Guidebook for Boulder Creek
Parks & Nature
Every Saturday at 1pm they offer guided hikes, just meet at the Ranger's station.
Tom Stienstra says, "This is the Bay Area's best hiking park, crowned by the all-day trip to Berry Creek Falls, Silver Falls and Golden Falls."
The Meteor Trail is a nice 6.2 mile hike or Berry Creek Falls is a 9.9 mile hike for the more adventurous. Tom Stienstra has named Big Basin and in particular the Berry Creek Falls trail the #1 hike!
230 personas locales recomiendan
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
21600 Big Basin WayEvery Saturday at 1pm they offer guided hikes, just meet at the Ranger's station.
Tom Stienstra says, "This is the Bay Area's best hiking park, crowned by the all-day trip to Berry Creek Falls, Silver Falls and Golden Falls."
The Meteor Trail is a nice 6.2 mile hike or Berry Creek Falls is a 9.9 mile hike for the more adventurous. Tom Stienstra has named Big Basin and in particular the Berry Creek Falls trail the #1 hike!
I enjoy the Fall Creek trail to the Lime Kilns. They have mountain biking trails as well.
335 personas locales recomiendan
Parque Estatal de los Bosques de Secuoyas de Henry Cowell
101 N Big Trees Park RdI enjoy the Fall Creek trail to the Lime Kilns. They have mountain biking trails as well.
(Check with park staff Nov. 1 - April 30 for closed trails). Located in Big Basin State Park. A beautiful site for those who have advanced hiking skills. 10 miles · Climbing 2150 ft.
Tom Stienstra has named Big Basin and in particular, the Berry Creek Falls trail the #1 hike!
Berry Creek Falls Trail
(Check with park staff Nov. 1 - April 30 for closed trails). Located in Big Basin State Park. A beautiful site for those who have advanced hiking skills. 10 miles · Climbing 2150 ft.
Tom Stienstra has named Big Basin and in particular, the Berry Creek Falls trail the #1 hike!
Watch the whales right off the coast of Santa Cruz. April - November.
21 personas locales recomiendan
Santa Cruz Whale Watching
1718 Brommer StWatch the whales right off the coast of Santa Cruz. April - November.
Elkhorn Slough is a jewel on California’s coast and one of the 25 most significant biodiversity hotspots in the world. One of the best west coast bird viewing areas. Kayak rentals available.
Elkhorn Slough Foundation
1698 Elkhorn RdElkhorn Slough is a jewel on California’s coast and one of the 25 most significant biodiversity hotspots in the world. One of the best west coast bird viewing areas. Kayak rentals available.
Stevens Creek Reservoir is near by and is a great place to rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board!
13 personas locales recomiendan
Stevens Creek Reservoir
11997 Stevens Canyon RdStevens Creek Reservoir is near by and is a great place to rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board!
Tennis courts, a grassy baseball field, play ground and river access.
6 personas locales recomiendan
Highlands County Park
8500 CA-9Tennis courts, a grassy baseball field, play ground and river access.
World-renowned for its yearly migration of monarch butterflies. Visitors can see thousands during butterflies’ peak season. Best time to see monarchs in the park, from mid-October to late January.
261 personas locales recomiendan
Playa Estatal de los Puentes Naturales
2531 W Cliff DrWorld-renowned for its yearly migration of monarch butterflies. Visitors can see thousands during butterflies’ peak season. Best time to see monarchs in the park, from mid-October to late January.
A fantastic place to take a 20-minute hike to an old Fire Station tower look out. Great 360 degree views, you can see all over the bay area from there!
Eagle Rock Lookout
A fantastic place to take a 20-minute hike to an old Fire Station tower look out. Great 360 degree views, you can see all over the bay area from there!
A beautiful beach with historic buildings. A great place for a picnic or hike.
This state park is located two miles north of Santa Cruz, adjacent to Highway 1. It is a historical preserve, but hidden beyond the ranch are several excellent mountain biking trails (mostly jeep roads). The trail system is ideal for beginners, yet still fun for advanced riders.
