left. Follow 236 approximately 10 miles to park gate.
View some great photos of the park
Mystery Spot
465 Mystery Spot Road
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831)423-8897
"It's that place we went to that makes
you feel strange and you always lean to one side."
-- Michelle, age 10.
In all my years growing up in Santa Cruz, I
never went to the Mystery Spot -- I have made sure that my children
were not so deprived! How can you not take your kids to check out a
place where the law of gravity gets tweaked on a daily basis? Bring
your camera, your inner child, and your sense of humor; I guarantee
you will have fun. Personally, I just go to commune with the
Redwoods. And giggle at others...
Best of all, you can get a free bumper sticker
-- to place anywhere you like.
The Mystery Spot is open daily from
9am-6pm. Admission is $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for children
5-11. Groups of 10 or more- $3.00 for adults and $1.75 for children.
Call 831-423-8897 for more information.
Natural Bridges
State Beach
2531 West Cliff Drive
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-423-4609
 Although it's "natural
bridges" are falling into decline due to winter storms, this is still a
great stop with kids. Come to view the butterflies and then have a
picnic and go for a romp on the beach. What could be better!
Natural Bridges monarch grove has been declared a Natural Preserve due to
the 100,000 plus butterflies that over-winter here each year. Also
offers, restrooms, visitors center, & tide pools.
Directions :
Take Swift Avenue west from Hwy 1, or follow West Cliff Drive north along
the in-town bluffs until it ends at Natural Bridges.
Map
 
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
400 Beach St.
Santa Cruz 95060
(831) 423-5590
Dating from near the turn of the century, the Santa Cruz Boardwalk
has been amusing beach goers with its charming old wooden
rollercoaster [don't worry, it's kept in excellent repair!] and
carousel. Passing decades have seen the addition of many other
popular and exciting rides for children and adults, all compactly housed along the
beachside promenade. Bring plenty of cash, because while there is no
charge for admission, ticket prices are not cheap. Still, the great
part is, when you've exceeded your spending power, you can go flop on
the sand, build a sandcastle, or wade in the surf -- all absolutely
free. Bring a hat, a towel, and some sunscreen. Plenty of food
concessions available, or you can bring your own picnic.
Hours/days of operation vary according to
season. Call or check their
website for more
information.
For a
complete list of the Boardwalk's rides, including ride costs and height
requirements,
click here.
Twin Lakes Beach
East Cliff Drive at 7th
Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-427-4868
A real gem, known more to locals than tourists. At this great little
beach you can park your car right at the edge of the sand, and either
cart out your picnic -- or in more inclement weather, park and watch
the surf. Right across street, is the "duck pond" (Schwan's
Lake, part of
the Twin Lakes), a real favorite with kids of all ages. Twin
Lakes beach is a great place to park a small camper and spend the whole day
snacking, sunning, and beach bumming. [Note for my Canadian friends
-- a "bum" in this case is not a part of the anatomy.]
There's a lovely view of the light house from here, and yes, there is a
public restroom. Typically nice and sunny when Capitola and
Seacliff are fogged in. The only drawback is that parking is extremely
limited, so your best bet is to come on a week day. Better
yet, if you're a home schooler, try hitting it in late Spring or early
Fall -- while the working folk and public school kids are locked indoors.
Directions:
Take Soquel Avenue to 7th Avenue. 7th Avenue dead-ends at Twin Lakes
State Beach.
Map.
Moran Lake Park
East
Cliff Dr. and Lake Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA
(831)454-7956
More of a locals' beach, Moran offers the virtues of close
parking, a restroom, and a scenic little beach that, although plenty big
enough, presents a much shorter trek to the surf than most beaches in Santa
Cruz -- kind of important if you have little trekkers in tow. Please
note that you will have to cross a two-lane roadway to access the beach.
There is a crosswalk and locals are great about stopping, but you'll want to
make provision to make sure you're littlest ones get across without mishap
(such as a toddler harness if carrying is not an option and hands are full
of gear).
Directions: From
Hwy 1 exit 41st avenue and turn toward the ocean. Proceed on 41st Ave about
2.5 miles, then turn right on Portola Drive. Turn left onto 26th Ave then
left at East Cliff Drive. Look for the park and parking area on your left.
Capitola Esplanade
Okay, parking is a serious challenge, but the
charm of Capitola Village's little shops, it's tasty
restaurants and
takeouts, picturesque wharf, and it's small but beautiful beach will
make you want to cruise the loop a half dozen times looking for a
spot. If you get lucky, you can get beach front parking, prop your
feet on the dash, lick an ice cream from a local shop, stare out at the ocean, and
believe you have found a piece of heaven. Moments like
this are among the top reasons why people live in Santa Cruz.
