Once abandoned and in ruins, when we first moved to the Bay Area it was a desolate and decayed huge…read morelot with a pet goat and a caretaker in a mobile home to shoo off explorers and vandals. Built in the 1930s by Kenneth Kitchen. It's inspired by romanticized Hindu mysticism as well as the arcane and occult. Because of this the site is covered in symbology and hidden meaning. From the obvious all seeing eye at the front gate to the mini details in the brick there is an esoteric design language that keeps it all unified and cohesive. The legend is also complemented by the fact that the owner and brothers were bricklayers and stone masons and it was only constructed under moon light. It was purchased in 2016 and lovingly restored and developed by the new owners to preserve the local folk-art style architecture. The new main house is next to the "court of mysteries" and a lot of the missing abalone and smashed brick has been painstakingly replaced.

The Court of Mysteries (which also goes by The Red Brick Castle, among other names) is a beautiful…read moremonument and home in Santa Cruz, which not many people know about. It has a very interesting history to it, and though you cannot go inside the house or on the property itself (because it is a private residence), you can still appreciate the architecture from out front, including a lovely fountain in the courtyard, and learn about the stories and mysteries that have defined this unique landmark. These stories can easily be found online, but some of the most interesting details are that the original builder (Kenneth Kitchen and his brother) built it only during the night, modeled it after a Hindu temple, and incorporated hidden messages throughout, using shapes, astrological symbols, and dashes and dots resembling morse code, with possible connection to the occult. Also, there is no historical record of Kenneth Kitchen after he left Santa Cruz in the 1950's, so yeah a lot of oddities to drive your imagination and make you wonder. One of the most intriguing parts of the Court of Mysteries is the "Gate of Prophesy" which has two magnificent towers and an intricately designed archway with the mysterious triangular structure at its center. Beautiful trees and vegetation surround the brick and abalone "temple" and entire site, creating a picturesque scene overall. Apparently the property was restored a few years ago by the previous owners (I'm pretty sure that rebuild didn't occur "only at night"). They even built a house on the left side to live in while reconstructing the Court of Mysteries. The property was subsequently sold in late 2021. If you're interested in a quick visit, it's easy to just park right on the street, take a few photos of the amazing archway and towers, and peek through the gate to see what the Court of Mysteries looks like today... and then maybe amuse yourself with the legend and history behind this strange phenomenon.

For my first review of 2010, i've decided to do a review on something that holds a special meaning…read moreto everyone who has visited it. Tree 9. This majestic and gorgeous tree towers above all the other redwoods around it. once you make the hike up and enter the clearing, the branches beg you to climb it and look at the view it has to offer. The first time i visited the tree, it was in the middle of the night. But the day i saw it in broad daylight, i was blown away by its presence. The branches are smooth from the hundreds who have climbed it before. They stick out in all directions to give even the most fearful the chance to brave it and climb up. 2010 is a new year for me, and it is a new year for this tree. This tree has so far survived all who has wanted to cut it down for the purpose of expanding ucsc. The Long Range Development Plan (LRDP) has been put on hold so far, giving this tree another year to bask in the sun. Contrary to what people think about the name, whether a girl died by hitting 9 branches on the way down, that 9 people died so far, to the fact that it's located above College 9, the name comes from the fact that way back in the day, the tree was actually stop #9 on the ucsc trail tour. and so now the winter is slowly drawing away and the branches call out again to all the banana slugs. I will be back soon. and this time i'll make it to the top! If this tree falls, we will all fall with it. but keep standing tall Mr. Tree 9. another amazing thing: the tree is minutes away from the open field where full moon drum circles are held every month. *wolf howling*

SO SO SO SAD!!! UCSC cut down the branches of the tree so you can't climb this magnificent tree…read moreanymore! LA SIGH!

Very nice lighthouse at Santa Cruz Harbor. We didn't know there's a lighthouse here, at the end of…read moreSeabright Beach which we were visiting and enjoying. Pros: - very pretty lighthouse, there's some hang out space around. - on the day we visited, there was a group birthday party, so apparently you can have smaller parties here? (Not sure if reservation required.) - beautiful scenery, just breathtaking. - breezy, but nice as long as somewhat sunny and not too cloudy/cold. Cons: - could get crowded around the lighthouse on the weekends. - a bit dirty with some litter from inconsiderate people. All in all, a really nice and cool area to hang out at for some chill time at the ocean. No place like being in nature with the vastness of the Pacific to remind us to not sweat the small things.

Lovely location in Santa Cruz - a bit off the tourist path which makes it special…read more We were in the area as we had booked a memorial cruise with extended family. There are plenty of parking spots ($2 per hour) and bathrooms are available. Beautiful little harbor, with a lot of good animal and bird watching (harbor seals, pelicans, cormorants, et cetera). Good restaurants and coffee shops as well, with excellent beach access. Will be back!

