Must See! Attractions

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Capitola Village

This charming village is the oldest planned vacation community on the Pacific Coast, and has welcomed visitors since the 1870s. Displays at the Capitola History Museum have photos and memorabilia from its early days and offers a self-guided map to historic sites. The village has many art galleries, specialty shops, restaurants and clubs. There are events, Summer Beach Twilight Concerts, and is home to the annual Begonia and Art & Wine festivals.

Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce 716-G Capitola Ave., Capitola.
831-475-6522, www.capitolasoquelchamber.com

Davenport

Founded in 1868 by Captain John Davenport, who built a 450 foot-long wharf to transfer timber, tanbark, corwood and cedar posts to small sailing vessels that were shipped to San Francisco. It was also an important whaling port. The present town was built to house workers from the local cement plant, which opened in 1906, and workers of the Coast Dairies. Points of historical significance are the Davenport Jail Museum (cir. 1914) and the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church (cir. 1915), which continues to offer weekly services.

Gilroy Gardens & Family Theme Park

(formally Bonfante Gardens)�March 21-Nov. 23 New season, new rides, entertainment and much more. Set in a garden wonderland the park has many lush floral displays, sculpted trees, ponds, streams and waterfalls. There are 40 attraction/rides, entertainment pavilions, several food and dining areas, and gift and garden shops.

3050 Hecker Pass/Hwy 152, Gilroy
408-840-7100, www.gilroygardens.com

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Galleries and exhibits explore the diverse habitats of Monterey Bay. The four largest exhibits are Outer Bay, Kelp Forest, Monterey Bay Habitats, and Sea Otters Along the Rocky Coast. Displays feature 550 species. There are interactive exhibits, and feeding schedules are posted. Services include a store, restaurant and educational programs. Open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 43 miles south from Santa Cruz.

886 Cannery Row, Monterey
800-756-3737, www.mbayaq.org

Mystery Spot

Take a 45 minute guided walk into the forest where there are puzzling variations in gravity, perspective, heights and other anomalies. Open daily 9 a.m.-7 p.m. May 23 - Sept. 1 and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. remainder of year. Gift shop, snacks and beverages available.

465 Mystery Spot Rd. off of Branciforte Dr., Santa Cruz.
831-423-8897, www.mysteryspot.com

Pacific Avenue In Santa Cruz

A popular shopping, strolling, dining and entertainment area, anchored by three bookstores: Bookshop Santa Cruz, Logos Books and Records, and Borders Book Café. There are over 200 unique retail shops plus several clubs, talented street artists and many eateries.

Downtown Association of Santa Cruz
831-429-8433, www.downtownsantacruz.com

Pigeon Point Light Station

On the cliffs overlooking the Pacific, this Historic State Park offers one of the most photographed lighthouses. It stands 115 feet high and has been in continuous operation since 1872. Guided walks of the grounds are conducted Fri.-Sun., 10 a.m.-4p.m. Nearby Pescadero Marsh is a sanctuary for more than 150 species of birds.

Hwy 1, 27 miles North of Santa Cruz
www.parks.ca.gov

Roaring Camp and Big Trees Railroad

Ride historic steam trains through towering redwoods and beach trains to the Pacific Ocean and Boardwalk. Roaring Camp's town has a general store, exhibits, BBQ, caboose snack shops, picnic areas, gold panning, nature trails, other activities, and many special events. Open year round rain or shine.

Roaring Camp and Graham Hill Rds., Felton.
831-335-4484, www.roaringcamp.com

San Juan Bautista

Several historic landmarks and buildings, including the Mission San Juan Bautista, founded in 1797. California State Historic Park offers a glimpse into early settlement and ranching days along the El Camino Real.

33 miles Southeast from Santa Cruz
SJB Chamber of Commerce
831-623-2454, www.sjbchamber.com

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

There are 35 thrilling rides including the high-flying 125-foot Double Shot Tower and it's classic Giant Dipper roller coaster. There are games, restaurants, miniature golf and arcade. The Boardwalk is open daily Memorial Day to Labor Day, and weekends and holidays in the fall & spring. The Casino Arcade is open daily, except Dec. 25, 11 a.m.- evening. Neptune's Kingdom is open daily, except Dec. 25, 11 a.m.- evening.

400 Beach St., Santa Cruz.
831-423-5590, www.beachboardwalk.com

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