Before it’s time to hit the books and watch the sun set on another wonderful summer in Santa Cruz County, we’re looking forward to all of the fun the month of August is bringing at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk!
Free Movies on the Beach
There’s nothing like watching a classic movie on the beach with the Giant Dipper twinkling overhead and the sound of gentle summer surf in the background. Bring the family and your blanket or low-back beach chair and join the fun!
Movies start at 9:00pm. Each movie will include a 15 minute intermission. Seating is first‑come, first‑serve!
Free Friday Night Bands on the Beach
Famous headliners from the 70s to today rock the sound waves for two free shows on Friday night at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s concert stage on the sand. Shows are at 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Note that blankets are limited to one beach towel size per person.
Retro Nights
Mondays and Tuesdays until August 13th, enjoy old-school prices throughout the park with these Retro Night specials:
Visiting Santa Cruz County is more affordable than ever. This season, there are plenty of free activities and events to enjoy that won’t cost a penny. Santa Cruz County may be known as a Nuclear-Free and Hate-Free Zone, but that’s not all that’s free! Here’s what you need to know for this spring and summer.
1. Visit the “World’s Best Seaside Amusement Park”
The legendary Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is always admission free. Enjoy a self-guided free walking tour of this historic seaside gem. The Boardwalk also hosts Free Friday night summertime concerts from June 12th to September 4th at 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM. For a more laid back night on the beach, the Boardwalk also offers free classic movie viewings Wednesday nights from June 17th to August 12th. All you need to do is bring your blankets- and your friends!
2. Concerts and Movies in Capitola
California’s oldest seaside resort town has lots to offer in the spring and summertime. Wednesday Nights June through August, Capitola Beach holds Twilight Concerts that provide a perfect night of free music and dancing. They also offer free movies on four Fridays throughout the summer: August 21st and 28th as well as September 4th and 11th. Capitola also offers free weekend and holiday shuttle, which takes visitors from the parking lot to Capitola Village!
3. Year-Round Events
Have you ever watched sailboat races at sunset? Every week from March 11th through October 28th, the Santa Cruz Harbor hosts the ever popular Wednesday Night Sailboat Races. Have a picnic on beach blanket and enjoy the beauty of the sailboats, sunset and sea. More year round events are accessible on the Visit Santa Cruz County website.
4. Tour the Historic and Eclectic
A variety of free walking tours bring to life the history of Capitola, the logging days of Boulder Creek, the Victorian homes and public murals of Watsonville, the outdoor art and historical architecture of Santa Cruz, and more. Visit the Jack O’Neill Mural near the Santa Cruz Wharf entrance and see the original site of the O’Neill Surf Shop, a California Historical Point of Interest. Nearby, a new plaque pays tribute to the Santa Cruz Surf Club. Adjacent to this 55-foot-long mural is the Jack O’Neill Restaurant and Lounge located in the Santa Cruz Dream Inn, where you can find photos and memorabilia from the O’Neill legacy.
5. Go Wildlife Watching Around the County
Free weekly guided nature walks of the Wetlands of Watsonville are an up-close way to experience the area’s bird population. VSCC’s free Wildlife Watching Guide is a great way to get your bearings on where to go and what to look for! Or, head over to the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf and where the sea lions play and sunbathe. You might even catch a glimpse of a dolphin or sea otter! On weekends, the Wharf offers guided tours where you can learn more about marina research, red tides and more.
6. Discover Museums
Learn
about Santa Cruz surfing legends, the farming methods of a bygone era, and more
at the following free-admission museums!
The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center features state-of-the art displays, an exploration theater, interactive exhibits and more – and it’s always free to the public! And for those willing to spend a little green, there gift shop is full of unique and wonderful souvenirs to memorialize your visit.
7. Savor Fine Art
Peruse
galleries exhibiting the work of local watercolor artists, metal sculptors and
more. Free-admission galleries are as follows:
You can also take a tour of Annieglass in Watsonville on weekends at 1:30 p.m. or by appointment. Finally, head over to Capitola Village for Art and Music at the Beach on select days in the summer!
