Must See! History

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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

Quail Hollow Ranch

Formerly home to Sunset Magazine's publisher, Lawrence Lane, this county park has historic significance and is noted for its rare sandhills. There are guided tours of the 300-acre ranch. Educational events and programs are held at the ranch house. Open daily.

800 Quail Hollow Rd., Felton
831-335-9348, www.scparks.com/parkfac/quail.shtml

Rancho Del Oso Nature and History Center

Natural & cultural history exhibits of Waddell Valley. There are guided hikes, tours, events and a gift shop. Open weekends, noon-4 p.m. Waddell Beach, directly across Hwy 1, is a hotspot for kite surfing.

3600 Hwy. 1, Davenport
831-427-2288, www.santacruzstateparks.org

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

An amusement park with 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

Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds

Events are held at various venues, which range from art exhibits and quilt shows to craft and trade fairs, concerts and reunions. A current event schedule can be found on its website.

Highway 152, Watsonville
831-724-5671, www.santacruzcountyfair.com

Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park

There are several buildings, including the Neary-Rodriguez Adobe, built in 1791, it is the last surviving of the mission-period structures. There is a visitor center, museum, picnic grounds and other services. Open Thurs.-Sun., 10 a.m.-4p.m. Guided tours: Sun., 1 p.m.

144 School St., Santa Cruz
831-425-5849, www.santacruzstateparks.org

Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH)

The museum's history wing displays a timeline of the region's settlements, business, and cultural influences. There are docent tours of the museum and area historic sites. The museum's art wing features ever changing contemporary art. Open Tue.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The Museum Store is located in the historic Front Street octagon building. Open Tue.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun., noon-5 p.m.

705 Front Street, Santa Cruz
831-429-1964 (Museum), 831-454-9986 (Store), www.santacruzmah.org

Santa Cruz Wharf

There are several restaurants, fish markets, shops, boat rentals, and other recreation activities. Other attractions include Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary exhibits, aquarium displays, views of the coast, and surf action at Steamer Lane. See the sea lions resting on the pier pilings.

Beach St., Santa Cruz.
831-420-5270, www.santacruzwharf.com

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