ReloMom's Complete List of Fun Things To Do In The Bay Area

Museums

Children's Creativity Museum (221 4th St, San Francisco) - Innovative art and technology experience for kids of all ages. http://creativity.org/

Children Discovery Museum (180 Woz Way, San Jose, CA 95110) - Activities for children, hands-on fun, crafts, bubble play area, story time, pinscreen, gear up, kid’s garden, rainbow market, water play area and more. https://www.cdm.org/

The Tech Museum of Innovation (201 S Market St, San Jose) - Family-friendly interactive science and technology center. http://www.thetech.org/

Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo (1451 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto) - Interactive museum exhibits, and mini zoo. http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/depts/csd/jmz/

Hiller Aviation Museum (601 Skyway Rd, San Carlos) - The Museum celebrates the spirit of discovery and innovation of aviation pioneers whose creativity made the dream of flight a reality for all of us. http://www.hiller.org/index.shtml

Exploratorium (Pier 15, The Embarcadero, San Francisco) - An experimental, hands-on museum designed to spark curiosity, regardless of your age or familiarity with science. There are hundreds of exhibits to touch, pick up and tinker with. http://www.exploratorium.edu/

California Academy of Science (55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco) - The California Academy of Sciences is a renowned scientific and educational institution dedicated to exploring, explaining, and sustaining life on Earth. Based in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, it's the only place in the world to house an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum, as well as innovative programs in scientific research and education - all under one living roof. http://www.calacademy.org/

Randall Museum (745 Treat Ave, San Francisco) - The Randall Museum offers youth and adults opportunities for active involvement and recreation in an integrated program of arts and sciences. Focusing on the cultures and environment of the San Francisco Bay Area, the Museum strives to inspire creativity, curiosity, and appreciation of the world around us. https://www.randallmuseum.org/

Bay Area Discovery Museum (557 McReynolds Rd, Sausalito) - One of a kind indoor/outdoor children’s museum, with a range of programs for children, parents, school groups and educators. Features hands-on-art, science and environmental exhibitions, performances, special events, cultural festivals and ongoing educational curricula… all with a focus on fun! http://www.baykidsmuseum.org/

Cantor Art Museum at Stanford (Palo Alto) - Art museum, offers family programs on weekends. Don't miss the sculpture garden outside. https://museum.stanford.edu/

Play Places

Whimsey Saratoga (14510 Big Basin Way Suite 3, Saratoga) - indoor play space designed with both kids and parents in mind. There is a large play structure for physical play, as well as various areas for imaginative play (dress up/stage area, play house, pretend kitchen, building block area, etc.) and arts/crafts. http://whimsy-saratoga.com/

Play! Los Altos (170 State St, Los Altos) - Variety of crafts and activities to enthrall and engage your little one, music and yoga classes, and lots of fun toys. http://www.playlosaltos.com/

Lemon Tree (3427 El Camino Real, Santa Clara) – A small and chic playplace for parents and young children. http://www.lemontreeevent.com/#home3

Billy Beez (925 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose) – Combines physical play and pretend play. In the pretend play area you’ll find a bank, supermarket, pizzeria, school, hospital and more. Big structure play with lots of slides, balls and more. http://www.us.billybeez.com/#!oakridge-hours-and-pricing/c8yf

The Jungle Island (5401 Camden Ave, San Jose) - Jungle-themed amusement venue with laser tag, bumper cars, arcade, a giant play structure & a cafe. www.thejungleisland.com

Pump It Up (2919 Mead Ave, Santa Clara, Also in San Jose and Milpitas) - Gigantic inflatable slides, bounce houses, obstacle courses and more. http://www.pumpitupparty.com/

Sky High (2880 Mead Ave, Santa Clara) - Trampoline park for the entire family. http://sjc.skyhighsports.com/

Safari Run (1180 Kern Ave, Sunnyvale, Also in San Mateo) - Big mazes, climbing tunnels, giant slides, running track, separate toddler area, parent lounge with TV and free Wi-Fi. http://www.safarirun.com/

Diddalidoo (544 San Mateo Ave, San Bruno) - Lively indoor play center offering interactive activities for young kids, a gift shop & party space. http://diddalidoo.com/

U ME (3355 Edison Way, Menlo Park) – CLOSING, LAST DAY WILL BE MAY 1ST! $25 family day passes. Large, interactive children's play space with an attached organic cafe & workspace for parents. http://www.u-meplace.com/