219 personas locales recomiendan
Parque Estatal Wilder Ranch
1401 Coast RdA beautiful beach with historic buildings. A great place for a picnic or hike.
This state park is located two miles north of Santa Cruz, adjacent to Highway 1. It is a historical preserve, but hidden beyond the ranch are several excellent mountain biking trails (mostly jeep roads). The trail system is ideal for beginners, yet still fun for advanced riders.
Thousands of northern elephant seals come to Año Nuevo and a few other beaches in California and Mexico to breed. Watching their reproductive antics is one of the best wildlife experiences available.
88 personas locales recomiendan
Ano Nuevo State Park
Thousands of northern elephant seals come to Año Nuevo and a few other beaches in California and Mexico to breed. Watching their reproductive antics is one of the best wildlife experiences available.
This small lake is a little slice of heaven! It used to be our favorite place to go kayaking, but they no longer allow you to bring your own boats there. You can rent a canoe or small motorized boat. You can go fishing (license required), hike and/or have a picnic at one of their many tables. The hiking trail goes along the lake. A beautiful spot! (11 miles away, about a 20-minute drive.)
8 personas locales recomiendan
Loch Lomond
This small lake is a little slice of heaven! It used to be our favorite place to go kayaking, but they no longer allow you to bring your own boats there. You can rent a canoe or small motorized boat. You can go fishing (license required), hike and/or have a picnic at one of their many tables. The hiking trail goes along the lake. A beautiful spot! (11 miles away, about a 20-minute drive.)
Some of the best mountain bike riding terrain on the Peninsula is found in this region. A bonus is that the routes connect to adjacent greenbelts, including the Long Ridge Open Space Preserve, the Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve, Stevens Creek County Park, and the Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. It is possible to connect one continuous loop encompassing all of these parks.
9 personas locales recomiendan
Monte Bello Preserve
4301 Page Mill RoadSome of the best mountain bike riding terrain on the Peninsula is found in this region. A bonus is that the routes connect to adjacent greenbelts, including the Long Ridge Open Space Preserve, the Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve, Stevens Creek County Park, and the Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. It is possible to connect one continuous loop encompassing all of these parks.
Breathtaking views and one of my favorite beaches that is off the beaten path!
11 personas locales recomiendan
Shark Fin Cove
Breathtaking views and one of my favorite beaches that is off the beaten path!
Spectacular wildflower and ocean views! It is a 30 minute drive north of here.
14 personas locales recomiendan
Russian Ridge Preserve
Spectacular wildflower and ocean views! It is a 30 minute drive north of here.
Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center is within the coastal section of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, and is just 18 miles north of Santa Cruz (7½ miles north of Davenport), and 30 miles south of Half Moon Bay (59 miles south of San Francisco).
Rancho Del Oso Nature and History Center
3600 CA-1Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center is within the coastal section of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, and is just 18 miles north of Santa Cruz (7½ miles north of Davenport), and 30 miles south of Half Moon Bay (59 miles south of San Francisco).
Entertainment & Activities
Opened in 1961, Boulder Creek’s scenic course, among the redwoods and lakes, offers a challenging and memorable golfing experience. Designed by Jack Fleming, par 65 for men and par 67 for women.
14 personas locales recomiendan
Boulder Creek Golf and Country Club
16901 Big Basin HwyOpened in 1961, Boulder Creek’s scenic course, among the redwoods and lakes, offers a challenging and memorable golfing experience. Designed by Jack Fleming, par 65 for men and par 67 for women.
Ride the area's first railroad! It began transporting tourists to the Big Trees and beach in 1875. In 2013, their Narrow Gauge RR celebrated its Golden Anniversary. Take the Ghost train in October!
150 personas locales recomiendan
Roaring Camp
5401 Graham Hill RdRide the area's first railroad! It began transporting tourists to the Big Trees and beach in 1875. In 2013, their Narrow Gauge RR celebrated its Golden Anniversary. Take the Ghost train in October!
