Things To Do

Arcangeli Grocery/Norms Market

This place is well known - nearly 10 friends and coworkers recommended this place to us when we first visited Pescadero. They are world-famous for their Artichoke Bread - seriously the best thing warm! They also have a lot of other yummy things. They open at 9 am on weekends.

Harley Farms Goat Dairy

This is the venue for the wedding as well, but it is worth saying if you have the time, visit early. This is a working goat farm with a herd of over 100. There is a section of the farm that is open to the public, so you can go in and view the baby goats. There is also a gift shop with some of their goat cheeses. Farm and gift shop are open 11 am to 4 pm most days. I highly recommend the lemon goat milk lotion.

Duarte's Tavern

Duartes is famous for its cream of artichoke soup. The locals order the half and half - half artichoke soup, half green chili soup. Delicious. Tavern itself is very popular, and dates back to 1894 where it was originally a barber shop and saloon. Not sure if they take reservations, but if not, you can expect a wait.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Hands down, possibly one of the most ethereal places on earth. The park is less visited than other redwood locations, and the trail is a flat 1 mile loop through the redwoods. We have brought plenty of people here.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

What to say about Santa Cruz boardwalk? Iconic favorite with everyone we take there. The vampire movie, "Lost Boys" was filmed there. Boardwalk is free to walk on, rides require a wristband. Great seafood on the far end away from the amusement rides. Sea lions regularly hang out during summers on the boardwalk - just listen for them.

Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay has a lot to see. The famous Mavericks Beach, where the annual surfing competition is held, the quaint town with plenty of shops and restaurants and last but not least, the nurseries on Highway 92, which include huge greenhouses of lavender, succulents and carnivorous plants.

Half Moon Bay Brewing Company

The list would not be complete without a brewery or two....

Highway 92 Succulents

This place is a regular stop for us. They have more varieties of succulents than anywhere else. Next door, there is also an entire shop dedicated to lavender, and another one completely full of carnivorous plants. Even if you are flying home, these nurseries are worth visiting.

Roaring Camp, Big Trees and Pacific Railroad Station

This is a really fun open car train ride through the redwoods. Kids love this train.

Santa Cruz Whale Watching

Humpback whales are viewable April through November in the Santa Cruz area.

Año Nuevo State Park

Northern elephant seals come ashore during the spring and summer months to shed their outer layer of skin and fur. This “molting” process takes from four to six weeks per animal as they rest along the beaches. Female and juvenile seals molt from May through June and older males from July through August. Read the details carefully on their website - it appears it may be a 3-4 mile hike to actually see the elephant seals. No direct access by car.

Sam McDonald County Park

We have not been to this park, but it is a closer destination for seeing redwoods

Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

Shadow Puppet Brewing Company

One of our favorites!

Altamont Beer Works

Another favorite!

The Singing Winemaker

Our friends' winery - try the almond champagne

Murrieta's Well

Cute winery - part of the Wente family of vineyards