8. Get Outdoors!
Hike among the towering Redwoods of Santa Cruz County this spring and summer. California State Parks offer free parking on the second Saturday of every month, a great opportunity for you & some friends to explore scenic paths at Henry Cowell or Big Basin. The 30-acre Arboretum at UC Santa Cruz also offers free admission the first Tuesday of every month – another great place to plant with the some friends for the day!
Stroll through Downtown Santa Cruz, where pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined streets boast unique shops and sidewalk performers. Abbot Square Market hosts a full schedule of events, including outdoor movies, children’s activities, trivia nights and live music! This is a perfect way to spend an evening on a budget.
Just across the Monterey Bay from Santa Cruz, the 119th US Open is set to hit the green at Pebble Beach Golf Links on June 13 – 16 in 2019. Golf lovers from near and far will converge for four days of tournament tradition at an event historically marked with greatness by players like Tiger Woods, Bubba Watson, Graeme McDowell, Jack Nicklaus, and Brooks Koepka. Fortunate fans will trail their favorite players on the course, while at-home spectators will be posted-up on the La-Z-Boy for at least half the day throughout the event.
Now, if the only golfer’s name you recognized in the above list is Tiger Woods, you may fall into the non-golf fan category – and that’s okay! Golf fan or not, we’ve got some unique ways to experience Santa Cruz County. So whether you’re looking to stretch your legs and grab some grub between rounds, or would rather avoid the tourney all together, here’s what to do during the US Open, besides watching the US Open:
Hit Up Pleasure Point Whether you bring the board or not, hanging on the cliffs ofPleasure Point is sure to make you feel like you DID something. Watch surfers at the famed surf spot, eat some killer burritos at The Point Market or Chill Out Cafe, and explore the shops in this laid-back oceanside neighborhood.
Take a Trek at Wilder Ranch Experience the rugged beauty of Wilder Ranch on the Old Landing Cove Trail. Hike down to secluded beaches, take in the ocean air, and watch wildlife as you meander the coast side trail overlooking the Pacific.
Photo courtesy of Pour Taproom
Sample the Brew Scene The beer scene has been flourishing in Santa Cruz for the last five years and there’s no better way to get the scoop on what’s been happening than to do some sampling!Pour Taproom in Downtown Santa Cruz is a must for beer fans. With over 60 beers on tap, right at your fingertips (literally), you can sample old-world and new-world favorites, along with many local Santa Cruz brews.
Marvel at Earth’s Largest Living Things Northern California is home to the tallest living things on the planet: Sequoia Sempervirens, or Coastal Redwoods. You’ll find groves of these colossal trees literally minutes from Santa Cruz’s sandy shores. Stroll 15 miles of trails at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park or hop aboard the vintage steam trains at Roaring Camp Railroads that haul passengers through mountaintop, old-growth forests. For the truly adventurous, harness up for a series of ziplines and sky bridges amidst the treetops on a Redwoods Canopy Tour.
Dine Al Fresco With 300 days of sunshine, it’s no wonder outdoor patios abound in the Santa Cruz area. From beachfront decks to secret garden patios, you can experience some delicious food in some pretty spectacular places. Check out the top 20 patios in Santa Cruz County, so you can enjoy the local flavors and views.
Drive Up to Davenport Famous Highway 1 is as scenic as it comes on the stretch from Santa Cruz to Davenport. Ocean to your left, and rolling hills and ag fields all around, you’ll love the views as you hug the coastal curves on the drive north. With exploration, and Instagram-worthy stops like Shark Fin Cove, Panther, and Old Davenport Pier, you’ll definitely be inspired to extend the adventure.
Get Out on the Water Santa Cruz’s most cherished feature is arguably the Monterey Bay. For close up views, test your balance on a stand-up paddle board with lessons and rentals from outlets like Capitola Beach Company. You’ll stay drier — and sip more wine — on a scenic leisure cruise on the Bay. But if you turn green just from looking at the sea, consider a stroll on the Santa Cruz Wharf. The longest wooden pier in the state extends far into the bay, offering front row views of the Bay’s wildlife, from barking sea lions to leaping dolphins and the occasional spyhopping whale.
Pop the Cork on Santa Cruz Wineries The Santa Cruz Mountains appellation is home to over 200 vineyards and a whopping 60+ wineries. Sample the region’s famed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay — as well as other varietals — at the numerous tasting rooms of Santa Cruz’s small, independent producers. Settings vary from the bucolic Alfaro Family Vineyards to Birichino Winery’s stylish downtown tasting room to a series of walkable wineries on the Westside including MJA and Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard.