Gymboree (717 E El Camino Real, Sunnyvale) - Venue offering space for children's themed parties & hands-on classes ranging from music to sports. Call to see if they have drop offs, some locations are members only. http://www.gymboreeclasses.com/en/

Wund3rKid (559 College Ave, Palo Alto) - parent and child development & enrichment studio, focused in physical, emotional, social and cognitive domains. Yoga, music and art classes. http://www.wund3rkid.com/

 

Libraries

Sunnyvale Public Library (665 W Olive Ave, Sunnyvale) – Story time, Songs and fingerplays, play area, books, games, computer games and more. http://sunnyvale.ca.gov/Departments/SunnyvalePublicLibrary/Kids.aspx

Cupertino Library (10800 Torre Ave, Cupertino) - A large Children's Room, a 16 ft. long marine aquarium, story time, children garden and more. http://www.cupertinolibrary.org/

Santa Clara Library (1500 Warburton Avenue, Santa Clara) - Enjoy story hours, puppeteers, music concerts, presentations on popular subjects (e.g. wild animals, cartooning, and sports) by experts and enthusiasts. http://santaclaraca.gov/government/departments/library/kids-teens/kids

Los Gatos Public Library (100 Villa Ave, Los Gatos) – Large kids area, story time and more. http://www.losgatosca.gov/241/Kids

Mitchell Park Library (3700 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto) – Story time, crafts, and more. (Adjoined to the amazing Mitchell Park and Magical Bridges Playground). http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/depts/lib/branches/mitchell_park.asp

Favorite Local Parks and Playgrounds

Magical Bridge Playground (600 E Meadow Dr, Palo Alto) - Magical Bridge Playground is the nation's most innovative-inclusive playground, designed and built for visitors of all ages and abilities. http://www.magicalbridge.org/

Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos) - Playground areas, BBQ/picnic areas, paddle boats and row boat rentals, fishing, Youth Science Institute on site, hiking, biking, running, and skating trails. https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/parkfinder/Pages/Vasona.aspx

Oak Meadow Park (233 Blossom Hill Rd, Los Gatos) - Large playground area with a real decommissioned USAF Jet, large grass field, BBQ & picnic areas, Carousel, and Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad, access to Vasona County Park and Los Gatos Creek Trail. http://www.losgatosca.gov/910/Oak-Meadow-Park

Shoup Park (400 University Ave., Los Altos) - This 4-acre community gathering place features a playground, creek, and BBQ pits, picnic areas, redwood preserve. http://www.losaltosca.gov/recreation/page/shoup-park-garden-house-patriot-corner-picnic-area

Ortega Park (630 Harrow Way, Sunnyvale) - Children’s Play Area, enclosed toddler area and water play area, basketball courts, tennis courts, reservable Multi-use field, rentable recreation building. http://sunnyvale.ca.gov/Departments/CommunityServices/Parks/OrtegaPark.aspx

Wilson Park (19784 Wintergreen Dr., Cupertino) - Green space featuring gated playground, play & picnic areas, plus a recreation center. http://cupertino.org/index.aspx?page=591

Creekside Park (10455 Miller Ave., Cupertino) - 2 playground areas, basketball court, BBQ/picnic areas, Community Room (for rent), lots of open grass areas (large enough for 3 soccer fields) pedestrian/bicycle bridge over the Calabazas Creek. http://cupertino.org/index.aspx?page=474

Washington Park (840 W Washington Ave, Sunnyvale) - Enclosed Toddler Play Area, Playground for older children, tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball fields, swimming facilities, reservable recreation building. http://sunnyvale.ca.gov/Departments/CommunityServices/Parks/WashingtonPark.aspx

Lake Cunningham Park (2305 S White Rd, San Jose) - 50 acre lake with sailing, boating and fishing, rentals for paddle boats, volleyball area, several different sized BBQ/picnic areas, adjoining Raging Waters Water Park. https://www.sanjoseca.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Lake-Cunningham-Park-179

Shoreline Park Recreation Area and Wildlife Sanctuary (Mountain View) - Sailing, paddle boats, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, kite flying area, bike paths, rollerblading, hiking, and it is also a wildlife sanctuary and home to many rare migratory birds, such as the burrowing owl. There is also the Lakeside Café which offers all kinds of food and beverages. http://www.mountainview.gov/depts/cs/shoreline/