Santa Cruz Boardwalk, voted #1 Amusement park in the U.S., recognized as the best seaside park in the world! Renowned for rides, remarkable history & beach setting. The Roller Coaster and Merry go Round are National Historic landmarks. Retro Nights. Mondays & Tuesdays after 5pm. All rides $1 each! Plus more old-school prices ...FREE Friday Night Bands on the Beach, June 17 - September 2, 6:30pm & 8:30pm. They also have free movie nights.
745 personas locales recomiendan
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
400 Beach StSanta Cruz Boardwalk, voted #1 Amusement park in the U.S., recognized as the best seaside park in the world! Renowned for rides, remarkable history & beach setting. The Roller Coaster and Merry go Round are National Historic landmarks. Retro Nights. Mondays & Tuesdays after 5pm. All rides $1 each! Plus more old-school prices ...FREE Friday Night Bands on the Beach, June 17 - September 2, 6:30pm & 8:30pm. They also have free movie nights.
Eskape Sea Kayaking
740 30th AveOcean Kayaking in the beautiful Monterey Bay.
A world class aquarium in a beautiful ocean front setting!
668 personas locales recomiendan
Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery RowA world class aquarium in a beautiful ocean front setting!
Mount Hermon Adventures
17 Conference DrZip-Line through the Redwoods!
A place to rent horses to go horseback riding and afterwards you can wine taste at their tasting room, they have a winery!
7 personas locales recomiendan
Garrod Farms
22647 Garrod RdA place to rent horses to go horseback riding and afterwards you can wine taste at their tasting room, they have a winery!
Camp Campbell is 3 miles away and offers a great event venue. They have a large pool with slides open to the public.
Many guests have stayed here who are attending weddings there.
YMCA Camp Campbell
16275 CA-9Camp Campbell is 3 miles away and offers a great event venue. They have a large pool with slides open to the public.
Many guests have stayed here who are attending weddings there.
SLV High School community olympic size pool will be open throughout the year; Monday and Wednesday evenings 7pm to 9pm and weekends 1pm to 4pm. The pool is heated and ready for you! $5
San Lorenzo Valley High School
7105 Hwy 9SLV High School community olympic size pool will be open throughout the year; Monday and Wednesday evenings 7pm to 9pm and weekends 1pm to 4pm. The pool is heated and ready for you! $5
CineLux Scotts Valley Cafe & Lounge
226 Mt Hermon RdThe Mystery Spot is a visual illusion–based tourist attraction near Santa Cruz, California. It opened in 1941.
The operators of the small site (which is about 150 feet (46 m) in diameter) state at that location the laws of physics and gravity do not apply and provide a number of demonstrations in support of these claims, where water seems to flow upwards, people seem to be standing in slanted positions, etc.
208 personas locales recomiendan
El Punto Misterioso
465 Mystery Spot RdThe Mystery Spot is a visual illusion–based tourist attraction near Santa Cruz, California. It opened in 1941.
The operators of the small site (which is about 150 feet (46 m) in diameter) state at that location the laws of physics and gravity do not apply and provide a number of demonstrations in support of these claims, where water seems to flow upwards, people seem to be standing in slanted positions, etc.
Drinks & Nightlife
They offer free wine tasting on the weekends. One of the CA wineries chosen to participate in the historic 1976 Paris Tasting! Known for their Pinot Noir & Chardonnay. Vineyard picnic area.
16 personas locales recomiendan
David Bruce Winery
21439 Bear Creek RdThey offer free wine tasting on the weekends. One of the CA wineries chosen to participate in the historic 1976 Paris Tasting! Known for their Pinot Noir & Chardonnay. Vineyard picnic area.
They offer weekend wine tasting, have picnic tables and live music on most Sundays.
19 personas locales recomiendan
Byington Vineyard & Winery
21850 Bear Creek RdThey offer weekend wine tasting, have picnic tables and live music on most Sundays.
A spectacular outdoor amphitheatre live music venue. They feature well known bands. Restaurant and wine on premise. Advance tickets required.
