Santa Cruz County is the perfect destination to spend your last few weeks of summer. The weather is perfect, there are lots to do, and do we even need to mention the insane amount of food you can chow down on? While we are getting ready to bid summer goodbye and welcome the fall, Labor Day weekend is the final weekend where we can splash through the ocean and enjoy the warm sun.
Here are some fantastic events throughout Santa Cruz County, that your entire family can enjoy together before we start to hear the sleigh bells on Santa around the corner.
Santa Cruz
Beach Train
- Address: Roaring Camp
Enjoy a show at Roaring Camp as they recreate a train robbery from the 1880s. Outlaws will board the Redwood Forest Train to Bare Mountain, so you can truly see why they called it the wild west. The event starts on September 3 and goes through the 5th. All scheduled trains will have this event occurring and have a noise sensitivity warning for kids who don’t like loud sounds.
It’s A Scavenger Hunt!
- Address: 110 Cooper St
Everyone in the family is welcome to join this annual scavenger hunt through Santa Cruz. You’ll need a smartphone to play along and follow instructions. There will be riddle-like clues that allow you to explore your surroundings. The hunt is on September 4 at 10 a.m.
First Friday
Every first Friday of the month, you can visit numerous locations in Santa Cruz to support the arts. Areas include Downtown, Tannery Arts Center, Midtown, and Westside, where you can socialize with art lovers during this free event.
Watsonville
Fly-in And Airshow
- Address: Watsonville Municipal Airport
Every Labor Day weekend, Watsonville holds its annual Fly-in and Air Show. Watch dozens of planes in the sky as they perform stunts and thrills that the entire family will enjoy.
Music in the Plaza
- Address: City Plaza
Enjoy an outdoor concert in downtown Watsonville and grab a bite to eat at the nearby restaurants. From 6 to 8 p.m., you can get your groove on during this free event. On September 2, you can enjoy the Banda Guerreros.
Capitola
Tribute to the Begonia Festival
- Address: 420 Capitola Ave
On September 4 and 5th, you can visit the Capitola Museum to enjoy memorabilia from the Capitola Begonia Festival. Entry into the museum will be free to all.
Non-Event Fun
If you’re not interested in attending an event, Santa Cruz County has a lot of fun. Here are some of our prime stops when we visit the area.
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Main Beach or Cowell Beach
- Corralito’s Wine Trail
- Wilder Ranch State Park
- Natural Bridges State Beach
Santa Cruz County is always an excellent destination for Labor Day Weekend. Even if there isn’t an event that tickles your fancy, there are tons of fun things around the area that the entire family will love to do together. Spend a day or the whole weekend in Santa Cruz County, and you will make lasting memories with the entire family.
Looking for a Santa Cruz Hotel?
- Dream Inn Santa Cruz
- Hotel Paradox
- Beach Street Inn and Suites
- Babbling Brook Inn
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
Need a car? Get the best rental car rates HERE.