It was my family's first time and I wish we went my toddler was a baby. This place was so cute and…read morehad a lot of activities for kids and adults too. My 4 year old loved the different zones and kept jumping from one section to another. While we were there we joined the science activity and my toddler made an interesting airplane. It was a little busy in the afternoon on a Saturday mainly due to birthday parties. They only have one bathroom so be aware that you might have to wait in line especiallyif theres a party. Other than that, for $10 my kid had a great time for a couple of hours. We'll come when we visit Santa Cruz again.

My kids love this place! It's in the Capitola Mall and easy to get to with plenty of parking. There…read moreis a lot of variety here and plenty of chances for the kids to use their imagination. There were plenty of things to do - a play kitchen, arts and crafts, dinosaurs, cars - it really tailors to a wide range of children. My daughter (6) and my son (3) were never bored - with a daypass, we had access to the facility all day and we actually came back later in the afternoon! I would say one con was that there was only one bathroom (not stalled bathrooms), so depending on how busy it is there may be a wait to use. We were there Saturday morning and it wasn't too busy but when we came back in the afternoon, there was a birthday party and it got busier. The museum closes at 5pm. Definitely a must-visit for when we visit Capitola again!

I visited this museum, in December of 2025. And it is almost Valentine's Day, 2026 so I am late to…read morerecord my experience, I understand that. But I rather take down the Christmas on Super Bowl weekend than wait to take the lights down near the 4th of July. I went to this place on my first trip to Santa Cruz. And I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of this place, and its focus on Santa Cruz Culture. Thorough out my life, I have heard that Santa Cruz is known for crystals, and forest green. But on my trip here, I learned that Santa Cruz is also famous for surfer culture, As some of the pictures, demonstrate surf boards, like cups, hair styles, and volcanoes, come in a variety of lengths, shapes, colors and purpose. I also learned that surfing has its origins from Hawaii, and even though I did not know that, it totally makes sense. I will never be on a surf board, catching a big wave, while the breeze hits my face, and pelicans fly above, but by visiting this museum I learned the historical value of the surf movement that waved hello, initially, in Santa Cruz by way of Hawaii. My favorite room was that one that reflected the beach and ocean vibe of Santa Cruz in place. The room was colored in a deep blue that did not resemble clear waters, more like the deep blue that is found when the ocean seems to be infinite. I am not sure the exact shade of blue that the room was painted in, but I will call it calming serenity blue, which is a close cousin to royal blue. If popcorn yellow and burnt cocoa brown are colors than mine can be colored too, I do not need Crayola level authority to christen colors. The pictures in the room continued my trance into serenity. The paintings showed these peaceful seascapes, where sky and sea became partners in a waltz, not interwoven as one, but paired into slow movement that induces stillness upon the viewer. Other pictures showed a calm beach, where the shore water had white froth as it met the sand. In the background, there was a rock formation and behind the rock formation was a tranquil sky brighten by subtle hues of a descending sun. Even as I reviewed the pictures for this yelp, I found the paintings to be, in a phrase: rest in ocean and pastel candy colored strokes. The room also had a speaker that played the sounds of the ocean, quietly about a chair. I allowed myself to transport myself to a beach shore, to experience the colors of the sea breeze. The museum also tried to educate others on its place in USA farm produce history. One of the pictures discusses the migration pattern by stating, "Today Mexican men, women and children cross the border voluntarily- but at great risk of violence and rape." This is just my opinion, but this sentence, is too broad yet to specific at the same time to accurately paint a picture of the migration experience of many Mexicans and by extension other people who seek to come to America to fulfill their version of the American dream. The way it is written, again from my interpretation, implies that the choice to come to America is one that is a "voluntary" decision like skipping or going to the gym, or using a credit card for a jacket when it does not fit your means. Meaning, that the word voluntary may ignore the vast conditions that push others to migrate, other than personal choice. But this is just one Yelper's opinion, if that makes sense. In another, poster, which I clipped, explains how Santa Cruz goes alternative. The poster explains that "Santa Cruz became a cauldron of cultural experimentation, neighborhood activism, intellectual exploration and environmental protection in the 1960s and 1970s." I think that the word cauldron here is not the right choice because a cauldron most often then not, holds a witches brew. And, most witches brews that are mixed in a cauldron, are meant to produce a potion that results in some type of calamity or curse. I know I may be nitpicking, but if a museum is going to report history, they should be prepared for a response, as history should be reported with objective caution, not editorial perspective. A better word, again in my opinion, would be site, like Santa Cruz became a site of.... this gives objective reporting, as a posed to imagery that a word like cauldron produces. I think, and thus I write. Angela Davis, said, according to a poster, I also clipped, " I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change, I am changing the things I cannot accept." I also really enjoyed playing with Christmas train models for about 10 to 15 minutes. I was not transported into the Polar Express, but, it was fun to turn on cabooses and view their speed and stops through the tracks. It was a zen kind of moment. The museum also had a sculpture garden and a picture of a man in front of a giant redwood that made me want to find a giant tree and walk inside its tunnel. I guess, what I am trying to say is that this museum has a lot to see and ponder about. I was stirred, and calmed, by it.

