Must See! Nature

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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 Museum of Natural History

Exhibits describe area habitats. Interactive displays include pounding acorns, excavating sand dollars, a tide pool touch tank and a close look at living bees. Open Tue.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5p.m.

1305 East Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz
831-420-6115, www.santacruzmuseums.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. There are many weekend special events.

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

Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor

Many sport fishing, whale watching, sightseeing, and other pleasure boating businesses are located here. There are boat and kayak launch ramps, boat equipment and supply services, as well as rentals, restaurants, a two-mile nature trail and guided harbor walks. It also features public beaches and free water taxi service on weekends & holidays. May-Sept. 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.

135 5th Ave., Santa Cruz
831-475-6161, www.santacruzharbor.org

Seymour Marine Discovery Center

Visit the University of California Santa Cruz's working marine laboratory. The Center features a family friendly exhibit hall, aquarium, touch tanks, and the world's largest whale skeleton. Guided tours at 1, 2, and 3 p.m. Visit the marine mammal research overlook and other points of interest. The Seymour Center and its Ocean Discovery Shop are open Tue.-Sat., 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., and Sun., noon-5p.m. Call for holiday schedule.

End of Delaware Ave., Santa Cruz.
831-459-3800, seymourcenter.ucsc.edu

Sierra Azul Nursery Gardens

A retail nursery specializing in Mediterranean plants from around the world, as well as water conserving gardens and landscapes. Its two acre demonstration garden features mature plants, an 80-foot-long rose arbor, and many sculpture pieces crated by area artists. The gardens and gift shop are open daily 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

2660 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville
831-763-0939, www.sierraazul.com

The Farm

An agricultural education center & local farming business. There are demonstration gardens, produce stand, picnic area, live animals, and tours of the grounds. Open April-Dec 22, Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

41 miles southeast from Santa Cruz Hwy. 68 off the Spreckels Rd., Gilroy
831-455-2575, www.thefarm-salinasvalley.com

UCSC Farm and Garden

The Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems operates a 25-acre research and demonstration garden. Map of grounds available at the farm's gatehouse. Public workshops, lectures, and events are scheduled. Plant sales and produce cart offered May-Oct. UCSC main entrance Carriage House parking area. Follow the signed 1/4-mile path to Farm Gatehouse.

UCSC Campus, Santa Cruz
831-459-3240, zzyx.ucsc.edu/casfs/

University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC)

The campus sits high on the hillside overlooking the Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay. Each of its 10 colleges connects via a paved trail system that passes through various forests, riparian and coastal prairie landscapes. There's a 400-acre nature reserve with walks along its 1-mile trail. Many of the university's arts, lecture programs, and attractions welcome visitors. On campus parking is strictly regulated.

Campus main entrance: High and Bay Sts., Santa Cruz
Campus map of trail system and reserve links: maps.ucsc.edu/cdcommon.html

Watsonville Wetlands Trail & Nature Center

An 80-acre urban wetland & one of the surviving central coast tidewater marshes. It has a 4-mile paved walking and bike trail, open daily from sunrise to sunset. The Wetland Nature Center offers exhibits & offers guided walks. Open Tue.-Wed. 2-4:30 p.m., & Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

30 Harkins Slough Rd., Watsonville
831-768-1622, www.wetlandsofwatsonville.org

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Special Interests

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