Must See!

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Capitola Village

This charming village is the oldest planned vacation community on the Pacific Coast, and has welcomed visitors since the 1870s. Displays at the Capitola History Museum have photos and memorabilia from its early days and offers a self-guided map to historic sites. The village has many art galleries, specialty shops, restaurants and clubs. There are events, Summer Beach Twilight Concerts, and is home to the annual Begonia and Art & Wine festivals.

Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce 716-G Capitola Ave., Capitola.
831-475-6522, www.capitolasoquelchamber.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

Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County

This organization is an excellent arts community resource. It sponsors many art events, including Open Studios and the SPECTRA school art education program. Open M-F, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

2400 Chanticleer Ave., Ste G, Santa Cruz
831-475-9600, www.ccscc.org

Davenport

Founded in 1868 by Captain John Davenport, who built a 450 foot-long wharf to transfer timber, tanbark, corwood and cedar posts to small sailing vessels that were shipped to San Francisco. It was also an important whaling port. The present town was built to house workers from the local cement plant, which opened in 1906, and workers of the Coast Dairies. Points of historical significance are the Davenport Jail Museum (cir. 1914) and the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church (cir. 1915), which continues to offer weekly services.

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

Evergreen Historical Cemetery

This gold rush era cemetery was the first Protestant cemetery in California. A selfguided tour map is found at the main entrance. Living history programs with guided tours are scheduled at different times. Open daily, sunrise to sunset.

Evergreen & Coral St. (near Harvey West Park), Santa Cruz
831-429-1964, www.santacruzmah.org

Gilroy Gardens & Family Theme Park

(formally Bonfante Gardens)�March 21-Nov. 23 New season, new rides, entertainment and much more. Set in a garden wonderland the park has many lush floral displays, sculpted trees, ponds, streams and waterfalls. There are 40 attraction/rides, entertainment pavilions, several food and dining areas, and gift and garden shops.

3050 Hecker Pass/Hwy 152, Gilroy
408-840-7100, www.gilroygardens.com

Gizdich Ranch

A fourth generation family ranch. U-pick berries, May-Aug. and apples, Sept.-Oct. There is a deli, gift shop, and bakeshop offering fruit pies and other baked treats. Its apple stand features 12 seasonal varieties. Apple and apple-olallieberry juices are pressed on Saturday.

55 Peckham Rd., Watsonville
831-722-1056, www.gizdich-ranch.com

Half Moon Bay

A secluded coastal farming community and commercial seaport, known for its annual Pumpkin Festival and Mavericks extreme surf championship event. It has a charming downtown, with a collection of galleries, antique stores, and gift shops.

Hwy 1, 48 miles North of Santa Cruz Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce
650-726-8380, www.halfmoonbaychamber.org

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