What a great find while visiting downtown Santa Cruz with my girlfriend! Such a relaxing experience…read morevisiting this museum, it wasn't busy and the exhibits are very simple. You really get to learn about the history of Santa Cruz and the surrounding cities. It was three floors and wasn't a crazy big museum. I enjoyed it a lot and it was affordable to enjoy. Definitely can be a cool add to your itinerary for Santa Cruz. Bathrooms are a bit spooky though haha, they are super dim and is very ominous! Could barely go anymore once I walked in.

Located at Tyrrell Park with a $5 admission fee for adults (free for kids), and no charge for entry…read moreon first Fridays of each month. Museum permit parking on Pilkington if you're lucky to find a spot (you do need to obtain the permit inside). A nature walk to explore and learn about the tide pooling at Scott Creek is among various programs and workshops offered by the museum regularly. And the lady at the front counter was friendly and shared interesting stories behind some of the items on display. There were a few live critters on site like the rosy boa near the fake snakes, and guests could even touch the sea creatures in the tide pool. Also, see and learn about plant and animal fossils and the history of paleontology in the Santa Cruz area. The animal displays were creatively set up, as well as a redwood tree ring. Lots of bird species, ducks, owls, and the golden eagle, even an interactive exhibit where guests could hear the bird calls of the song sparrow, hermit thrush, and pacific slope flycatcher, among others. My favorite exhibits were the banana slug display describing the importance of being slimy, and of course the black-tailed jackrabbit, cuz I like all things "rabbit". I also checked out the gift shop before leaving, with a variety of cute and creative products and souvenirs for sale, a great way to support the museum.

I will be going there again and again, and I'll bring the grandchildren!…read more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I absolutely think this Santuary Exploration exhibit by Monterey is amazing, fun and educational…read more Here's a secret......it is totally FREE!!!!! If your in Santa Cruz area and need a cool off and a break for the young kids take them here. Lots to see, touch and explore. Even a coloring area where they display your picture. You can use a under water diving machine. You can watch a movie on the ocean. So much more. Time to explore!!

A fun place to visit if you have some time before hitting the Boardwalk or pier! Located right…read moreacross the street from the pier, know that it is FREE to visit! This is not affiliated with the Monterey Bay Aquarium but it is tied to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA). The docents/volunteers here are friendly and engaging and it is fun to learn about the oceans surrounding Santa Cruz. Great for kids, it's a quick 30 minute visit kind of place to pop in and learn something new!

The Steinbeck Museum was a wonderful literary stop in Salinas. We also visited the Steinbeck House…read moredown the street, which made the experience feel more complete. As a tribute to Steinbeck and his connection to the area, the museum was thoughtful, engaging, and well worth the visit. I especially enjoyed the quirky gift shop, always a bonus when a museum shop has personality. The drive into Salinas was also unexpectedly lovely, with so many fields and vegetables growing. It gave the whole visit a strong sense of place and helped connect the landscape to Steinbeck's writing. A great stop for literature lovers, history fans, or anyone looking for something meaningful to do in the area.

What an impressive, thoughtful arrangement of his life, works, and accomplishments! I'm not a fan…read moreof his work but was pleasantly surprised by the layout and contents. Two of our group members are big fans and thoroughly enjoyed the museum taking over 2 hours to explore and interact with the exhibits. The downtown Salina's area has restaurants and shops to explore making it a full day's adventure should you choose.

A well put together model train track with historically accurate towns, roads and building…read morestructures of the Monterey County train routes circa 1950s. Quite fun to see the attention to detail. The miniatures are so fun to look at. They have a caboose, engine, mail car and an ice freight car with a nice video of the packing practices of local produce over the years. We had a great time talking with Brenda, and then with her husband Mike, who has done much of the restorations and has worked to get the museum to be what it is today. We had a great time.

Been there many times now with our kids, who love the model train, wooden toy trains, while adults…read moreenjoy the history and culture that can be learned from all the dedicated enthusiasts and volunteers.

2 weeks ago my boyfriend, daughter and I spotted this little museum in Capitola Village. Admission…read moreis free, but they accept donations to support the museum which we donated to. The sweet museum staff member kindly gave my daughter and I a guided tour of the "Capitola Then and Now" exhibit! From the clothing style then and now to the village, there's a lot to learn, my daughter enjoyed it, come check it out! I would recommend this historic museum and would return to learn more, if you're visiting than you might as well learn the history right?!

Small museum near downtown. It's worth stopping by for a few minutes. Nice pictures and history…read moreof Capitola. It's free so no worries about cost.