The Esplanade
-- circa 1957.
Capitola Chamber of Commerce for more
restaurants, plus special events (such as the
Begonia
Festival).
View a slide show of
Capitola
Hidden Beach Park
Located at the end of Cliff Drive in
Aptos, this park features both Beach access and a cool little
playground. Restrooms are available. Visit the park's web
page for
directions. Please note that parking is very limited.
Seacliff State Beach
/ Cement Ship
Seacliff, CA
(831) 685-6444 or 685-6500
"A ship made out of cement?! How does it stay afloat?!"
When visitors to Seacliff State Beach
first spy the Cement Ship, they are often amazed to discover that
this odd, crumbling extension of the wharf was once a bona fide member of the
U.S. Naval fleet, and that -- yes -- though made of cement, it really
did float. Purchased as military surplus in 1929 by the Cal-Nevada
company, the Cement Ship was beached at Seacliff and put into
service as a fancy dining and dance establishment. After a couple
years however the operation was considered a bust and the Cement Ship
(officially named The Palo Alto) was left to the seagulls and fishing
enthusiasts. Sadly it is now in such disrepair that it has been
closed to the public. Only the pier that connects to it is open for
use. For
more information, check out the Seacliff Beach visitor center and the
park's official website. In
addition to a fascinating video about the old ship, the visitor's center
features exhibits about local sea life.
Seacliff offers picnic areas adjoining the
beach, public restrooms, and cold, outdoor showers for rinsing the sand
off after a swim. Camping is available at the north end of the
park, with both developed sites and parking lot overflow. Camping
in the developed (hook up) sites requires reservation well in advance,
but the experience of sleeping right next to the beach, snug in your bed,
listening to the crashing of the waves is one that you will always
remember.
A snack shack is located across from the
pier. An upper parking lot, accessed by a formidable flight of
stairs, is available when beach level parking is full (as frequently
happens in Summer, especially on weekends).
More Santa
Cruz Beaches
Tips for Being Safe at Santa Cruz Beaches
Mission Santa
Cruz
144 School Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-425-5849
Founded in Mission Santa Cruz was founded
in 1791 by Father Fermín Francisco de Lasuén, the successor of
Father Junipero Serra. (Read more about the
history of Mission Santa Cruz.)
The mission is open Thursday
through Sunday, 10am-4pm.
 Wilder Ranch State
Park
1401 Old Coast Road
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-423-9703 or 831-426-0505
Originally the main rancho
supplying Mission Santa Cruz, the ranch is now open to the public with a
museum, farm animals, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
A Photo
tour.
Santa Cruz City Museum of Natural
History
1305 East Cliff Drive
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831)420-6115
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Tuesday-Sunday
10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Map |
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Admission
Prices |
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Adults:
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$2.50
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Seniors:
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$1.50
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Youth (18 & under) |
Free |
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Museum Association
Members: |
Free |
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Neary Lagoon
 This
is a great place to go for a short nature walk. Bring your camera
and binoculars and a bird guide. Signs along the wooden walkways
point out various natural features.
Don't forget your picnic, but please
don't feed the wildlife. A small playground with swings is
available, as well as a restroom. On a mildly warm day this is a
pure piece of heaven.
Long
Marine Laboratory
&
Seymour Marine Discovery
Center
Located off Delaware Ave. near
Natural Bridges State Park.
Open to the public from 1-4pm
Tues-Sun.
Free guided tours are available.
For reservations for groups of ten or more. 831-459-4308.
 Ann
Jean Cummings Playground
in Soquel
This is one of the best playgrounds in
Santa Cruz County! Plenty of room to play, interesting structures,
and best of all... a super-size slide that even the older kids will
enjoy.
Built in 2001, this park boasts 95 acres
(including the upper field) and features picnic tables and multiple
athletic fields. Park is open 8am to dusk.
Located next to Soquel High School on
Old San Jose Road in Soquel. See this
MAP
For More Santa Cruz Information:
More Santa
Cruz County Parks
Official Website for the City
of Santa Cruz and online
Photo Gallery
Santa Cruz Guide for Visiting Bird Watchers
Average Annual Temperature: Winter
22ºF to 80ºF, Summer 40ºF to 97ºF
For gorgeous images of Santa Cruz, visit
TerraGalleria.com
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