Must See! Nature

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Año Nuevo State Reserve

This large breeding colony of Northern Elephant Seals, can be viewed at all times of the year. Guided walk reservations required during the breeding season (Dec.-March). Permits for self-guided tours are available at the gate for the remainder of the year. There is an interpretive center and bookstore. Open 8 a.m.-sunset.

23 miles North of Santa Cruz on Hwy. 1.
(Reservations) 800-444-4445, (Special need reservations) 650-879-2033, (General information) 650-879-0227, www.anonuevo.org

Agricultural History Project

Pajaro Valley's 150-year agricultural history is displayed in exhibits, equipment and tool collections, living history demonstrations, special events and activities. Open Thur.-Sun. noon-4 p.m. Extended hours during the County Fair, when it opens Claudia's Kitchen and offers hayrides and threshing demonstrations.

2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville
831-724-5898, www.santacruzcountyfair.com

Alan Chadwick Garden

Located on the University of California Santa Cruz campus, this two-acre demonstration garden is part of the UCSC Student Garden Project. Map of garden is available on site at the UCSC Farm gatehouse.

Located at UCSC's Merrill College
831-459-3240, zzyx.ucsc.edu/casfs/

Arboretum at UCSC

One of the world's most favorable horticultural sites. Offering nine specialty display sections with plants from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and California. There is a self-guided map and a guided tour is offered at 11 a.m. on Sun. It has a gift and garden shop. Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

1156 High Street, between the main and West campus entrances
Norrie's Gift Shop 831-427-2998
831-423-4977, arboretum.ucsc.edu

Bamboo Giant Nursery

One of the largest bamboo display nurseries in North America, the 31-acre facility has both common and exotic species and pathways leading to various display gardens. Signs describe the featured plantings. Open Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m-5 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

5601 Freedom Blvd., Aptos
831-687-0100, www.bamboogiant.com

Beaches

Area beaches are open to the public from sunrise to sunset. There are secluded locations as well as large open spaces that are popular for sunbathing, beach volleyball, walks on the sand, picnics and to watch the sunset. Also see parks & beaches.

Bigfoot Discovery Museum

Features local history, lore, & documented sightings of Bigfoot, ABSMs, & UFOs. It has a research library, memorabilia, and art. Outdoor exhibits include a sculpture garden, life size Bigfoot diorama, & video theater featuring Bigfoot themed movies. Open daily, June-Aug., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Rest of year Wed.-Fri., 1-6 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.

5497 Hwy. 9, Felton
831-335-4478, www.bigfootdiscoveryproject.com

Castroville

The community is known as the Artichoke Capitol of the World. More than 95% of the nation's artichoke production comes from the fields that surround the small town that hosts an annual Artichoke Festival. It is also home to the Norma Jean Museum, which celebrates the festival's first Miss Artichoke, aka Marilyn Monroe.

Hwy 1, 28 miles south of Santa Cruz Castroville Festivals
831-633-2465, www.artichoke-festival.org

Country Crossroads Guide to U-Pick Farms

A free map & guide to 22 direct-sell and U-Pick Farms, as well as six area farmers' markets. Over 100 agricultural commodities are produced locally. The guide can be found at visitor information locations, participants and the Farm Bureau Office.

141 Monte Vista Ave., Watsonville
831-724-1356 or 831-688-0748, www.sccfb.com

Elkhorn Slough

The 1,400-acre reserve is the state's largest remaining coastal wetland. It is a stop on the Pacific waterfowl migration route. The Slough attracts sea otters, harbor seals, 346 species of birds, and other wildlife. It also is a recognized natural fish hatchery site. There is a visitor center and five miles of trails. Docent tours depart at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Sat. and Sun. Open Wed.-Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Kayaks and canoes allowed. Nature tours by boat available daily.

1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville
831-728-2822, www.elkhornslough.org
Elkhorn Slough Safari 831-633-5555, www.elkhornslough.com

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Special Interests

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