Top 5 Things To Do In Santa Cruz County For Labor Day 2019

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — Looking for something to do this upcoming Labor Day? If you're in the Tri-Valley, you've got some great options for relaxing on the unofficial last day of summer. Here is — in our opinion — the top five things to do in Santa Cruz County this Labor Day.

1. Barrels of Corralitos Wine Trail

When: Sept. 1, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: See the participating wineries

Join the wineries of the idyllic Corralitos Wine Trail in the Santa Cruz Mountains for a day of wine tasting, food and entertainment. Taste new and yet-to-be-released wines from Pinot Noir to Zinfandel. Enjoy live music, wine flights, barrel samples and special barrel pricing on futures. Ticket includes tasting at all six participating wineries and commemorative glass. Food will be available for purchase. Tickets available online. This is an adult-only event and there is no shade or water available in the parking area, so please leave your pets comfortably at home.

2. Big Basin State Park: Redwood Grove Loop Walk

When: Aug. 31, 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Where: Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Cree

Bring the family for this informative guided half-mile stroll through a magnificent old-growth redwood forest. Meet the famous Mother Tree, the Father of the Forest and the incredible Chimney Tree on this 90-minute walk. Stroller and wheelchair accessible. Bring water and good walking shoes. Meet at park headquarters. The event is free. Vehicle day use fee is $10.

3. Seymour Marine Discovery Center

When: Open throughout the Labor Day weekend, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Seymour Marine Discovery Center, 100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz

The Seymour Marine Discovery Center is a community-supported marine science education center of the University of California, Santa Cruz. The center offers hands-on immersion into the world of ocean exploration and discovery. With a 20,000-square-foot visitor center, guests can touch a shark, explore the latest discoveries in ocean science, and take in the spectacular Monterey Bay. Powered by the Long Marine Laboratory, a world-renowned university research facility, the exhibit hall offers a deeper dive into the fascinating and varied work of scientists studying the oceans in Santa Cruz and around the world.

4. Sunday Seaside Crafts

When: Sept. 1, 1-3 p.m.

Where: Seymour Marine Discovery Center, 100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz

Sponsored by Sigma Alpha of Omega Nu, and free with paid admission to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, this is always a great event that lets kids create and take home a souvenir.

5. Hit the Beach

When: Every day, 8 a.m. to sunset

Where: Natural Bridges State Beach, follow West Cliff Drive west along the in-town bluffs until it ends at Natural Bridges

Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz earned a spot as one of the least polluted beaches in the state, according to the annual report released earlier this year by the environmental advocacy nonprofit Heal the Bay. The organization tracks the harmful bacteria levels at 500 beaches in California and assigns a letter grade for summer dry, winter dry and wet weather conditions. Natural Bridges State Beach placed in the "honor roll," a list of 33 beaches that received an A+ grade throughout the year.