Taste the South County Bounty The Pajaro Valley and Watsonville, also known as “south county,” is just north of Monterey County and is well worth a visit. A weekly Farmer’s Market complete with the area’s agricultural bounty, plus delicious Mexican food favorites like elote, tacos, and more, this one-stop-market-shop will be a feast for the mouth and eyes. Go directly to the fields and stop by a farm like Live Earth or Gizdich to pick your own strawberries (which are in season in June – and pretty much year-round in the area).
Make Your Hotel a Destination From beachfront boutiques to historic inns, Santa Cruz lodging offers more than a place to rest your head. The cheery, California-inspired Dream Inn sits directly on the sand of Cowell Beach with unparalleled Bay views from every room. Design fans will love the Hotel Paradox, a stylish boutique whose interiors play up Santa Cruz’s redwood forests (an enormous, 18-foot eucalyptus tree serves as the front desk). Looking for a little more seclusion? Check out Seascape Beach Resort nine miles south of Santa Cruz in Aptos and set on 45 acres of breathtaking coastal bluffs. For historical charm, grab a porch seat at the West Cliff Inn, a modern B&B housed in a striking 1877 Italianate home overlooking the Bay. Or spread out in a vacation rental and enjoy our laid-back lifestyle in a quintessential California beach bungalow.
2018 is wrapping up and we’re taking a look back to see what our fans loved most on our Facebook and Instagram feeds! Take a look below for some of the best of the best of 2018 based on fan likes, comments, and shares. Enjoy the gallery and rest assured that we will keep providing more of this wildly beautiful, adventurous, and inspiring Santa Cruz content in 2019! And don’t forget to keep tagging @visitsantacruz & using #visitsantacruz in your posts!
FACEBOOK FAVES:
King Tides Reign Supreme for 2018 We recently shared a story about the King Tides happening December 22 & 23, 2018 and January 20 & 21, 2019, and our fans loved this informative heads up. These naturally occurring and predictable events are when the highest tides take place, and equally impressive, when the lowest, most dramatic negative tides occur. These extreme low tides pose prime conditions for tide pooling, miles of beach walking, and extended beach exploration. We were able to hit the coast on the December King Tide dates and the low tides were absolutely incredible! (See photos below!) So be sure to mark your calendar for the future dates!
Super Blue Blood Moon Captivates On January 31st we experienced a Super Blue Blood Moon and Santa Cruz County was a breathtaking backdrop for this rare lunar eclipse. We shared a collection of amazing shots that gave an impressive overview of just how unusual and beautiful this moon really was.
Friendly Wildlife Santa Cruz wildlife can be as thrilling as breaching humpback whales or as tranquil as fluttering monarch butterflies, but a happy hello from an otter in the Santa Cruz Harbor is hard to top! Folks loved seeing the seemingly posed, jolly little otter enjoying some winter sunshine. And this shot was pretty popular on our Instagram feed as well – in fact, it took the #1 spot for the year!
Event Love Classic Santa Cruz events were big winners again this year. Event info is easily seen and shared on Facebook and favorites like the Annual Aloha Polynesian Festival, Welcome Back Monarchs, and Friday Night Bands on the Beach at the Boardwalk were inspiring thousands to get out and enjoy the fun. Expect us to keep sharing info on the best Santa Cruz County events! And, for the third year in a row, we shared video from the beloved Lighted Boat Paradewhich fans love – especially those who may have not been able to attend!
Hallmark Holiday We love sharing an inspiring photo with a heartfelt message during the holidays and apparently our fans do too! This Valentine’s Day post from a field of Calla Lilies in Watsonville was shared by thousands and seemed to be a nice little virtual Valentine’s wish to many on Facebook.
Natural Beauty Meets Artsy Intrigue on the Davenport Coast It’s no surprise that this Instagram-worthy location broke into the top spots for 2018. The Old Davenport Pier combines natural beauty, historical intrigue, and artistic flair into one framed shot. A location well worth the visit on your North County adventures.