79 personas locales recomiendan
Mountain Winery
14831 Pierce RdA spectacular outdoor amphitheatre live music venue. They feature well known bands. Restaurant and wine on premise. Advance tickets required.
Joe's is a fixture of the community. Like they say, "If you haven't been to Joe's you haven't been to Boulder Creek". Located in a historic building, live music on the weekends.
17 personas locales recomiendan
Joe's Bar
13118 CA-9Joe's is a fixture of the community. Like they say, "If you haven't been to Joe's you haven't been to Boulder Creek". Located in a historic building, live music on the weekends.
Good winery they offer wine tasting. Just a 10 minute drive away.
22 personas locales recomiendan
Hallcrest Vineyards
379 Felton Empire RdGood winery they offer wine tasting. Just a 10 minute drive away.
They have really great touring bands booked Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They offer Mexican food and a full bar as well.
41 personas locales recomiendan
Felton Music Hall
6275 Hwy 9They have really great touring bands booked Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They offer Mexican food and a full bar as well.
San Lorenzo Valley's hot-spot for great live music, full bar
with several brews on tap, and Henfling's Grill, offering an excellent selection of appetizers,
entrees, and Pat's Pit BBQ every Monday.
13 personas locales recomiendan
Henfling's of Ben Lomond
9450 CA-9San Lorenzo Valley's hot-spot for great live music, full bar
with several brews on tap, and Henfling's Grill, offering an excellent selection of appetizers,
entrees, and Pat's Pit BBQ every Monday.
They offer wine tasting 11am to 5pm daily. (Closed Tuesdays November through March). 831-425-7777
32 personas locales recomiendan
Beauregard Vineyard
10 Pine Flat RdThey offer wine tasting 11am to 5pm daily. (Closed Tuesdays November through March). 831-425-7777
They offer wine tasting. Open daily 11am to 5pm March 24 - Sept.
Winter Hours, Oct. 1 - March 23: Mon, 11-5p, Tues. Closed, Wed-Sun 11-5p.
22 personas locales recomiendan
Bonny Doon Vineyard Tasting Room
450 CA-1They offer wine tasting. Open daily 11am to 5pm March 24 - Sept.
Winter Hours, Oct. 1 - March 23: Mon, 11-5p, Tues. Closed, Wed-Sun 11-5p.
Open daily for tasting 12 - 7pm.
They are part of a dozen wineries located on Ingalls street called Surf City Vintners. 831-421-9380.
26 personas locales recomiendan
MJA Vineyards
328 Ingalls StOpen daily for tasting 12 - 7pm.
They are part of a dozen wineries located on Ingalls street called Surf City Vintners. 831-421-9380.
One of the area's finest ale houses.
They also serve great burgers.
Open daily 11:30am to 1am.
20 personas locales recomiendan
99 Bottles Of Beer On The Wall
110 Walnut AveOne of the area's finest ale houses.
They also serve great burgers.
Open daily 11:30am to 1am.
This is a gift shop that has art and offers live music on some evenings. Limited seating, advanced tickets required.
10 personas locales recomiendan
lille æske
13160 CA-9This is a gift shop that has art and offers live music on some evenings. Limited seating, advanced tickets required.
Sightseeing
Collection includes exhibits of local history, tied in with local Bigfoot sightings, Popular Culture as it relates to the public view of Bigfoot, and actual evidence in the form of plaster foot.
22 personas locales recomiendan
Bigfoot Discovery Museum
5497 Hwy 9Collection includes exhibits of local history, tied in with local Bigfoot sightings, Popular Culture as it relates to the public view of Bigfoot, and actual evidence in the form of plaster foot.
This is one of the best Japanese gardens on the west coast.
48 personas locales recomiendan
Hakone Estate and Gardens
21000 Big Basin WayThis is one of the best Japanese gardens on the west coast.
Essentials
Mary Snyder is my neighbor and friend and my personal massage & Reiki therapist. Her studio is just 3 blocks away. She is excellent, you will feel revitalized after a massage from Mary!
