Must See! Scenic Sights

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Año Nuevo State Reserve

The world's largest 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

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.

Bonfante Gardens

A theme park centered on displays of trees and horticulture exhibits from mid-20th century Silicon Valley. Designed for the young family & home gardener's pleasure, the park offers 19 amusement rides, 27 attractions/activities, and 6 specialty gardens. The grounds are lavishly landscaped in a variety of trees, flowers, water elements & rock formations. Enjoy entertainment, food, gift & garden shops, & other services. Open daily June 3-Aug. 27, Sept. 2 - Oct. 19, Sat. & Sun., Nov. 24 - Dec. 23. Spring weekend schedule starts in April. 32 miles southeast Santa Cruz.

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

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

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

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

Harley Davidson Museum

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

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

Mark Abbot Lighthouse & Surfing Museum

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

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