Perspective is Everything Anyone who has had even a glimpse of the Santa Cruz County coast knows its beauty, but in 2018 we were flooded with aerial photography that gave us a whole new level of appreciation. Just look at his aerial view of Sunny Cove Beach!
More Rugged Davenport Coast The less developed northern coast of Santa Cruz County has become a more widely known must-see in recent years. Places like the already featured, Old Davenport Pier, plus Shark Fin Cove and Panther Beach, are arguably some of the most Instagrammable locales in the county. Here are a few fan favorites from the year below.
Getting Lost in the Woods Our Instagram followers appreciate the whole, wanderlust, #OptOutside vibe. Fans loved this enchanting koi pond found in the Santa Cruz Mountains on the Pogonip Trails.
Boardwalk Classics The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is another top Instagram photo location. The beachfront rides, games, vibrant colors, delicious treats, and ‘endless summer’ atmosphere make it an iconic photo op that’s always a must when visiting. But this year, the Boardwalk’s top feature on our Instagram page was the iconic Lost Boys Bridge.
#MoodyGram Santa Cruz can really put on a moody show and photographers jump at the opportunity. Dark clouds, a fiery sunset afterburn, and churning seas really set the mood in this Pleasure Point stair photo – and it’s safe to say that mood is moody.
Thanks for taking a look at the best of the best of 2018 and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more of your favorites in 2019! Happy New Year!
Located a mere 90 minutes south of San Francisco and 30 minutes from San Jose/Silicon Valley, the natural beauty – and quirkiness – of Santa Cruz County has inspired filmmakers over the years. In summer 1961, flocks of aggressive seabirds invaded Capitola, wreaking havoc among residents. Famed film director Alfred Hitchcock – who owned a house in nearby Scotts Valley at the time – used the incident for his movie The Birds. And filmmaker Jordan Peele was so inspired by 1987’s The Lost Boysthat he promised himself he would film a movie here one day. Us is due in theaters in spring 2019.
Bumblebee – based on Hasbro’s uber-popular toy line and produced by Paramount Pictures – was filmed partly in Santa Cruz, Marin, and Vallejo. With a plot line set against a soundtrack brimming with 1980s New Wave hits, scenic shots of the Golden Gate Bridge and the north coast of California, Santa Cruz County serves as “Brighton Falls” – the fictitious setting where Hailee Steinfeld who portrays teenager Charlie Watson, lives and works a part-time job as a food server at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s Hot Dog on a Stick concession stand. Trying to find her place in the world and dealing with the loss of her father, Charlie encounters Bumblebee, a Transformer disguised as a VW Beetle who was sent to Earth. John Cena and Pam Aldon round out the cast, with Justin Theroux and Angela Bassett lending their voice talent to the CG-rich Transformers characters.
Bumblebee is set to hit theaters on December 21, 2018, by Paramount Pictures.
Spend some quality time with family and friends over the holidays and enjoy some of the best in Santa Cruz County dining! From oceanside restaurants to tasty desserts and brews, there’s something for everyone at these Santa Cruz favorites on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!
In summer 2018, key scenes for the Netflix thriller Bird Box were re-shot at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. This post-apocalyptic thriller stars Sandra Bullock, John Malkovich, and Sarah Paulson and is based on the novel by Josh Malerman. When an unseen evil force which causes people to lose their minds when they view it takes over society, playing this “don’t-look plague” game is critical to survival. During most of the film, the main character Malorie, played by Bullock, wears a blindfold to keep her and her children safe as she navigates her way down a river and through a forest to safety. The evil entity is never seen – the writer gives the audience the power to imagine how they feel its presence would take form.
The Santa Cruz County Film Commission – a department within Visit Santa Cruz County – assisted with location information and helped coordinate film permits and lodging for the crew during the two-week production in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
It’s that wonderful time of year when butterflies descend upon Santa Cruz! Thousands of fluttering monarch butterflies winter in the eucalyptus trees on the Westside of Santa Cruz at Natural Bridges State Park, California’s only state park butterfly preserve.
Famous for both their grace and stamina, the monarchs make an extraordinary migration of thousands of miles, flying from summer habitats in the United States to warmer climates in Mexico and California for the winter.
Take a peaceful self-guided walk among the eucalyptus trees for viewing or join in on a free weekend guided tour of the monarch butterfly grove by park docent naturalists. Guided tours are offered weekends from mid-October thru December at 11am and 2pm at Natural Bridges State Park.
