The old-fashioned, red-and-white Taylor Bros. stand has been dishing up their famed chili dogs since 1954. At under $2 a piece, you can grab a few and enjoy in the town’s park plaza across the street.
Like a scene from an old cartoon, aromatic wafts of homemade pie should lure you to this fun, atmospheric farm. Situated amidst apple orchards and berry fields, the Gizdich Ranch farm’s Bake Shop delights guests with plump homemade pies, fresh fruit puff pastries, and their specialty: apple dumplings.
Martinelli’s, the Watsonville company that made that cute apple-shaped container of juice a childhood staple, celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2018. Pop into their modern company store where you can find a wide assortment of sparkling and still juices and ciders.
Live Earth Farm is a mainstay at local farmers markets, but nothing compares to visiting its bucolic farm whose charming redwood barn brims with organic fruit, vegetables, flowers, and—if you’re lucky—seasonal homemade cider. The farm also hosts seasonal U-Pick events. Check their site for hours and dates.
A remote, wide sandy shore backed by towering sand dunes makes Sunset State Beach one most scenic—and least crowded—beaches in Santa Cruz County. Pack the cooler and BBQ tools: Sunset features some of our favorite picnic facilities strewn along the shore.
All visits to the wondrous Elkhorn Slough—a serene, meandering estuary teeming with birds, seals, and abalone-munching sea otters—should begin at the Elkhorn Slough Reserve Visitor Center. Through a series of hands-on exhibits, you can discover the fascinating, unseen world within the slough as well as the waterway’s vital function to the local environment. Afterward, grab your binoculars and hit the five miles of trails that branch out from the center (note: a $4.12 day-use trail fee applies to adults 16 and older—children are free). Be sure to check their website for current opening status and offerings.