Stevens Creek Park & Reservoir (Cupertino) – offers lush, densely wooded trails for a variety of users. Combination of recreational resources and natural beauty make this a magnet for hikers, bicyclists, equestrians, and nature lovers, with plenty of picnicking areas. Adjoining the park is the reservoir, where you can fish from the dock or shorelines and paddle in canoes and small boats. Good for older kids. http://www.sccgov.org/portal/site/parks/

Portal Park (10225 N Portal Ave, Cupertino) - Small park offering a large, reservable picnic & barbecue area, playground & recreation building. http://cupertino.org/index.aspx?page=591

Emma Prusch Farm Park (647 S King Rd, San Jose) – A huge park with playgrounds, picnic/BBQ/party areas, large animal barn with petting zoo, orchards, Veggielution Community Farm and more. http://www.pruschfarmpark.org/

Central Park (909 Kiely Blvd., Santa Clara) - Two playgrounds, one toddler play area, tennis courts, basketball courts, lake with ducks, BBQ areas, softball fields, adjoins the International Swim Center and Central Park Library. http://santaclaraca.gov/Home/Components/ServiceDirectory/ServiceDirectory/318/2654

Cuesta Park (615 Cuesta Dr., Mountain View) - Playground structures for toddlers and older children, lots of room to run and explore. http://www.mountainview.gov/depts/cs/parks/parks/default.asp

Golden Gate Park (San Francisco) – It is the home of the Academy of Sciences, Beach and Park Chalet, Buffalo Paddock, Children’s Playground, Conservatory of Flowers, de Young Museum, Strawberry Hill, Strybing Arboretum and Windmills, Botanical Garden, Japanese Tea Garden, Rose Garden, Shakespeare’s Flowers, and Wihelmina Tulip Garden. It also has special events throughout the year, see their events calendar. http://www.golden-gate-park.com

Tilden Park (Berkeley) – has a wonderful carousel, steam train, picnic areas and swimming at Lake Anza and a beautiful botanic garden. http://www.ebparks.org/parks/tilden

Rotary PlayGarden (438 Coleman Ave, San Jose) - The PlayGarden enables children with special needs to play alongside their siblings and friends. http://www.grpg.org/rpg/

Central Park/Lake Elizabeth (40000 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont) - Offers a variety of activities with a gorgeous view of the Mission Peak Hills and Lake Elizabeth. Children’s play areas, basketball, tennis, fishing, skate park, and seasonal waterpark (Aqua Adventure Waterpark), boat rentals and picnic areas. https://www.fremont.gov/317/Central-Park

Aquariums, Zoos, Petting Zoos and Farm Animals

Curiodyssey (1961 Coyote Point Dr., San Mateo) - The Museum is a learning center that provides engaging, educational experiences through wildlife, gardens and exhibitions. View over 50 non-releasable animals native to California up-close: bobcat, river otters, rattlesnake and golden eagles, hummingbird garden, butterfly habitat, an aviary with a walk-through park showing shorebirds and songbirds. http://www.curiodyssey.com/

Happy Hollow Park and Zoo - Small 16-acre zoo and amusement park with petting zoo area, puppet shows, meet the animals events and more. http://www.hhpz.org/

Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo (1451 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto) - Interactive museum exhibits, and mini zoo. http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/depts/csd/jmz/

Deer Hollow Farm (22500 Cristo Rey Drive, Cupertino) - Deer Hollow Farm is located in the Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve in the hills above Los Altos. Many farm animals, a large demonstration garden, orchard, homestead exhibits, nature center featuring educational exhibits of plants, birds, and animals from the area, picnic areas and more. http://deerhollowfarmfriends.org/

Emma Prusch Farm Park (647 S King Rd, San Jose) – A huge park with playgrounds, picnic/BBQ/party areas, large animal barn with petting zoo, orchards, Veggielution Community Farm and more. http://www.pruschfarmpark.org/

Monterey Bay Aquarium (886 Cannery Row, Monterey) - Fun for all ages, learn about the ocean habitat and all the animals that live in the Monterey Bay via live shows and live animals and exhibits. Splash Zone is a favorite of most visitors, where you can see penguins, cuttle fish, and sea dragons and play in a water play area. http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/

