MJA Vineyards Wine and Tasting Room....I love you! I always…read morehave a wonderful time when I stop by, and I am always treated like family; Marin's energy and generous Aloha spirit make customers feel welcome. There are all kinds of varietals--seriously, there are so many to try! Plus, it is easy to leave having made new friendships. I also love being part of the wine club and the perks, and I have been a member for about ten years. The wine club member parties and movie nights are a great time. There is a wine for everyone. The Cabernets age very well. I just opened a 2013 Cab this week ("Still Horny" ????) that was awesome.

Ambience is convivial. I sipped by way through a wine tasting. Here are my rankings on a 5 point…read morescale. The 2019 Cab from MJA vineyards (Suave) had the best value: 4.7: 2018 Cab "Penetration". Serene Cellars. Vermouth note. $135. 4.7: 2018 Cab "Too risque". Serene Cellars. Deep and smoky. $135. 4.6: 2019 Cab "Suave". MJA vineyards. $80. 4.6: 2019 Cab "Lei'd". Serene Cellars: $135. 4.5: 2011 Cab "Distraction". Serene Cellars. Almost gone. 4.5: 2017 Cab "Foreplay". Serene Cellars. $135. 4.5: 2020 Pinot Noir "Wink". Davine Cellars. Nice layer of smoke. $48. 4.4: 2020 Cab "Debonair". MJA Vineyards. Concentrated and peppery $85. 4.3: 2018 Malbec "Sneaky". Davine Cellars. $58. 3.0: 2017 Merlot "Elegant". Davine Cellars. Too sour. $58. They also had a pizza popup on Saturday by Italia Fire, a wood-buring pizza popup. I tried the chicken pesto pizza $22, but it was lacking in flavor, and the crust was doughy and undercooked.

My husband and I spent a long time looking at wedding venues in the Santa Cruz/Los Gatos area. We…read moreprobably looked at more than 10 places! A lot of places weren't quite the right fit, had too many weird restrictions, or were overpriced (if your've looked at venues you know what I mean!) The Castle House and Gardens was the last place we looked at and we knew it would be the most perfect, picturesque and enchanted woodland setting for our outdoor wedding. It has lush, wild gardens that remind me of the Secret Garden. There's a beautiful redwood grove where we had our ceremony and a poolside courtyard with two outdoor fireplaces, perfect for dining and dancing, where we had the reception. It was great to have the ceremony and reception at the same place. The Castle House is a historic estate located in the Santa Cruz Mountain Community of Bonny Doon. It's bordered by beautiful redwood forests and just 10 minutes from the ocean. The family that lives there were the most gracious hosts for our event and went to extra care to make sure the grounds looked stunning on our wedding day. They own the Bonny Doon Garden Company and grow all of the flowers for their floral design business organically in their home gardens. It was really cool because my bouquets and centerpieces all came from the garden where I got married! We got so many compliments about the venue from our guests and everyone kept asking me, "How did you find this place?" I definitely recommend this place to other brides if you are looking for a unique, non-cookie cutter type venue full of natural beauty and rustic charm.

We were fortunate enough to have our wedding here on June 22nd, 2013 and let me tell you, the venue…read moreand it's owner, Teresa, ensured the most magical, welcoming, and organized experience ever. From the initial meeting, through hiccups with our caterer, and until the day-of coordination, Teresa was amazing: Helpful, friendly, knowledgeable, and assertive when she needed to be. She also did our flowers which were out of this world. The venue itself is enchanting with it's floral gardens, towering redwoods, and cozy courtyard. Our guests could not stop talking about how ours was the best wedding they have ever attended. We had a wedding of 100 people, and it was the perfect size. Count yourself very fortunate if you have the opportunity to have your event at Castle House and Gardens.

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!!

