Must See! Family

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Henry Cowell Rewoods State Park Visitor and Nature Center

Displays feature the unique aspects of the park's redwood, riparian, sandhill and grasslands habitats. Interactive displays include a century time-line on how the forest was saved from logger's clear-cutting practices, and there are tactile identification activities. Open Summer Tue.-Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Winter, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. There are guided walks and nature store. State Park parking fees apply.

101 North Big Trees Park Road (off of Highway. 9), Felton
831-335-7077, www.mountainparks.org

Holy Cross Church

The parish has been active since the Mission's founding. The church stands on the grounds of the original 1889 structure and has many architectural elements and artifacts from its history.

126 High St., Santa Cruz
831-423-4182, www.holycrosssantacruz.com

Mark Abbot Lighthouse & Surfing Museum

Displays show over 100 years of local surfing history. Artifacts include photos, vintage surfboards, and wet suits. Open Thu.-Mon., noon-4 p.m.

Lighthouse Park, 701 West Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz
831-420-6289, www.santacruzsurfingmuseum.org

Mission Church

Established in 1793, it is the 12th of 21 California Missions, the only one to have housed Native Americans. It is a half-scale replica structure with a self-guided tour and artifacts. Open Tue.-Sun.10 a.m.-4 p.m.

831-426-5686, www.holycrosssantacruz.com

Mission Hill

Located above downtown Santa Cruz, Mission Plaza is where you will find three sites that are landmark symbols of the region's history and heritage.

Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, Mission Church and Holy Cross Church
High and Mission Sts., Santa Cruz

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, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. May 28-Sept. 5 and holidays. 43 miles south from Santa Cruz.

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

Moss Landing

This village has played an important role in the region's maritime and commercial fishing history, and is now a center for marine research. There are sand-dune beaches and a boardwalk over its wetland marshes. It has several sport fishing, whale watching, sightseeing companies, kayaking, and other recreation services/rentals. The village is also a hub for antique shoppers and has several restaurants.

Moss Landing Chamber of Commerce
831-633-4501, www.mosslandingchamber.com

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.-5 p.m. May 27 - Sept. 4, open 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Gift shop, snacks and beverages available.

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

National Steinbeck Center

This museum celebrates the writings of John Steinbeck. The main gallery features interactive displays, which blend his story narratives with motion picture clips and news video of historical events, many found in the Salinas Valley. The Valley of the World gallery focuses on Salinas Valley's agricultural history. You will find an art gallery, theater, restaurant, and store. Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m., closed some holidays.

35 miles southeast from Santa Cruz
One Main St., Salinas
831-796-3833, www.steinbeck.org

Open Spaces and Protected Habitats

Discover the wonder of the area's natural settings, native habitats and wildlife at over 70 public parks. Experience & connect with the region's unique & diverse eco-systems & have a close-up view of wildlife. Many locations offer nature programs, guided walks, museums, visitor centers & other nature education services.

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