Ardenwood Historic Farm (34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont) - 19th-century country estate with a beautiful Victorian mansion and elaborate Victorian Gardens, board the farm’s train, and visit the animal farms (peacocks, sheep, pigs, turkeys, chickens, rabbits, goats, and cows). http://www.ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood

Hidden Villa Farm (26870 Moody Rd, Los Altos Hills) - Organic farm, wilderness, and community to teach and provide opportunities to learn about the environment, petting zoo with pigs, sheep, chickens, cows and more. http://www.hiddenvilla.org/

Lemos Farms (12320 San Mateo Rd, Half Moon Bay) - Pony rides, train rides, petting zoo, OK Play Corral and the Dig Zone tractor. http://www.lemosfarm.com/

Oakland Zoo (9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland) - Wonderful zoo, with children’s ride area, train and sky ride, petting zoo and more. Terrain is quite hilly (good workout for parents walking with kids or pushing strollers). http://www.oaklandzoo.org/

San Francisco Zoo (1 Zoo Rd, San Francisco) - The zoo is home to more than 250 species of animals, many of which are highly endangered. You’ll see things from tiny insects to a very tall giraffe. There is also a Children’s Petting Zoo, Carousel and train rides. http://www.sfzoo.org/

Aquarium of the Bay (2 Beach St, San Francisco) - Encounters with local marine life that inspire both wonder and conservation. https://www.aquariumofthebay.org/   

Lindsay Wildlife Museum (1931 1st Ave, Walnut Creek) - Lindsay Wildlife Experience saves animals lives, teaches and inspires children and adults through up-close-and personal encounters with live wild animals, and strengthens the connection between people and the natural world. http://lindsaywildlife.org/

Marine Science Institute (500 Discovery Pkwy, Redwood City) - http://www.sfbaymsi.org/

Crab Cove Visitor Center (1252 McKay Ave, Alameda) - Bayfront education center with an 800-gallon aquarium & interactive exhibits about marine life. http://www.ebparks.org/parks/vc/crab_cove 

Sulphur Creek Nature Center (1801 D St, Hayward) wildlife rehabilitation facility offers educational programs & a discovery center for kids. http://www.haywardrec.org/522/Educational-Programs

McClellan Ranch Park (22221 McClellan Rd, Cupertino) - The site houses a nature museum and community garden. Preserved are the original ranch house, milk barn, livestock barn, a replica of Baer's Blacksmith Shop, and the old water tower from Parish Ranch. Lots of trails, community garden and a short walk to Blackberry Farm playground and pool. http://www.cupertino.org/index.aspx?page=1006

Toddler Friendly Restaurants

Bumble (145 1st St, Los Altos) - Set in a sunny cottage, this American eatery offers farm-to-table fare plus a playroom for the kids. http://www.bumblelosaltos.com/

Chick-Fil-A (550 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale) - Fast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches, strips & nuggets along with salads & sides. The Sunnyvale brunch offers a small playroom with play structure, slide and more. http://www.chick-fil-a.com/

Esther's German Bakery (987 N San Antonio Rd, Los Altos) - Snug cafe serving traditional German comfort dishes, brews & baked goods in a welcoming atmosphere. The cafe has a small children's corner with Legos and books. http://www.esthersbakery.com/ 

Farms (fruit picking) – Don’t forget to check the season’s schedule!

Swanton Berry Farm (25 Swanton Rd, Davenport) – A great way to experience the farm, have a good time, and pick berries to take home. The Farm’s U-Pick is closed for the winter. They will be reopening in the spring. They have more locations with different seasonal fruits. http://www.swantonberryfarm.com/

Crystal Bay Farms (40 Zils Rd, Watsonville) – U-Pick organic berries and flowers. Farm stand, pumpkin patch and more. http://www.crystalbayfarm.com/u-pick.html

Gizdich Farm (55 Peckham Rd, Watsonville) - Spend a day with your family and/or friends picking you favorite fruit of the season right off the tree or vine; then, picnic among the apple trees and hills. Take home a jar or two of fresh berry jams, and eat the delicious fresh baked pies or take them home with you to eat another time. http://www.gizdich-ranch.com/

99 Cherry Orchards (2627 Rockville Rd, Fairfield) - Enjoy a family farm of 24 acres, with 4 varieties of cherries. Bring your friends and family while you experience picking your own fresh cherries right from the trees. Come out and pick by the bucket full!! They also offer seasonal fresh fruits, homemade ice cream, coffee, baked goods and more. http://www.pickitfarmfresh.com/9-99-cherry-orchard-u-pick/california/fairfield-california/