For an overview of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and its sea life this was a great…read moreintroduction for both adults and children. It was located just across the street from the Santa Cruz Wharf with nearby street parking or private lot parking. The center was a two stories with the gift shop and restrooms on the first floor and all exhibits on the second floor. It was free to enter. Staff were very welcoming when we first arrived and engaged with us as soon as we entered the second floor. Very helpful and informative information about the sanctuary (didn't realize just how large it was), sea life and the center. Various movies ran continually throughout the day and repeated itself every hour. The hands on ROV was a hit with visitors out all of the interactive exhibits. Worth a stop.

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.

Victoria and Andrew the most amazing host ever! They treated me with so much respect and…read morehospitality I can't recommend this place enough! Thank you for the a great experience and staff!

The group stopped by this hotel for some cocktails because it looked nice and easy to get a table…read more We stopped by the hotel lobby bar and were greeted by Victor. Very friendly and helpful bartender. He explained the different bars and restaurant available at the hotel and made a recommendation for us non hotel guests. We ended up at the Low Tide restaurant and bar in the front facing the boardwalk and Santa Cruz Arcade. We were seated at an L shape dining table on the patio. It was nice with a slight breeze. We ordered several different drinks and a couple of pizzas. The fig and prosciutto pizza was ok. Light sprigs of arugula and fresh figs topped the prosciutto and white sauce pizza. The seaplane cocktail was good. Sweet and tropical. Service was quick and our hostess even helped us take a group picture. Nice hotel, and I would consider staying next time

Big Shout Out to Santa Cruz Makers Studio!!! My daughters 7th birthday party was such an amazing…read moreexperience to both kids and parents alike. The kids had a blast 3d printing, woodworking, and crafting. David and his staff where excellent hosts and Súper engaging and creative with the kids. We where allowed to personalize the space with decorations and even brought our own food and beverages. Would definitely have a party here again!

From the owner: At Santa Cruz Maker Studios, creativity is at the heart of everything we do. We specialize in…read morehands-on, project-based learning for all ages. We offer after-school programs, homeschool classes, summer camps, kids birthday parties, and special events. From woodworking and sewing to 3D printing and game design, our 4,000 sq. ft. Westside Santa Cruz studio is a welcoming space where kids, teens, and adults can explore, invent, and make something amazing. Whether you're looking for a creative outlet or a one-of-a-kind celebration, we provide the tools, guidance, and inspiration to bring your ideas to life.

Private company Beach Party/Summer Picnic BBQ at The Grove in the Sun Room…read more Check in was at Entrance C, and wristbands for unlimited rides required for entry to the Sun Room access on the 2nd floor. We had the exclusive area from 11:00AM to 2:30PM, with drinks, unlimited BBQ lunch (potato salad, green salad, burgers, hot dogs, baked beans, chips, popcorn, and ice cream) and tailgate games. Soda, wine and beer at the bar from what I could tell. The main Sun Room with the glass ceiling was bright, and had two connected rooms. The views of the beach, water and wharf were awesome. You could open the windows to let the sea breeze in. I can see how this venue could be used for like a wedding reception. I can't speak to the cost of such a private corporate event but as an attendee it was very smooth, great service with the food and bar. Restroom was fine, water bottle dispenser, security staff too.

We liked The Grove! We used them for our send-off brunch after our wedding, and they provided a…read moregreat venue in a great location. The room itself was beautiful, and overall quite reasonably priced. The food itself was okay, not amazing but did the job for the send-off brunch (I don't think anyone from the brunch will be raving about how great the food was, nor will they be saying it was bad). They provided a marquee outside, too, which was a really nice touch. My only complaint is that, after our contract was signed, they sprung that the food service would only be for an hour, despite the event being contracted for 3 hours. I think that should have been made more clear from the beginning. Overall positive experience!

Great place to stay. The RV facility was perfect. The pool was amazing and warm, and included use…read morewith an overnight stay in the RV park. The lodge members were very welcoming and friendly. We had a couple good meals and excellent drinks and service at the bar. I would highly recommend this lodge.

Nice staff, great set up and fun environment. I recommend it and go quite often and enjoy the staff…read moreand other players. BIG FUN!!