A bonus monarch viewing location has been established over the last few years – Lighthouse Field! Just two miles south of Natural Bridges State Park on West Cliff Drive, Lighthouse Field has been a popular location for the wintering monarchs as well. This large field located across from the Surfing Museum / Lighthouse Field State Beach, allows visitors another chance to spot these seasonal guests of Santa Cruz.
And for those eager for the monarch season, be sure to attend this weekend’s annual Welcome Back Monarchs Day event! Thanks to Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, Sunday, October 14th is a day full of family friendly monarch fun with music, arts and crafts, hand-cranked ‘Monarch’ ice cream (pumpkin), information and action booths as well as more about Monarch butterflies and how-to’s for a butterfly garden. So get your monarch butterfly fill this season and be sure to tag @visitsantacruz in your photos!
Beloved sparkling cider and apple juice producer S. Martinelli & Company is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, and we’re bubbling over with excitement! Founded in Watsonville in 1868—the same year Ulysses S. Grant was elected President—the effervescent company is still family-owned, locally-based, and making juice the way they always have: fresh and 100% natural. We’ve got the inside scoop below, and trust us, it gets juicy!
Photo by Garrick Ramirez
If you were like us, you were introduced to Martinelli’s via their iconic, apple-shaped glass bottle that you begged your mom to buy on trips to the supermarket. Then at Thanksgiving, you’d act cool filling your kids’ cup with their sparkling cider from a champagne-style bottle. We weren’t the only ones pretending, either. It’s believed that Dean Martin would swig Martinelli’s—not martinis—onstage, and Martinelli’s cider would double as champagne in Hollywood movies during Prohibition.
Photo courtesy of S. Martinelli’s & Co.
But before the Rat Pack and 18th Amendment, there were Swiss-born brothers Stephano and Luigi Martinelli, who immigrated to the U.S. during the Gold Rush years and started farming apples in present-day Watsonville. They introduced a fermented, or “hard,” cider in 1868, and by 1885, they were churning out 15,000 gallons a year (in 2017, Martinelli’s produced that much in less than 2 hours). The brothers began racking up gold medals for their cider at state fairs which explains the medals you see on the labels today. In anticipation of Prohibition, Martinelli’s bottled its first unfermented—alcohol-free—apple juice in 1917. In 1933, the brand introduced its famous apple-glass bottle with the slogan “Drink Your Apple a Day,” and the rest is history.
Photo by Garrick Ramirez
Turns out, Martinelli’s was ahead of its time, doing the local-artisan thing way before guys with fancy facial hair did. To this day, Martinelli’s produces fresh juices without any preservatives or sweeteners. Pick up a bottle and count the ingredients: it’s just juice. No mystery ingredients or unpronounceable words. It’s why mom let you drink your apple a day.
Photo by Garrick Ramirez
Fun fact: it takes two apples to make one bottle of 10-ounce apple juice, but Martinelli’s juice is actually a blend of fresh-pressed, locally grown apples including Newtown Pippin, Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, Jonagold, Mutsu, and Honeycrisp. After being pasteurized, the juice is allowed to cool in the bottle to retain its naturally fresh flavor.
Photo courtesy of S. Martinelli’s & Co.
During the early 20th century, that juice was hauled around in a snazzy 1932 Ford Model B truck with a giant cider bottle attached. In celebration of its 150th anniversary, Martinelli’s completely restored the truck for public appearances at local events throughout Northern California. “This truck dates back to my grandfather’s era and was originally used for hauling apples and delivering juice to customers,” says John Martinelli, CEO and fourth-generation family member. “Using old photos as our guide, we restored the truck to look like it did 86 years ago.”
Photo by Garrick Ramirez
Martinelli’s also slapped a special edition label on its sparkling cider which you can nab at the memorabilia-filled Martinelli Company Store in Watsonville. Belly up to the wooden bar where you’ll be treated to complimentary samples, and introduced to the company’s many other tantalizing flavors including sparkling juice blends of mango, marionberry, and pomegranate.
Photo courtesy of S. Martinelli’s & Co.
