The 30 Best Indigenous cultural tourism in Santa Cruz, California

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Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park is located at 144 School Street in Santa Cruz, California. This park sits atop Mission Hill and offers a patio, gardens, and stunning views of the city. It is home to the only building remaining from the 12th California Mission, Misión la Exaltacion de la Santa Cruz, founded in 1791 by the Franciscans. The park has been restored to its original appearance and features exhibits that tell the story of the mission through the perspective of the Ohlone and Yokuts people. Visitors can explore the park Thursday through Monday from 10 am to 4 pm, but it is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas. Online reservations are not available, so be sure to call the park to confirm your visit. The park also offers guided hikes and public programs, as well as backpacking adventures through the Santa Cruz Mountains during the summer months.

Castro Adobe State Historic Park is located at 184 Old Adobe Road in Watsonville, California. This park is a popular tourist attraction and offers a glimpse into the Mexican Rancho period of the mid-1800s. Visitors can take a free 90-minute guided tour of the two-story Rancho San Andrés Castro Adobe, which was built on a nearly 9,000-acre rancho granted to Jose Joaquin Castro. The park offers guided hikes, public programs, and special events throughout the year. Visitors can explore the fandango room, learn about vaquero culture, and see one of the last remaining indoor cocinas in California. The park also offers virtual tours and videos showcasing the restoration efforts at the Castro Adobe. Funding for the restoration is provided by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, who also support educational programs and capital projects at parks in the Santa Cruz area.

Explore the Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument Discover the enchanting beauty and rich history of Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument, a premier tourist attraction located in Santa Cruz, California. Nestled on the north coast of Santa Cruz County, this extraordinary landscape became part of the California Coastal National Monument just days before President Barack Obama left office, recognizing its incredible ecological, cultural, and historic significance.

Welcome to Inner Light Ministries, a dynamic and inclusive spiritual community located at 623 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, California. As a forward-thinking church and place of worship, Inner Light is committed to evolving with the times while providing a welcoming space for all—whether you're local, joining us via livestream, or visiting for the first time. Our mission is to foster a sense of community, deepen the consciousness of Oneness, and support both personal and global healing. At Inner Light, we embrace the diversity of cultural celebrations throughout December and early January, recognizing this time as an opportunity for joy, reflection, and healing. Whether you're observing Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, Christmas, New Year’s, or any other tradition, we extend our blessings for health, wholeness, and prosperity to you and your loved ones. Our goal is for each of us to be an instrument of Peace.