Watched Disclosure Day this past weekend at the Landmark Del Mar Theatre in Santa Cruz. Before the…read moremovie, I was looking for an outlet to charge my phone and found one next to the elevator near the theater entrance. Standard food and drink offerings were available at the concessions stand with no lines on a slow Saturday afternoon, and a few small tables with seating in the lobby. The auditorium opened about 25 minutes before the listed showtime, then 12 minutes of previews before the start of the feature film. For a non-busy day, auditorium 1 wasn't cleaned very well. Found popcorn and crumbs on my seat and the one next to me, even on the one in front of me, as well as on the ground... not a lot, but it was noticeable. The elevation is minimal, so if someone was sitting in front of me, their head would have probably blocked my view. I did however appreciate that there was ample space between rows. No reclining seats, but they were comfortable and in good condition, with cupholders. No problems with picture or audio, and perfect comfortable temperature inside. A no-frills theater with old school charm and lovely artwork and decor to add a nice touch to my viewing experience. And the movie I saw was out of this world, just what I would expect from Steven Spielberg.

One of the classic theaters still remaining in Santa Cruz and is a wonderful treat to witness a…read moreshow or performance if you have the choice. I've seen a few movies here and each time have had a good viewing experience. They usually offer both popular hits as well as Indie films that may just be starting to gain some traction. Widescreen theater with ample, comfortable seating and pretty good sound system. The interior of the theater is beautiful and really takes you away from the outside world for just a bit. Staff here were friendly and the restrooms are clean. Can't really ask for more! Tip: You likely don't need to pre-order tickets especially if you're not watching during premier week.

My absolute ideal day in Santa Cruz would be strolling the Santa Cruz Wharf. Talk about California…read moredreaming. This is it! It feels like home to me. Years of awesome visits to the wharf. Whether it is sunny, foggy, or raining... it is always magical. Each experience offers it's own beauty and is, indeed, a memorable slice of heaven. It boasts the longest wooden pier on the West Coast. Which by the way has been seriously damaged (and fixed) during crazy storms these past few years. Wonderful choices for dining. My favorite is Jack O'neill Restaurant and Lounge which provides not only fabulous food opportunities (casual and fine dining), but affords the best view of the wharf, the famous and iconic SC Boardwalk, and the big, blue, beautiful ocean. There are many great choices on the pier itself to enjoy yummy seafood, (as well as many other menu items) and the unforgettable coastal views. Makai Island... my favorite restaurant/bar on the pier is a must visit! Family friendly and great food in the dining room. But if you do not have the kids take a spin on the revolving bar in the back and just soak in the vibes of a good, strong cocktail and the Pacific Ocean :-)! Right? Fun, tourist shopping too. I am always a "tourist" on the pier. Love spending time crusing the wharf's nice shops when I want a cool SC ball cap or sweat shirt! Like any other popular tourist destination... nothing is cheap. Whether you are Just walking and feeling the ocean breeze, hanging with the large sea lions, watching peeps fishing off the pier, and of course hoping the dedicated surfers catch a wave...it is all good! You can even rent a boat. Everyone is happy on the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. Especially with an ice cream cone in hand:). So much to explore. #EpicPhotoOpportunitiesToo!

A Walk Down Memory Lane--With Seagulls as Security Guards!…read more There's something special about walking the Municipal Wharf in Santa Cruz, especially when you grew up fishing from this very wharf. For me, this wasn't just another tourist stop--it was a little trip down memory lane. Years ago, I even went scuba diving underneath the wharf. Looking back, I'm not sure what I was thinking! I definitely would not recommend that today. Between boat traffic, fishing lines, and the possibility of getting tangled up in something that you really don't want wrapped around you, it's probably better to enjoy the view from above the water! We had a wonderful time strolling the wharf, visiting the various shops, and talking with the shop owners. Everyone we encountered was kind, friendly, and happy to engage with us. It was also encouraging to see that some areas that used to be pretty dirty have been cleaned up. There's still room for improvement, but overall, it was a pleasant day and a fun way to experience the beach. One area that kept this from being a five-star experience was the ticket booth. The woman working there seemed much more interested in her conversation on her cell phone than in engaging with the people she was serving. A little hospitality goes a long way, especially in a place that welcomes visitors from all over. The Municipal Wharf also gives you a completely different perspective of the Santa Cruz coastline and the area toward the Boardwalk. You get beautiful views of the beach, the water, and all the activity along the shoreline. And then there are the seagulls. Consider them the unofficial security team of the wharf. If you're carrying food, keep your eyes open--and your sandwich even closer! These birds have absolutely no respect for personal property, personal space, or the concept of "I paid for this." All in all, the Municipal Wharf is worth a stroll, especially if you want to see Santa Cruz from a different angle and experience a little history along the way. For me, it was even better because I got to revisit a place connected to some great memories from growing up. Just remember: walk the wharf, enjoy the view, talk to the locals, and leave the scuba gear at home! #YelpElite #SantaCruz #MunicipalWharf #SantaCruzWharf #SantaCruzCalifornia #CaliforniaCoast #BeachDay #SantaCruzBoardwalk #OceanViews #LocalHistory #FamilyMemories #YelpReview #SeagullWatch #CaliforniaAdventures