And because we know you’re dying to ask: what about the hard stuff? To commemorate its 150th year, Martinelli’s just launched a brand new hard cider that, like its celebrated juice, is made from fresh apples. For now, you can find it exclusively at Northern California Costco stores. Who’s ready to start drinking more apples?
Bring out Dad’s inner kid this Father’s Day! Shovel in a hearty pancake breakfast alongside your local firefighters, hike or steam-train into the redwoods, learn about art and science, grab some BBQ, or all of the above. We’ve got events around Santa Cruz County that will celebrate Pops all day long! Check out more info below. All events take place on Sunday, June 15, 2025. Cheers to you, Daddy-O!
39TH ANNUAL FATHER’S DAY PANCAKE BREAKFAST
The Zayante Firefighters Association has consistently served the best breakfast in town. This fundraiser is the only fund drive in the community for the Firefighters Association. The Zayante Firefighters association provides equipment to the firefighters and assists the district with major purchases. In the past, the association has bought new carpet and audio/ visual equipment for classroom upgrades, medical bags, pulse oximeters, a training laptop, new uniforms and new CPR airway kits. Support Your Local Fire Department and share some pancakes, eggs, ham, and side dishes for a fun Father’s Day celebration! Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids 6 – 12, and free for kids 5 and younger! 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Enjoy raffles, silent auction, kids’ bounce house, and live entertainment. Parking is limited. The Zayante firefighters are gladly accepting donations of food, auction items and entertainment equipment. Cash donations are also gladly accepted.
Zayante Fire Protection District
7700 East Zayante Road
Felton, California 95018
831.335.5100 https://www.zayantefire.org
FATHER’S DAY SUNDAY BRUNCH
Chaminade Resort & Spa will be serving special brunch and dinner menus in honor of Dad. Reservations recommended. Sunday Brunch – $49.99 Adults, $18.95 Children 6-12*, and under 6 dine free. Father’s Day Taste Of Italy Sunday Dinner – $32.99 Adults, $19.99 Children 6-12*, and under 6 dine free. $20 special event valet parking; self parking complimentary.
FATHER’S DAY STEAM TRAIN or BREW TRAIN
Enjoy a good ol’ fashioned ride on the steam train, followed by an afternoon in the town of Roaring Camp. Salute Dad on Father’s Day by treating him to a ride on a steam train and then tuck into an old-fashioned Chuck Wagon BBQ platter. Humble Sea Brewing will be pouring the best local brew for sale. The steam train in the forest lasts 75 minutes and the train to the beach and back is a 3 hour trip. Or go in reverse and take the train from the beach to Roaring Camp with dad and finish the trip back at the beach after abut 4 hours.
Roaring Camp Railroads, Inc.
5401 Graham Hill Road
Felton, California 95018
831.335.4484 https://www.roaringcamp.com
Want to make a weekend out of it? Find the perfect lodging option here!
While news of a historic adobe might get lost amidst today’s flurry of sensational clickbait, we assure you that the Castro Adobe is a very special place. In addition to its gorgeous setting within Watsonville’s bucolic Larkin Valley, the circa 1850 adobe is a fascinating restoration project, an active archeology site, and a virtual glimpse into the region’s lively past. In its 168 years, the adobe has never officially been open to the public. Now, thanks to Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks who is leading restoration efforts, the Castro Adobe offers free, monthly open houses that offer visitors a unique opportunity to tour the property, witness its captivating restoration, and maybe munch a few freshly made tortillas in the process.
STEP BACK IN TIME TO THE RANCHO DAYS
Built between 1848-1850 during the Mexican rancho period of California, the adobe served as the home of Juan Jose Castro; his dad, Jose Joaquin Castro, walked up from Mexico and settled in what is now east Santa Cruz. Juan Jose, a native Mexican rancher, belonged to the prominent Castro family who owned huge swaths of land between the Pajaro River and Davenport.
Today, the former Castro home is one of four adobes-and the only two-story adobe-in Santa Cruz County. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a California State Historical Landmark. The adobe sits at the crest of gentle hill offering distant glimpses of Monterey Bay. To reach the adobe, visitors ramble up Old Adobe Road, the original cart and wagon route to the home. They’re greeted by a large green expanse bounded by a white wooden fence and clusters of hulking cactus adorned with crimson-red prickly pears. A small orchard holds apple, persimmon, and walnut trees while a peaceful garden is dotted with benches to enjoy ever-present birdsong, gaze up at magnificent old cork trees, and admire purple blooms of wisteria wrapping the adobe’s wooden posts.
