Santa Cruz County is cherished for many wonders – epic surfing, majestic redwoods, a historic boardwalk, and the fruits of the forest otherwise known as mushrooms. Between the many fresh and wild options that grow here and the plethora of fungi-forward foods, goods, and events, Santa Cruz County has become a hub for all things mushrooms. 

From the best local products to the area’s shroomiest menus and top things to do, we’ve rounded up the places, people, and things that make up this county’s fascinating world of fungi. 

Mushrooms in the Wild 

Santa Cruz County is home to a stunning array of mushrooms, and every season brings with it different edible and non-edible species that crop up on decaying logs, rich earth, and other prime spots. Here are some ways to better understand, appreciate, and enjoy our wild mycological networks: 

• Get to Know the Locals: Did you know some of the top edible mushrooms can be found in Santa Cruz County? Some varieties include chanterelles, morels, yellow foot, black trumpets, candy cap, porcini, lion’s mane, cauliflower, matsutake, and many more – not to mention all the other incredible non-edible fungi varieties. 

• Public Land to See Fungi: This region’s many parks and natural spaces are all home to different species throughout the year.  The Forest of Nisene Marks, Henry Cowell Redwoods, and Fall Creek (which is part of Henry Cowell) are three wonderful areas for mushroom-spotting while hiking. Explore, observe, and take photos…but leave the fungi where you find it. 

• Join a Group Outing: Whether you are a beginner or just want to brush up on your identification and foraging skills, group outings are a great start. Experts and organizations lead events throughout the year, especially at peak season, to share the wonders of the mycological networks (see more in the events section). 

• Foraging: If you’re interested specifically in foraging, we recommend taking a guided tour with an expert. The Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz, Wyldforest, and Forage SF, all offer guided foraging outings. Please always remember to adhere to safe and ethical foraging practices. Foraging is not permitted in state parks or on many public and private lands. Always remember to double-check mushroom identification with an expert before consuming.

Fungi-Forward Restaurant Menus 

Inspired by the array of local mushrooms, many chefs and food/drink purveyors have given fungi a leading role on their menus. Here are some county’s restaurants and cafes spotlighting mushrooms: 

• Far West Fungi: The cafe and shop in downtown Santa Cruz is the destination for mushroom lovers. In addition to all the mushroom products imaginable, the cafe features a seasonal rotation of dishes like the Nashville hot sandwich, empanadas, and mushroom chowder – all made with organic mushrooms grown at Far West’s Moss Landing farm. 

• The Grove Cafe & Bakery: In the heart of downtown Felton, The Grove Cafe & Bakery serves dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, frequently including mushrooms. One favorite is the Mushroom Magic Toast, with shiitake and oyster mushrooms on house-made sourdough porridge bread. And don’t miss the cafe’s incredible mushroom wallpaper! 

• HOME: What was once a residential craftsman in a Soquel neighborhood is now one of the region’s most renowned restaurants. Known for exceptional coastal California cuisine, the HOME menu changes frequently but often includes fungi dishes like the beloved wild mushroom bolognese with fresh-made pasta. 

• Full Steam Dumpling: This favorite, tucked inside of 11th Hour Coffee downtown, serves up creative Asian dishes starring local produce, and meats, with lots of mushrooms throughout. From heavenly ramen bowls to flavor-packed dumplings, there’s nowhere mushrooms won’t go on the Full Steam menu. 

• Bookie’s: If you’ve never had Bookie’s Detroit-style pizza, you are missing out on fluffy sourdough crust, supremely crunchy cheesy edges, and uniquely delicious toppings. They usually have at least one seasonal mushroom pizza on offer, like chanterelle with guanciale or maitake and tree oysters with nettle. And the maitake mushroom wings are always a hit. 

• Jack O’Neill Restaurant & Lounge: Located inside The Dream Inn, Jack O’Neill pairs its stunning waterfront location with a stunning array of local seafood, produce, meats, libations, and yes even mushrooms. Diners can enjoy highlights like abalone with mushrooms, an intriguing mushroom-bone jus, and the occasional special mushroom foragers menu. 

Fungi Celebrations and Events 

Santa Cruz County is home to multiple mushroom-themed events throughout the year – from foraging walks to multi-day bonanzas and everything in between. Here are some of the top activities for fungi lovers and novices alike: 

• Santa Cruz Fungus Fair January 10-12, 2025: This event started in 1974 and is still a tradition more than 50 years later. Hosted by the Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz in partnership with the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History every January, the fair features hundreds of regional species on display, plus demos, speakers, and more across three days. 

• Santa Cruz Mountain Mushroom Festival May 3-4, 2025: Hosted by Far West Fungi at Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton, this event takes a music festival format and infuses it with two days of fungi goodness. Every May it features educational talks, cooking demos, hands-on workshops, live music, and loads of shroomy foods and goods. 

• Mushroom Month is January: Many downtown Santa Cruz businesses participate in celebrating mushrooms all month long by offering special dishes, displays, and other products highlighting the fruits of the forest.  

• Guided Outings and Educational Programming Year Round: Look to groups like the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History for educational programming and resources, forageSF for nature walks led by local mycologist Maya Elson, and Flora & Fungi Adventures for guided excursions with chef, author and forager Maria Finn. 

Mushroom Goods and Shops  

From fresh fungi to infused goods and themed art, mushrooms of all forms can be found around almost every corner of Santa Cruz County. Here are some of the locations, shops, and businesses featuring fungi of all types: 

• Farmers Markets: Fresh farmed mushrooms are available at regional markets from companies like Santa Cruz Mushrooms and Far West Fungi. Both also have storefronts to purchase fresh, dried, and other mushroom products (Santa Cruz Mushrooms is located in Live Oak, and Far West has shops in downtown Santa Cruz and in San Francisco). 

• Natural Grocery Stores: Can’t make it to a farmer’s market? Not to worry, many food stores carry fresh and also wild mushrooms, including Staff of Life, Wild Roots Market, New Leaf Community Markets, and Shoppers Corner. 

• Fungi-Inspired Brands: Local businesses are also tapping the powers of fungi for products, like the mushroom-infused Bennipops popsicles from Santa Cruz Fungi popsicles. 

• Medicinals and Art: Mushroom-infused teas, themed art and decor, and other goods inspired by mushrooms and herbalism can be found at shops like Go Ask Alice, The Herb Room, and of course Far West Fungi.  

• Educational Goods and Novelties: From mushroom socks to books and field guides about the region’s mycology networks, educational and entertaining treasures alike are available at Bookshop Santa Cruz and the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks.  

With such a vibrant fungi community in Santa Cruz County, this list is only the tip of the iceberg – or, rather, the cap of the mushroom. Have a fun time exploring the destinations, events, and menus included here, but don’t stop there! Be on the lookout for all of the other surprising places mushrooms are popping up in the area.