Roaring Camp Railroads -
Back in the 1880s, steam locomotives transported timber from California's coastal mountains. Roaring Camp Railroads, a recreation of a logging town preserves and promotes this snippet of history by inviting passengers aboard these trains where conductors share fascinating stories as they pass through towering redwood forests to the San Lorenzo River gorge before making their way toSanta Cruz Beach. The popular attraction also features building replicas, including a general store, opera house and train depot, and regularly hosts interesting themed events, such as Great Train Robberies which brings the Wild West to life; a Santa Cruz Starlight Evening Train and Holiday Tree Walk atop Bear Mountain. Visit www.roaringcamp.com.
Beaches -
Santa Cruz County is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. Notable places to enjoy the sun, sand and surf include Cowell Beach and the family-friendly Main Beach and Natural Bridges State Beach. Sunset State Beach in Watsonville is a good spot for camping, while Davenport Beach is known for whale watching. Visit www.santacruz.org.
Seymour Marine Discovery Center -
Catching a glimpse of glorious ocean life is possible with a visit to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, part of the Joseph M. Long Marine Laboratory at the University of California Santa Cruz. From the Marine Mammal Research Tour where you'll see dolphins, seals and other fascinating creatures to touch tanks and evolving exhibits, the center gives guests a chance to learn what goes on underneath the beautiful waters of the Pacific. Visit www.seymourcenter.ussc.edu.Mystery Spot -
Described as a "gravitational anomaly," Mystery Spot spans some 150 feet in the redwood forests just outside of Santa Cruz, California. Discovered in 1939, the circular area continues to make people scratch their heads over the strange occurrences that defy physics and gravity. A 45-minute tour provides more insight into the phenomenon. There is also a hiking trail and gift shop. Visit www.mysteryspot.com.
Capitola Village -
Shopping, dining, fishing and surfing are some of the main attractions of Capitola Village. On this seaside esplanade visitors will encounter more than 90 specialty stores, galleries, a range of restaurants including Margaritaville and Paradise Sushi and eclectic events, such as the Kite Classic in May, the Rod & Classic Custom Show in June, the Capitola Art & Wine Festival in September and Surfin' Santa. Visit www.capitolavillage.com.Mount Hermon Redwood Canopy Tour -
An exciting eco adventure is in store with the Mount Hermon Redwood Canopy Tour. The two-hour enthralling experience entails traveling through the famous redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains via zip-lines and towering sky bridges. Along the way, groups will learn about the flora and fauna of the area. Visit www.mounthermon.org.