I came here for a Portuguese festa with my husband and his family…read more While there I was looking at it from the perspective of holding a reception at the joint. It's spacious, they provide tables and chairs, there's a kitchen, and it looks like it can fit a couple hundred people or so. Not a bad place.

I mean really, there is nothing bad to say about this place. I will probably never find myself here…read moreagain, just because of circumstances, but if I ever had to come back, I would be just fine with it. I found myself here Friday night April 8th to see Henry Rollins 50th Birthday Spoken Word Tour. The show was originally scheduled at the Brookdale Lodge (still random) but with a scheduling conflict, moved here. This hall was pretty easy to find. Not very far off of the freeway and had plenty of free parking. Easy accessible in and out. Just your typical hall sort of place. Seats were padded, which was nice for a 2 1/2 hour show. There is a bar, in a separate room, which was open before, during and after the show. You could easily sit at the bar and still enjoy what is going on in the other room. Staff at the bar was great and there were about 5 "bartenders". Wayyyy way overstaffed, but cool. Reasonable drink prices. $4 for a pale ale. Anyway, if you ever find yourself seeing a show, or a spoken word here, its a fine venue for that. I have seen Henry at several other locations and I was perfectly happy to have seen him here too.

Pretty cool and educational field trip out here in the Santa Cruz hills. They've been around since…read morethe 60s and they've recreated what much of what life was like during the industrial revolution of the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Much of which is when California was just being built into the massive state that it is now. They recreated what a small town back then would probably have...a general store, a blacksmith station, a printing press office, a gold mining station are just a few examples. The main draw and main recreation here is of an old timey train that you can actually ride on. A fully functioning steam locomotive can pull like 5 train cars, some covered, some not. I'd say each car could probably seat about 2 dozen peeps, and they pack each scheduled ride pretty good. They have 2 rides: 1 goes from the Santa Cruz Boardwalk to Felton which is up the hill about 8 miles and back. The other ride starts in Felton which is where the recreated village is at, and that does a 70 minute loop around the redwoods, so it is very mellow and mostly in the shade. We did the redwood loop, a few adults and a small child. Price was about mid $40s per, not sure what a child fetches for. A little pricey but where else can you really experience this. There are some narration of historical interest and you get a small 15-20 minute break at a stop in the middle of the forest where you can get out and stretch and take pics. Food and drinks are available and are amusement park level in quality and price. There was some bbq cook-off going the day we went, but we did not try. We just had some simple burgers and hotdogs as we were going to throw down a nice spread for dinner at our campsite later that evening. I had a decent time although it can get pretty hot out here during the summer months. I would recommend for people with small children or people who like history in geography and technology.

Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton, California is a logging town established in the late 1950s by…read moreNorman Clark. It's known for its redwood trees and railroad which operates authentic 19th-century locomotives dating all the way back to 1890 if you can believe that. They have amazing event throughout the year including Moonlit Dinner Parties, Halloween and holiday train rides as well as activities, light shows. Enjoy the Covered Bridge, General Store, Train Depot, Bret Harte Hall and more. I've been here more than a few times in the past decade including for one of my closest friends wedding. Touring the grounds on foot is pretty amazing but nothing beats that iconic steam engine train ride. And having an event here is something that will stay with you forever in my honest opinion. The picnic grounds can hold anywhere from 25 to 2,500 people for groups and parties. Chuckwagon Barbecue has kid friendly and veggie friendly options, and outside food and catering is also very welcome. Train rides vary from age, children or adult as well as group and individual discounts. Wayback Wednesday in the best way! You can make inquiries on their website as well as stay up to date via mailing list. No lodging available directly on the campgrounds themselves, however several hotels and AirBnBs in the area due to this incredible destination and the Santa Cruz County Redwoods. Hour of operation are from 9am to 5pm for general hours and non events. Typically they can accommodate until 10pm for special events and occasions likes weddings, gatherings and celebrations.