Must See! Museums

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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 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. 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

National Steinbeck Center

This museum celebrates the writings of John Steinbeck. The main gallery features interactive displays which blend his story narratives that are shown in 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

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

Pacific Migrations Visitor Center and Museum

Exhibits explore the migrations of creatures that find their way to the central coast by air and sea. These include Sooty Shearwaters from New Zealand, Gray Whales, Monarch Butterflies, Salmon, Anchovies, Sardines, Brown Pelicans, Squid, and Jellies. Also displayed is commentary about early immigrants and their influence on nature. Open daily May 27-Sept.4, and weekends the remainder of year, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

New Brighton State Beach
831-429-1840, www.scparkfriends.org

Pescadero

This rural farming area was once the mid-point Pony Express stop on the coastal route between Santa Cruz and San Francisco; and is located two miles inland off of Hwy.1. Found here is the fourth generation Duarte's Tavern, one of five James Beard "American Classic" restaurants, Norm's Market, and the Aroangeli Grocery Company, purveyor of gourmet foods.

Hwy 1, 38 miles North of Santa Cruz

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

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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