This stretch of highway is beautiful. I have done this hundreds of time but it still feels magical…read moreevery time I traverse it. There are beautiful redwoods on both sides with little towns along the way. On the one side is quaint Los Gatos and on the other side is stunning Santa Cruz. Just know that it backs up frequently since it is pretty windy and frequent crashes, which shuts down the highway. Drive safe please!

Amazing views, and an excellent scenic drive. The viewpoints at sunset especially are beautiful if…read moreyou want to take photos.

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.

There is a 120-foot redwood tree in the middle of the Santa Cruz forest just off of the UC campus…read morearea that tons of people climb every year and is incredibly fun, but you should have kids who are confident in their climbing abilities/not afraid of heights before they attempt it. Also, the area around there is incredibly fastening for anyone interested in the outdoors with banana slugs galore and extremely verdant vegetation. On a clear day on top of the tree you can see all the way out into the ocean, completely unobstructed. It's incredibly peaceful and calming. I can't really give you directions on how to get there, but if you were to ask anyone on campus (or if someone on here was better at directions) you should be able to find it, but not without some fun adventure first! http://blog.adventureout.com/2007/05/tree-9-santa-cruz.html

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*

Parking 808 Bay Ave in the Nob Hill parking lot near the back of the store. Nice easy walk. Good…read moretemperature because of clouds and shade because of the many many trees. I don't think it ever gets hot here. Looking good.

Rispin Mansion Capitola CA Sat 10/30/21…read more The Rispin Mansion in Capitola California is a historic mansion, registered on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. I've been at this site countless times over the years, oh how I regret not to have posted my previously taken photos, lost in the mists of time (and annals of my old laptops somewhere)! Wish I had a review written back in a day. And I'll tell you why, in a second. Around 75% of the Rispin Mansion had been destroyed by fire about 10 years ago. It was soon after the Capitola City Council approved a 55-year lease that would repair the grounds and turn it into a 25-room boutique hotel, back in May of 2009. The project was billed at $14 million, however, just before the construction started, a fire broke out. And now you know the rest of the story! So the grounds are fenced with the chicken wire and abandoned on the day of my today's visit on Saturday October 30, 2021. The building was constructed in 1921 by San Franciscan Henry Allen Rispin. It was built with four stories, 22 rooms, and over 7,100 square feet, on the grounds of what was called "Camp Capitola". Described as being "cursed," Rispin Mansion was first used as a real-estate showroom, and then, at various times, as a residence, a nunnery, a SWAT practice ground, and even as a ghost hunting site! Why is it on the National Register, what's historic about it? Well, I'm glad that you asked. It's because Henry Allen Rispin was one of the founding fathers of Capitola. He saw its large potential as a vacation spot and tourist attraction. Rispin owned or controlled most of the land in the new city of Capitola. During the Great Depression, he lost his fortune and had to sell the mansion. It went to his business partner Robert Hays Smith through foreclose, then got sold to the Oblates of St. Joseph and became a convent, until 1959. For many decades thereafter, Rispin Mansion stayed unoccupied, neglected, vandalized with graffiti, ghosted. That is until the city purchased the property in 1985 for mere $1.35 million and eventually placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. It attracts supernatural interest from the ghost hunters who visit the property during the middle of the night, to film the paranormal activities. So I thought it was most fitting to pen my review on Halloween 2021 to bring your attention to Rispin Mansion and its ghosts of the past. Cheers! Review #654 posted with 6 pictures on October 30, 2021 Rispin Mansion Capitola CA Sat 10/30/21 ® It don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah It don't mean a thing all you got to do is sing doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah It makes no difference If it's sweet or hot Just give that rhythm Everything you've got Rispin Mansion Capitola CA Sat 10/30/21

Ignore the fact that I have motion sickness....go to this place if you planned to do a road trip to…read morethe mountains. Don't let the winding roads distract you from the scenic spots surrounded by redwood trees and the occasional spotting of a wild deer while you're driving. Going here you would pass by several camping or retreat venues great for groups and company's next staff development activities. YMCA and Easter Seals have camping sites ready to be rented. There are also a couple family owned wineries that you can visit and sample. Envision flourishing grapes vines cascading on the mountainside as these are systematically planted that way. On highway 9 you would find the quaint town-ish ambiance of the place. It has that same feel like you're on-location in the movie, Dante's Peak - IMHO. Unfortunately we didn't stay that long because of time constrains....trying to make it down the mountain before sun down. I like it and will visit it again.

