We love California. What I mean by that is that we love the diverse nature in California. Here you get to experience all of the seasons in California. We don’t have snow where we live but we can drive two hours and play in the snow. If we drive one hour we’ll get to the ocean.The Redwoods are only a few hours away as well. We even have beautiful mountains to climb and explore within a few hours of driving. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that in California there are deserts, wetlands, and coastal meadows.
Here are six different things to do in Santa Cruz County.
Anna Jean Cummings Park
We were intrigued by the giant blue balls scattered in the area. These are called sky balls and there are four of them, all made of concrete.
There is a big playground structure here.
Many come to play, walk, and run here.
Located at 461 Soquel San Jose Rd, Soquel, CA 95073.
Bigfoot Discovery Museum
I’m not one to believe that bigfoot actually exists so going to this museum and hearing that many people believe it to be true, shocked me.
There is a video in the museum of a female bigfoot walking that is also lactating. She turns around briefly so you get to see her face.
We also saw a map hanging with pins for all the locations that people saw a bigfoot.
When I asked why we haven’t seen any, I received an answer that when a hunter thinks he is hunting a bear and kills a bigfoot instead, the hunter gets scared because he fears he will be trialed for murder so he buries the bigfoot. The skeleton of the bigfoot is found years later.
The museum is small but it is free.
If you stop by make sure to talk to the individual behind the counter.
Seriously, talking to him made the experience so much more rewarding.
For the rest of our trip we kept talking about if big people do exist. I mean Goliath was 6 1/2 cubits which some say is 6 feet 9 inches and others say 9 feet 7 inches. Also, people were so much shorter and smaller during the Victorian period. I thought I was thin until I saw the dresses and shoe sizes from that era. I could never squeeze my thin body into any of those gorgeous dresses. Also, we have noticed that many of the kids these days are taller and bigger than their parents. Are we just getting taller and wider?
Do you believe in Bigfoot?
Located at 5497 Hwy 9, Felton, CA 95018.
Moran Lake Beach
During high tides this beach is pretty small because houses are on both sides of the beach but nevertheless, a beach is always a great way to unwind and relax. There is parking nearby, a bathroom, and a shower.
Located at Pleasure Point, CA 95062.
Big Basin Vineyards
There are not many wineries in Big Basin Redwoods.
At Big Basin Vineyards we enjoyed every single one of their wines that we got to taste from the first tasting menu. I loved the setup of this winery.
This winery is outdoors and you get to pick an available table and enjoy the view of grapevines surrounded by redwoods. This type of setting is more romantic and private. It is far better than standing next to a bunch of people. We also felt like we could enjoy the wine longer here and we weren’t rushed.
Located at 830 Memory Ln, Boulder Creek, CA 95006.
Sempervirens Campground
Big Basin Redwoods State Park has many different campsite. We have backpacked in this park before. We have also stayed in their tent cabins before. So this wasn’t our first time and it won’t be our last. This is one of the oldest state parks in California.
There are many hiking trails nearby and lots of impressive redwood trees to look at.
What we appreciate about this campground is that there are showers here as well as flushable bathrooms.
At this campground there is a dishwashing station which is so convenient.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park is really stern about you keeping food and trash out of sight and it is not because they fear bears. They actually fear ravens. You see, Marbled Murrelets nest on top of the redwoods. They only lay one egg and they fly miles to the ocean to eat and bring back food for their chick. These birds are endangered. Staying here means that you won’t leave any crumbs behind for the Ravens. You actually get a fine of up to $875.00 if you don’t follow the rules.
Located at 21600 Big Basin Way Boulder Creek, CA 95006.
Garden of Eden in Henry Cowell Redwood S.P
Taking a walk through the redwoods is so therapeutic. Garden of Eden is located at Henry Cowell Redwood State Park. This is a short stroll. We spent over one hour here and walked over 1 mile. It is considered a simple hike but there is a challenging part. Half way through you will run into railroad tracks. You’ll see the trail continue but it goes down a steep hill and here you’ll have to watch your footing. There is a tree and plenty of rocks to hold onto if your really worried about slipping.
The payoff is getting to the San Lorenzo River. It is a beautiful sight and here you could have a picnic, splash in the water, and enjoy the redwoods.
Located at 2100-4166 CA-9, Felton, CA 95018.
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