Must See! Photos

Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6

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

Henry Cowell Rewoods State Park Visitor and Nature Center

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

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

Mission Church

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

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

Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6

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.