Santa Cruz County View

Must See!

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Harley Davidson Museum

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Highlights of the museum include vintage motorcycles, memorabilia, & photos on display. Narratives describe cultural influences of the motorcycle & Harley Davidson's branding. Open Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

1148 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz
831-421-9600, www.santacruzharley.com

Henry Cowell Rewoods State Park Visitor and Nature Center

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Displays feature the unique aspects of the park's redwood, riparian, sandhill and grasslands habitats. Interactive displays include a century time-line on how the forest was saved from logger's clear-cutting practices, and there are tactile identification activities. Open Summer Tue.-Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Winter, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. There are guided walks and nature store. State Park parking fees apply.

101 North Big Trees Park Road (off of Highway. 9), Felton
831-335-7077, www.mountainparks.org

Holy Cross Church

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The parish has been active since the Mission's founding. The church stands on the grounds of the original 1889 structure and has many architectural elements and artifacts from its history.

126 High St., Santa Cruz
831-423-4182, www.holycrosssantacruz.com

Mark Abbot Lighthouse & Surfing Museum

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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 Church

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Established in 1793, it is the 12th of 21 California Missions, the only one to have housed Native Americans. It is a half-scale replica structure with a self-guided tour and artifacts. Open Tue.-Sun.10 a.m.-4 p.m.

831-426-5686, www.holycrosssantacruz.com

Mission Hill

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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

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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

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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

Mystery Spot

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Take a 45 minute guided walk into the forest where there are puzzling variations in gravity, perspective, heights and other anomalies. Open daily 9 a.m.-7 p.m. May 23 - Sept. 1 and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. remainder of year. Gift shop, snacks and beverages available.

465 Mystery Spot Rd. off of Branciforte Dr., Santa Cruz.
831-423-8897, www.mysteryspot.com

National Steinbeck Center

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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

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Special Interests

Look for these symbols throughout Visit for activities, sights & places that offer what you're looking for. Click on a symbol below to only show Must See places with that interest.

Nature

Nature

Beaches, Parks, Natural Habitats, Wildlife, Museums, Events & Activities

Nature

Museums

Cars, Motorcycles, Surfing, Art, Nature & the Unusual

Nature

Agriculture

Living History, U-pick farms, Museums, Events

Nature

Gardens

From Roses and Manicured Gardens to Native Plantings

Nature

History

Historic Sites, Museums, & Events

Nature

Attractions

Roller Coasters, Train Rides, Sealife Labs & Mysterious Places

Nature

Visual Arts

Galleries, Museums, Artist's Studios, Festivals

Nature

Scenic Sights

Special Places, Great Views, Casual Explorations

Nature

Performing Arts

Theater, Entertainment, Cultural Heritage

Nature

Family

Fun activities, festivals and events for the whole family

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Couples

Fun activities, festivals and events for couples

Nature

Photos

Indicates photographic opportunities

Nature

Shopping

Indicates locations for great shopping

Nature

Dog Friendly

Indicates where dogs are welcome at beaches and parks

Nature

Birding

Indicates special locations for great bird watching

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