Massage of Boulder Creek
13266 CA-9Mary Snyder is my neighbor and friend and my personal massage & Reiki therapist. Her studio is just 3 blocks away. She is excellent, you will feel revitalized after a massage from Mary!
Organic fruits & vegetables, grass fed beef. This market caters to health food patrons.
89 personas locales recomiendan
Wild Roots Market
13159 Central AveOrganic fruits & vegetables, grass fed beef. This market caters to health food patrons.
Johnnie's Super Market
13225 CA-9 Has a good deli and meat department.
Boulder Creek Village Wash And Dry
12890 CA-9Local pharmacy also carries some Boulder Creek souvenir items like t-shirts, sweatshirts, coffee mugs.
8 personas locales recomiendan
Boulder Creek Pharmacy
13081 Central AveLocal pharmacy also carries some Boulder Creek souvenir items like t-shirts, sweatshirts, coffee mugs.
Valley Launderette
12609 CA-9Food Scene
This is the finest restaurant in Boulder Creek. Located in a historic 100 year old building. If you want a fine dining experience, Prime Rib, Fish, Pasta, Steak or just want a cocktail, this is the place to go. Within walking distance.
38 personas locales recomiendan
Scopazzi's
13300 Big Basin WayThis is the finest restaurant in Boulder Creek. Located in a historic 100 year old building. If you want a fine dining experience, Prime Rib, Fish, Pasta, Steak or just want a cocktail, this is the place to go. Within walking distance.
One of my faves! ... Excellent, authentic Italian food, owned by a chef from Italy. Reasonably priced with a great wine list. Live music some nights. They also own the Ben Lomond Bakery across the street which is also very good! Ask to be seated outside under the Redwoods!
49 personas locales recomiendan
Ristorante Casa Nostra
9217 CA-9One of my faves! ... Excellent, authentic Italian food, owned by a chef from Italy. Reasonably priced with a great wine list. Live music some nights. They also own the Ben Lomond Bakery across the street which is also very good! Ask to be seated outside under the Redwoods!
Burger 9
15520 CA-9Great burgers, local beer on tap, and salads. They also have a gourmet coffee bar.
Very good German-Bavarian restaurant, big servings, in a quaint rustic cabin with fireplace, German beer, full bar, outdoor dining.
19 personas locales recomiendan
Tyrolean Inn Restaurant
9600 Hwy 9Very good German-Bavarian restaurant, big servings, in a quaint rustic cabin with fireplace, German beer, full bar, outdoor dining.
Locals favorite. Excellent fresh sushi & tempura within walking distance!
26 personas locales recomiendan
Tae's Edo Sushi Bar
13271 CA-9Locals favorite. Excellent fresh sushi & tempura within walking distance!
Great pizza with toppings from their organic garden, salad, sandwiches, beer & wine. Within walking distance and they deliver!
33 personas locales recomiendan
Boulder Creek Glass
13200-b Central AveGreat pizza with toppings from their organic garden, salad, sandwiches, beer & wine. Within walking distance and they deliver!
Mexican food a short 5-minute walk away. Dine in or take out.
8 personas locales recomiendan
Taqueria Los Amigos
13070 CA-9Mexican food a short 5-minute walk away. Dine in or take out.
Chinese food for take out or very casual dine in, within walking distance.
27 personas locales recomiendan
The Red Pearl
13151 CA-9Chinese food for take out or very casual dine in, within walking distance.
Natural foods and organic beer by the practices of New Leaf Market and SC Mountain Brewing create the Cremer House. They offer good food and 25 craft beers on tap, ciders, wines, and homemade sodas.
62 personas locales recomiendan
The Cremer House
6256 CA-9Natural foods and organic beer by the practices of New Leaf Market and SC Mountain Brewing create the Cremer House. They offer good food and 25 craft beers on tap, ciders, wines, and homemade sodas.