this city is more like a town as it is very small and most of the residents live a couple miles…read moreaway from "town" where shoppes, restaurants, goods and services are located. i was here to hike big basin and have dinner afterward and was able to see more of this quaint city while driving along some of the curvy, yet scenic local roads. houses are definitely bigger, in general, and i'm sure that prices are lower as well since this city is not that close to the major freeways, and a bit of a hike to san jose. the "town" area has several restaurants, a couple of bars, an organic grocery store, a bank, a post office, and various doctor's offices. i'd say the main strip is probably 3-4 blocks wide, and beyond that, it is either all residential or forest/wooded area. definitely a quiet city that offers some reprieve from the noisy, big city life!

The Great Blue Heron Walkway is a work of art at Jose Avenue County Park, featuring two beautiful…read moregreat blue heron mosaic sculptures, created by Barbara Abbott and Sandra Whiting, made up of diverse pieces of random objects submitted by community members when it was built in 1999, including toy cars and seashells. Brief trails of oversized blue heron footprints are etched into the cement along the walkways inside the park, matching the sculptures on site, adding a nice touch to the artwork even if minimally noticeable and not as eye-catching as the great blue heron sculptures standing in the grass. I enjoyed checking it all out this past Friday, while spending the day in Santa Cruz.

The Santa Cruz Saturday Market in San Lorenzo Park offers much more variety than a typical farmers…read moremarket. In addition to hosting a certified farmers market and customary food booths, there are many vendors offering locally made products and art that reflect the unusual level of talent and creativity in Santa Cruz. There are also various holistic services, entertainment, and a kids village surrounding a large tepee. If you are looking for a nonprofit farmers market in a green setting that also offers various locally made products, art and services it's well worth a visit. The market is held in San Lorenzo Park every Saturday from early May through November from 10am to 6pm. Parking is free at the large county building parking lot or you can park on River Street and walk across the pedestrian bridge.

Highway 152 is like that kid you hung out with in your middle school years (if you're a guy) only…read morebecause he had a hot older sister. Wait, you never did that? Umm yeah, me neither. I'm only speaking hypothetically, of course... What do I mean? Well I, and I'm sure many others, only take the 152 to get from the 101 to the 5, and vice versa. The typical route between the South Bay Area and LA. "But the 5 is bland and the 152 is more scenic, so your analogy is flawed." Yes, it's not a perfect analogy, so sue me. But if there were a more direct way to get to the 5 from South Bay, I wouldn't bother taking the 152. The rolling hills and winding road do make for a scenic drive, but they also put more wear on my car. Also, there's a 9 mile "daylight headlight section", where the 152 narrows down to a single lane in each direction, and cars are required to always have their headlights on due to the road being so dangerous. There are lots of potholes along this stretch of road, because it would be impractical for Caltrans to ever close a lane to do maintenance. When you're driving here, pray that you don't get stuck behind a slow vehicle like a semi truck. And if there were to ever be an accident here, game over. But here's a tip that will save you some time. If you're heading north to the Bay Area, after you clear the daylight headlight section, you'll come to a fork where the 152 turns left. Most people turn left here. But if you continue straight onto Ferguson Road, you'll avoid the traffic and have a generous 50 MPH speed limit with no stoplights. After 2 miles, Ferguson Road curves left and becomes Leavesley Road (with just a couple stoplights there), and after another 2 miles, you'll find the 101. Take this detour and you'll get to the 101 faster than everybody else who stayed on the 152!

Dear 152, I remember…read morewhen we met. I was 15 and I was in the backseat of the car. My mom was driving, I was riding, and we were going down south. Get your brain out of the gutter, 152, my mom was driving me to a soccer tourney in Southern California. Anyway, we met but I wasn't really paying attention to you so I don't remember much. Don't take it personally. I distinctly remember when I met you for the second time. College re-introduced us. I was hangin' out with 101 wanted to get over to 5's place so I could trek down to San Diego's pad and someone told me you we're the one I needed. So there I was, on you, for 40 miles. You know what 152, you are good-looking but you are not that friendly. You have this "my way of the highway" kind of thinking. You don't let anyone get past you. You have some serious relationship problems with 156. You've had them for years and you need to grow up and resolve them. You're affecting everyone else around you. Other than your "relationship issues" I'd say your attractiveness keeps me comin' back....and because it's weird if I hang out with 5 randomly, I mean, I only ever hang out with 5 when I'm with you. All the best, Jenn T.