Boulder Creek: Main Street

Near the turn of the last century, nearby Boulder Creek was a wild and woolly spot to hitch your horse—the town had 26 saloons, gambling houses, brothels and hotels. In present day, Boulder Creek offers more refined opportunities for shopping, lodging, dining and hiking, and is the "Gateway to Big Basin."

Giant Redwood, Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Ben Lomond is in the heart of redwood country. Nearby Big Basin Redwoods State Park and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park are home to some of the largest and most ancient of these magnificent trees.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Big Basin is the oldest of California's state parks and watershed for the San Lorenzo Valley. The 16.000-acre park has over 80 miles of scenic trails, numerous waterfalls, and a landscape ranging from fern-filled canyons to high chaparral.

Young Redwoods

Stands of young redwood trees are a familiar site throughout the San Lorenzo Valley, and greet many residents and business owners as they look out their windows to the scenery beyond.

Spend a day antiquing

Ben Lomond and the surrounding towns in the San Lorenzo Valley are a bonanza for antique and curio collectors. From furniture and glassware to vintage clothing, jewelry and other collectibles, you can find just about any item—and often for a real bargain—while enjoying the wooded, historic settings.

Covered Bridge in Felton

Originally built in 1892, Felton Covered Bridge in nearby Felton is one of the few historic bridges left in the state. Maintained by the Felton Volunteer Fire Department. the bridge stands as sentinel to the park's playground, paths and picnic area.

World-Famous Brookroom

The famous Brookroom in nearby Brookdale encloses a natural stream flowing down its center. Since the 1920s the restaurant has offered elegant brook-side dining to movie stars, royalty and a U.S. President.

Brookdale Lodge

The original lodge was built in 1890 at the site of a lumber mill. Popular for weddings, romantic getaways, parties and conferences, the Brookdale Lodge has hosted a number of notable guests—and if some residents and visitors are to be believed, a ghostly haunt or two!

Ciao Bella

The lively Ciao Bella restaurant's motto is "passion, pasta and pizazz!" Guests enjoy fine Italian dining and scrumptious desserts in an exuberant environment.

Tyrolean Inn

Visit the Tyrolean Inn Restaurant for authentic Bavarian and German cuisine, as well as a wide variety of German beers and fine wines. The chalet is surrounded by beautiful redwoods, and filled with Bavarian folk music, a warm fire, and friendly service.

Big Trees/Roaring Camp Train

See majestic groves of redwoods as you make your way up to Bear Mountain on an antique steam engine train, or take the beach train to the nearby bustling coastal town of Santa Cruz—a route open since 1875! The train follows the San Lorenzo river, travels across a 1909 steel truss bridge and through an 1875 tunnel before you reach your destination.

Henflings

Henflings Firehouse Tavern is a lively spot for music and dancing, with venues as varied and colorful as its clientele. Some of the best burgers in the Valley await you!