Fun in Felton

Nestled at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the town of Felton is a historic logging town that was incorporated in 1878, becoming an official town. The town was originally part of the rail line used to transport timber from the upper San Lorenzo Valley. Felton consists of a downtown center and several neighborhoods, including the Zayante/Lompico area, Mount Hermon, and Forest Lakes, among several others. Modern-day Felton is a bustling town with tons to do. Read on to learn about some of our favorite Felton activities.

Things to do in Felton

Start the day with a cup of coffee at the White Raven, or if coffee isn’t your thing, give their chai a shot. It’s not called Larry’s famous chai without reason! This locally-owned coffee shop has various delicious pastries (our favorite is the bear claw) and savory options like breakfast burritos.

Henry Cowell State Park offers a plethora of hiking and mountain biking trails at various levels, from beginner to advanced, with over 4,000 acres to explore. Take a moment to practice the Japanese art of Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. Forest bathing is said to increase feelings of happiness, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and boost the immune system.

While technically a part of the Henry Cowell state park, the Garden of Eden is a swimming spot that you can access via Highway 9. A short hike along the railroads tracks will lead you to a gorgeous swimming hole. It attracts locals and tourists alike. The small sandy beach area is the perfect spot for a weekend picnic.

Roaring Camp Railroads is a beloved tourist destination for both children and adults. Spend an afternoon on a historical steam engine winding its way through the breathtaking redwood forest or hop on the “beach train” and cruise down to the boardwalk. The roaring camp was the first railroad in the area and began transporting visitors in 1875!

Located just above downtown, Hallcrest Vineyards offers delicious wine with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The space originally began as a vacation retreat for a wealthy lawyer from San Francisco in the 1800s. However, it wasn’t until 1941 that the Hall family planted the first vineyard. At the time, they were one of just three vineyards in Santa Cruz County! They produce several different varietals, including pinot noir and petit syrah.

For live music lovers, the Felton Music Hall in downtown Felton features a variety of bands, both local and touring. This indoor venue has a restaurant and bar, making this an easy one-stop shop for a night out. For those visiting from out of town and looking to make a weekend out of it, the Music Hall has partnered with the Brookdale Lodge for reduced rates for those attending a concert.

Located on the southern end of downtown, the Bigfoot museum is bound to bring a smile to your face. Founded in 2004 by Paula Yarr and Michael Rugg. The museum features evidence of Bigfoot, local history, and video footage on a loop from the infamous Patterson-Gimlin film. Come learn about alleged sightings and other mysterious primates. Admission to the museum is free, although they kindly ask for donations in order to keep the Museum open.

Felton is the perfect place if you’re looking for a fun mountain town to visit or move to. There is truly something for everyone with hiking and mountain biking trails to explore, family-friendly activities, or wine tasting with friends! So, what do YOU enjoy doing in Felton?

The Madani team and ROOM Real Estate have been helping home buyers and sellers in Santa Cruz County for almost two decades. Equipped with a large team of dedicated agents and staff, ROOM Real Estate works tirelessly to help its clients accomplish their real estate goals. We are here for you; and all of your real estate-related needs.