Webb Ranch (2720 Alpine Rd, Portola Valley) - In the heart of Silicon Valley lies a beautiful oasis for horses and fresh produce. Berries U-Pick and more. http://www.webbranchinc.com/home.htm

Pie Ranch (2080 Cabrillo Hwy, Pescadero) – Work in the farm, help picking produce and more. Not the typical U-Pick, but a great experience! http://www.pieranch.org/

Brentwood Garden Ranch (175 Eureka Ave., Brentwood) – pick your own cherries. http://www.pickitfarmfresh.com/brentwood-garden-ranch/california/brentwood-california/

Amusement Parks

Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park (3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy) – Theme park designed for families with young children and garden lovers, featuring 22 rides, 5 attractions, majestic gardens and the world famous Circus Trees, and we can’t forget the Bonfante’s Splash Garden Water Park and Splash & Squirt water feature for younger guests in diapers. https://www.gilroygardens.org/

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (400 Beach St, Santa Cruz) – Lots of fun rides, miniature golf, food, beach, shops, arcade, concerts, and all sorts of special events during the summer. http://beachboardwalk.com/

Children’s Fairyland (699 Bellevue Ave, Oakland) – On the shores of Oakland’s Lake Merritt, where children’s literature comes to life and kids can be kids. There are whimsical storybook sets, gentle rides, friendly animals, wonder-filled puppet shows and inspired live entertainment. http://www.fairyland.org/

Great America (4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara) – A few family friendly rides and attractions, including Planet Snoopy - the world's most popular beagle and his friends welcome kids of all ages! Featuring Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus and Sally, Planet Snoopy is sure to thrill little riders as they fly, whirl, dive and swoop their day through the park! https://www.cagreatamerica.com

Pixieland Amusement Park (2740 E Olivera Rd, Concord) - Whimsical amusement park offers a range of carnival rides for young kids. http://www.pixieland.com/

Factories and visitor centers

Mrs. Grossman’s Sticker Factory (3810 Cypress Dr, Petaluma) – Watch the magic as stickers are printed, packaged and shipped right before your eyes. One hour tour includes a video, guided tour of the factory, a fun sticker art craft activity, and a visit to our Sticker Museum. http://mrsgrossmans.com/pages/tour-the-factory

 Jelly Belly Factory (1 Jelly Belly Ln, Fairfield) – Free guided tours of the factory, café, gift center, and confectioners counter with all kinds of sweets. http://www.jellybelly.com/california-factory-tours

Boudin Bakery (160 Jefferson St., San Francisco) - Boudin’s Museum and Bakery Tour not only offer interactive exhibits about the history of Boudin and San Francisco, but a 30-foot observation window into the ground floor demonstration bakery, where you and your little chef can see a team of bakers up to their elbows in sourdough. For those who really want the full Boudin experience, Boudin offers an exclusive twenty minute group session, where for $20 per person, participants will not only learn how the signature sourdough is made, but will knead and shape the dough with one of Boudin’s highly skilled bakers. https://www.boudinbakery.com/index.cfm

Aquatics

Raging Waters (2333 S White Rd, San Jose) - 23-acre Aquatic Park boasts high-speed waterslides, a wave pool & an interactive themed water fort. https://www.rwsplash.com/

Rinconada Pool (777 Embarcadero Rd, Palo Alto) - Public outdoor pool with areas for laps, recreation & wading, plus fountains & kids' play areas. http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/depts/csd/recreation/aquatics/

Trains and Fire Trucks

Cupertino Fire Station (20215 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino) – Schedule a visit and come see the fire truck! http://www.sccfd.org/about-sccfd/fire-station-locations/cupertino-fire-station

South Bay Historical Railroad Society (1005 Railroad Ave, Santa Clara) - A large and varied collection of historic railroad artifacts. Within the Depot are two operational HO and N scale model railroad layout displays depicting various railroad eras and operations venues. http://www.sbhrs.org/

Roaring Camp Railroads (5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton) – Great REAL steam engine rides up to redwood forests and down to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Lots of fun activities in the camp, mostly before and during holidays. http://www.roaringcamp.com/

Niles Canyon Railway (6 Kilkare Rd, Sunol) - Heritage railway running through Niles Canyon, between Sunol and the Niles district of Fremont in the East Bay. http://www.ncry.org/

Golden State Model Railroad Museum (900-A Dornan Dr, Richmond) - An operating model railroad exhibit. http://www.gsmrm.org/

Day Trips Ideas

Santa Cruz – Start at Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (http://montereybay.noaa.gov/vc/sec/welcome.html), continue to the pier to see the seals, head to the boardwalk (http://beachboardwalk.com/) and take a round trip to the Roaring Camp camp (http://www.roaringcamp.com/).