If you love lighthouses come see this one…read more Food and coffee close by. Closed to look at but the view is worth it. Lots of parking Lots of places to sit and listen to the water.

Lighthouse Field State Beach is located in the city of Santa Cruz at the north end of Monterey Bay…read more The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, housed in a 1967 lighthouse, is also in there. This is a spot to visit, relax, and enjoy the scenery and landscape, and a great spot to watch the surfers. Parking is free, but parking lots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

best time to be here just after sunrise and during golden hours. so beautiful and amazing to see…read morethe surfers and waves.

Five stars for the point and three stars for the museum (since it's unclear which this refers to)…read more Since 1986, this little museum has housed artifacts honoring the more than 100 years of surfing history in Santa Cruz. It also gives credit to the birthplace of modern surfing: Hawaii. It's a fun 10 mins. BTW, when I say little, I mean tiny -- there's room for 6-8 people at once. You're visiting internationally renowned surfing hotspot Steamer Lane. This is the epicenter of a World Surfing Reserve: from Natural Bridges to Opal Cliffs just east of Pleasure Point. Santa Cruz is one of only four such sites: Malibu in SoCal, Ericeira in Portugal, and Manly Beach in Australia. The museum may be 10 mins but you can spend hours watching the surfers, the sea lions, and the waves. Bring your dog or even a picnic -- just no alcohol.

I really don't know whether to call the experience good or bad, and this review is simply to…read moreinform. Our son's fourth grade class went there this past week for a field trip. It was nice and the kids learned a lot. What I want people to know is that the staff there, Rangers and Docents, were a bit prickly and gruff. They seems to care more about keeping control than helping the kids learn. My wife used the word "aggressive" to describe one of them. So, if you're going there with a group, this might be your experience as well. Other than that, the kids had a great time!

A petite remnant of the Santa Cruz Mission. I knew about the Ohlone and Miwok from attending…read moreuniversities and pow wows in the Bay Area. The restoration and up-keeping of the Mission were remarkable! You can't miss the magnificent avocado tree with the giant hollow trunk. Oh, how I wished I could speak tree to listen to its narrative. I can't imagine just how much history it witnessed. I loved the 3-foot wide walls on the Adobe that would've been weather and humidity-proof for the year-round seasons. The roof in the adobe were made of tree-stuff. The structural integrity of the site was astounding even after experiencing the 1989 earthquake. The exhibits emphasized on agricultural manufacturing and processing that would've been taken place in the Mission and inside the Adobe. The stairs made sense, and also the use of leather to tie some of the tools. However, the iron-based tools made me wonder how these dwellers would have access to masonry and blacksmith. Until... well, I can't spoil everything here. Just come visit if you're so curious about it. There are limited street parking around the nearby park, school, and church. Alternatively, park in downtown and take a walk through the 40-some stairs of an alley just next to the park. The park is practically wheelchair accessible, but I wasn't sure if signs were posted.

A simple but great memorial in downtown Santa Cruise. A memorial makes you stop and think. It's…read morememorial did just that.

This is a beautiful scenic hike surrounded by nature. The river runs alongside the trail for most…read moreof the way, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere as you make your way toward the overlook deck. The views are breathtaking and the sound of the flowing water makes the experience even more enjoyable. If you're planning a picnic, head down to the river area -- the water is not very deep, making it a great spot for families and kids to enjoy. The steam engine train ride adds a special charm to the visit, offering a beautiful way to take in the scenery. There are also BBQ options available where you can purchase food, along with items from the general store. You can also bring your own food and spend the day soaking in the peaceful surroundings. A wonderful place to hike, relax, and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Amazing 0.8 mile reasonably level trail through a dense grove of majestic redwood giants. There was…read morealmost no one in the parking lot when I arrived at 9am on a Wednesday but the parking lot was full by noon when I left. There is a California state park gift shop that opens at 10am. Parking is $10 ($9 for seniors over 62). There is also a walkway from the parking lot to the Roaring Camp train station next to the state park.