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Alan Chadwick Garden

Located on the University of California Santa Cruz campus, this two-acre demonstration garden is part of the UCSC Student Garden Project. Map of garden is available on site at the UCSC Farm gatehouse.

Located at UCSC's Merrill College
831-459-3240, zzyx.ucsc.edu/casfs/

Aptos History Museum

The area's newest museum offers displays that highlight the town's historic milestones. Its Ohlone Indian collection is one of the region's largest. Artifacts, memorabilia, and photographic exhibits cover the area's commercial interests in the 1870s including its logging and apple orchard history, and the impact of Santa Cruz Railroad.

Aptos History Museum and Aptos Chamber of Commerce
7605-A Old Dominion Ct., Aptos
831-688-1467, www.aptoschamber.com

Arboretum at UCSC

One of the world's most favorable horticultural sites. Offering nine specialty display sections with plants from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and California. There is a self-guided map and a guided tour is offered at 11 a.m. on Sun. It has a gift and garden shop. Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

1156 High Street, between the main and West campus entrances
Norrie's Gift Shop 831-427-2998
831-423-4977, arboretum.ucsc.edu

Art Studios and Galleries

Artwork created by local artists, are celebrated throughout the world. These include Lundberg Studios' art glass, Frans Lanting's nature photography, luster glass by Strini and the Annieglass dinnerware collection. Artists working in various mediums display their works in local studios and galleries, Made in Santa Cruz shops and at art festivals. Santa Cruz County Open Studio is held over three weekends in Oct. where a juried group of 275 artists open their studios for public viewing.

Santa Cruz County Cultural Council
831-475-9600, www.ccscc.org

Bamboo Giant Nursery

One of the largest bamboo display nurseries in North America, the 31-acre facility has both common and exotic species and pathways leading to various display gardens. Signs describe the featured plantings. Open Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m-5 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

5601 Freedom Blvd., Aptos
831-687-0100, www.bamboogiant.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

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

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.

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

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