If you want a good reasonable burger, fries or milk shake.
9 personas locales recomiendan
Fosters Freeze
110 Mountain StIf you want a good reasonable burger, fries or milk shake.
Great baked from scratch pastries and gourmet coffee drinks.
22 personas locales recomiendan
Jenna Sue's Cafe
13090 CA-9Great baked from scratch pastries and gourmet coffee drinks.
Fun to go for breakfast or lunch, across the street from one of my favorite beaches. They have a bakery and good selection of wine and beer. Live music.
28 personas locales recomiendan
Davenport Roadhouse
1 Davenport AveFun to go for breakfast or lunch, across the street from one of my favorite beaches. They have a bakery and good selection of wine and beer. Live music.
Boulder Creek Roasting Company
13266 CA-9Freshly roasted coffee (they roast it there), with free wi-fi.
Many seafood restaurants are located here that serve freshly caught local fish. There are also some souvenir shops here.
143 personas locales recomiendan
Muelle de Santa Cruz
21 Municipal WharfMany seafood restaurants are located here that serve freshly caught local fish. There are also some souvenir shops here.
Located beside lush Soquel Creek in Capitola-by-the-Sea, Shadowbrook Restaurant is best reached by its own quaint cable car, or a meandering garden path. Since 1947 Shadowbrook has continued to provide world-class service, fine food, wines and liqueurs in an atmosphere of Old-World charm and grace.
205 personas locales recomiendan
Shadowbrook Restaurant
1750 Wharf RdLocated beside lush Soquel Creek in Capitola-by-the-Sea, Shadowbrook Restaurant is best reached by its own quaint cable car, or a meandering garden path. Since 1947 Shadowbrook has continued to provide world-class service, fine food, wines and liqueurs in an atmosphere of Old-World charm and grace.
Voted "Best Happy Hour".
Located right on the beach where the Harbor meets the sea, The Crow's Nest is one of Santa Cruz' most beloved restaurants. For over 45 years guests have returned again and again for breathtaking panoramic views of Santa Cruz Harbor, lighthouse and wharf, and to enjoy award-winning cuisine, spirits and live entertainment.
276 personas locales recomiendan
Crow's Nest Restaurant
2218 E Cliff DrVoted "Best Happy Hour".
Located right on the beach where the Harbor meets the sea, The Crow's Nest is one of Santa Cruz' most beloved restaurants. For over 45 years guests have returned again and again for breathtaking panoramic views of Santa Cruz Harbor, lighthouse and wharf, and to enjoy award-winning cuisine, spirits and live entertainment.
The oldest fresh seafood restaurant in Santa Cruz!
"Stagnaro Bros. features a menu with over 20 different types of fresh seafood every day, as well as pasta dishes, steaks and a children's menu. Whether you’re in the mood to sit downstairs in the main dining room, or in the unique atmosphere of the Upper Deck Lounge, Stagnaro Bros. restaurant in Santa Cruz is waiting to serve you."
25 personas locales recomiendan
Stagnaro Bros.
59 Municipal WharfThe oldest fresh seafood restaurant in Santa Cruz!
"Stagnaro Bros. features a menu with over 20 different types of fresh seafood every day, as well as pasta dishes, steaks and a children's menu. Whether you’re in the mood to sit downstairs in the main dining room, or in the unique atmosphere of the Upper Deck Lounge, Stagnaro Bros. restaurant in Santa Cruz is waiting to serve you."
Felton Farmers Market
120 Russell AveEvery Tuesday 2:30-6:30pm, May through October.
Highway 9 and Russell Avenue.
Shopping
Boulder Creek Antiques
13164 CA-9Antique co-op fun to browse.
Air and Fire, A Mystical Bazaar
13150 CA-9Need I say more...
Agz Ragz
13150 CA-9Costumes, vintage and new boho chic, casual and evening wear.
SCM Clothing
6116 CA-9Great selection of Santa Cruz Mountains logo hats, sweatshirts, and t-shirts.