Ano Nuevo State Reserve (1 New Year’s Creek Rd, Pescadero) – Visit the elephant seals (reservations needed for guided tour). http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=523

Henry Cowell State Park (101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton) – Henry Cowell Redwoods is home to a centuries old Redwood Grove that features a self-guided nature path. It also boasts other old-growth woods such as Douglas fir, madrone, oak and a stunning stand of Ponderosa pines. The park has a picnic area above the San Lorenzo River. Anglers fish for steelhead and salmon during the winter. The park has a nature center and bookstore. The northern area (Fall Creek) has about 20 miles of hiking trails, some are stroller friendly. http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=546

Pfieffer Big Sur State Park (Big Sur) - This beautiful park features redwoods, conifers, oaks, sycamores, cottonwoods, maples, alders and willows - plus open meadows. Wildlife includes black-tail deer, gray squirrels, raccoons, skunks, and birds, such as water ouzels and belted kingfishers. Hikers can enjoy the many scenic trails, including a self-guided nature trail. http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=570

Big Basin Redwoods State Park (21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek) – California’s oldest State Park, featuring family and group camping, tent cabins, backpacking camps, hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails. It has a number of waterfalls and a wide environments from lush canyon bottoms to sparse chaparral-covered slopes. http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=540

Fisherman’s Wharf & PIER 39 (San Francisco) – Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 are the most popular destination, known for its historic waterfront, delicious seafood, spectacular sights and unique shopping. It offers the most incredible views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge and the cityscape. PIER 39 is the Premier Festival Marketplace, with lots of family fun, distinctive shopping, an up-close look at California sea lions, street performers, a carousel, superb dining, along with The Aquarium of the Bay. www.aquariumofthebay.com

California State Railroad Museum (Sacramento) – The museum features 21 lavishly restored locomotives and cars, some dating back to 1862. There is a full-scale diorama of a 1860s construction site high in the Sierra Nevada as well as a bridge elevated 24 feet above the museum floor. Guided tours and interpretive film screenings are offered daily. There are lots of restored trains, engaging exhibits and special events. http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=668

Capitola Beach (Capitola) – Located in the Village of Capitola, eclectic and charming shops and restaurants. It has great water for playing or surfing, with convenient surf board, body board, wetsuit, beach chair and beach umbrella rentals available.

Natural Bridges State Beach (2531 W Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz) - This beach is famous for its natural bridge, which is an excellent vantage point for viewing shore birds, migrating whales, and seals and otters playing offshore. Further along the beach, tidepools offer a glimpse of life beneath the sea. Low tides reveal sea stars, crabs, sea anemones, and other colorful ocean life. The park also includes a large area of coastal scrub meadows, with bright native wildflowers in the spring. Moore Creek flows down to the ocean through these meadows, forming a wetlands in the sand. There are Monarch Butterfly Tours: Weekends mid-October through February. Docent-led butterfly, tide pool and nature trail tours are available. http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=541

Fitzgerald J V Marine Reserve (200 Nevada Ave, Moss Beach) - The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve tidepools are one of the most beautiful and easily accessible natural wonders of the Northern California coast. http://www.fitzgeraldreserve.org/newffmrsite/

Wilder Ranch State Park – Visit an early day dairy ranch and step back in time to the late 1800’s at Wilder Ranch State Park. You can explore California's early ranching history by visiting an 1897 Victorian home, or experience an 1896 water-powered machine shop. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the front lawn, and visit the farm animals. With more than 35 miles of trail and ocean view, you can adventure into the Santa Cruz Mountains or walk along the coastal bluffs. http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=549

17 Mile Drive (Carmel) - A scenic road through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove on the Monterey Peninsula. Scenic attractions, including the Lone Cypress, Bird Rock, Del Monte Forest of Monterey Cypress trees, seals and more. http://www.pebblebeach.com/activities/explore-the-monterey-peninsula/17-mile-drive