San Lorenzo Valley LOCAL

Activities

Dine Local

There are tons of great restaurants throughout the San Lorenzo Valley. Start your day with a specialty coffee at the Boulder Creek Tree House Café or the famous pancakes at Bella’s Café. Quick bites and hearty meals can be found to satisfy anyone’s tastebuds, such as a tri-tip sandwich at the Redwood Keg, apricot almond chicken at the Red Pearl, a hot dog at River Dogs of Boulder Creek, or a burger at The Sawmill. The historic Scopazzi’s Restaurant is a must for everyone with meals ranging from a BLT to cedar planked salmon! Don’t forget to top it off with tiramisu for dessert! Speaking of desserts, pastries and custom orders you’ll want to indulge in can be found at Dessert First. Restaurants with live music can be found at many locations such as the Felton Music Hall and the Brookdale Lodge.

Stay Local

As Covid restrictions allow, there are some places that locals and tourists alike will definitely want to book for a weekend getaway! The historic Brookdale Lodge has both lodging and a fabulous diner. Farther up the mountain, cabins at Masood’s Lodge can be rented. There are many retreat centers nestled in the redwoods including Camp Campbell YMCA and the Mount Hermon Conference Center. Small groups needing a condo can check out the Boulder Creek Golf & Country Club. Whether you’re wanting a place to rest your head after a day of climbing at Castle Rock, here for a corporate retreat, or a local resident just wanting to treat yourself for a weekend, we’ve got you covered!

Shop Local

We all love supporting our small businesses, the backbone of our economy. And you can’t beat the variety and charm found in the San Lorenzo Valley. If you’re a fan of vintage, we’ve got antique stores and specialty shops like Swag and Boulder Creek Antiques in Boulder Creek, Abbott’s Thrift in Felton, and many more in between. Shops like Air & Fire, Lille Aeske and Manipura have everything you need to satisfy all your senses with handmade scents, herbal remedies, as well as local artwork & musicians. Shoppers looking for gifts and keepsakes will love places like Viscosity, Simpatico and Mountain Spirit. For the campers, hikers and adventurists, we’ve got Present: Adventure Gift Store and Scarborough Home Center that can set you up with everything you need. While you’re in the area, be sure to stop by the San Lorenzo Valley Museum to learn about the rich local history.

Wineries & Craft Brewers

The Santa Cruz Mountains are ripe with vineyards, most with tasting rooms, and local breweries. They make up a large portion of the 70 wineries and 12 breweries found in Santa Cruz County. Choices for your tasting tour include, but certainly are not limited to, Hallcrest, David Bruce, Byington, Big Basin and Pelican Ranch Vineyards and newly opened Humble Sea Brewery. Many of these handcrafted wines and beers can be found at local restaurants like the Boulder Creek Pizza & Pub and the Sawmill Restaurant and Ale Room.