The home includes a few notable features such as an original rancho cocina, a rarity in California. The traditional Mexican kitchen includes its original redwood shelves and a wood-fired bracero with grills reconstructed by the blacksmiths at Wilder Ranch State Park. Upstairs, an expansive fandango room hints at the many parties hosted at the house. While the home might appear humble today, during its time it was thought of as a grand mansion that served as a festive gathering spot for an endless stream of visitors and travelers. If you wish these walls could talk, they practically do. Carved into the earthen walls is graffiti from visitors over the decades. See if you can spot the shout-out from sailors in town on the U.S.S. Tennessee in July 1933. Some scribblings go as far back to the time of the Castro’s.
DISCOVERING + PRESERVING THE PAST
The adobe owes its current existence to a string of dedicated stewards who lived in and/or cared for the structure over the years. Perhaps the most notable of these caretakers was Edna Kimbro, a historic adobe preservationist who worked to restore the Castro Adobe while residing in it with her husband. Structural damage from the 1989 Loma Prieta quake caused the Kimbro’s to flee the home, and in 2002, they sold it to California. Today, Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks in partnership with California State Parks continue the legacy of homeowners and caretakers who have lovingly studied and maintained the adobe. Friends has been working actively on the adobe since 2007. At one point, they had to create 2,500 adobe bricks by hand-each weighing 85 lbs-to bolster the home’s 3-foot thick walls.
Notably, recent restoration efforts have transformed the adobe grounds into an active archeology site. Numerous historic items continue to be unearthed in and around the home. The lives of the adobe’s many inhabitants are conjured up via found items including old toothbrushes, pipe stems, oxen yokes, and Native American objects such as bottles chipped into gaming pieces.
A FUN-AND RARE-OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT
Today, the only way to visit the adobe and surrounding grounds is to attend an open house. The monthly weekend events are festive affairs where you can tour the adobe, make tortillas in the historic cocina, and learn how to rope. Bring the family for live music, games for kids, and the occasional speaker and film screening. You can also marvel at the many artifacts unearthed onsite, and watch restoration being made on the adobe and its forthcoming museum. These events provide a rare opportunity to visit the structure and witness the creation of a state park in real time.
During its heyday, the Castro Adobe was a center of activity, hosting all manner of visitors. Today, the adobe still functions as a community hub, buzzing with enthusiastic groups of historians, docents, volunteers, archeologists, students, gardeners, and open house participants, all connected by their love and interest in this local historic treasure.
We want to take a moment and remind everyone to help keep Santa Cruz County beautiful! With 29 miles of coastline, well over a dozen state parks, and the gorgeous Santa Cruz Mountains, Santa Cruz County has a lot of natural beauty to offer its locals and visitors. But with these pristine natural wonders comes a great responsibility to keep them the way they are intended – clean and trash-free! Please remember to always #PackYourTrash when visiting the beaches and parks. And note, there are some beaches and parks that do not have trash receptacles, so it’s imperative that you come prepared to pack up your trash and take it with you.
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
Save Our Shores (SOS) is a local organization with various programs and projects “designed to support the foundations of a thriving Monterey Bay: clean shores, healthy habitats and living waters.” SOS organizes beach clean-ups around the county where locals and visitors can get involved and help protect and preserve what we love! Clean-up dates and locations can be found on the Save Our Shores events calendar.
GOOD TO KNOW…
Please note that Cowell’s, Main Beach and city beaches are charcoal-free! Gas barbecues are allowed at these city beaches within certain parameters, however coal-burning barbecues are not permitted. Nearby New Brighton State Beach, Seabright State Beach, and Twin Lakes State Beach however, do allow campfires within fire rings only. For more info on beaches allowing campfires, camping, dogs, and more, check out the Best Beaches page.
Photo by Garrick Ramirez
Photo courtesy of S. Martinelli’s & Co.
Photo by Garrick Ramirez
Photo by Garrick Ramirez
Photo courtesy of S. Martinelli’s & Co.
Photo by Garrick Ramirez
Photo courtesy of S. Martinelli’s & Co.
