Felton Travel Guide

Discover the best things to see, do and eat in Felton, California. Plan the perfect itinerary for your trip to Felton with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Felton

Nestled in the heart of Santa Cruz County, Felton is a small town known for its natural beauty, cultural sites, and outdoor adventures. Located in Central Coast, California, Felton is about 80 miles south of San Francisco and offers an excellent alternative to the hustle and bustle of the city.

This town has something for everyone, from hiking and biking to museums and historical sites. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or family, Felton promises an unforgettable travel experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve curated everything you need to know about Felton, California, including the best things to see, do, and eat.

List of Places to Visit in Felton

Felton is a beautiful town noted for its rich culture, natural beauty, and historical landmarks. Here are some of the top places to visit during your trip to Felton.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Roaring Camp Railroads: Experience a train ride through the beautiful redwoods aboard a historic steam train at Roaring Camp Railroads. The train takes you across the majestic redwoods of Santa Cruz County and offers unparalleled scenic views.
  • Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Known for its giant old-growth redwood trees and diverse wildlife, Henry Cowell Redwoods Park offers a peaceful retreat away from the bustle of city life.
  • Santa Cruz Mountains Art Centre: Get a glimpse of the local art scene at the Santa Cruz Mountains Art Centre, which features workshops, classes, and exhibitions by local artists.
  • Bigfoot Discovery Museum: The Bigfoot Discovery Museum tells the story of Bigfoot sightings in Santa Cruz County, and offers visitors an intriguing adventure through the town’s enigmatic history.

Natural Attractions of Felton: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Fall Creek State Park: Located just a few miles from downtown Felton, Fall Creek State Park is a great place to go hiking and mountain biking.
  • Zip Line Forest Adventure: Get an bird’s eye view of Felton’s pristine beauty with the opportunity to go on Zip Line Forest Adventure, taking the beautiful scenery of this charming town to the next level.
  • Mount Hermon Adventures: Offers tons of adventurous outdoor activities that include ropes course, zip-lining, and giant swings.
  • Felton Covered Bridge Park: Located in the historic downtown Felton, this park features picnic tables and benches, making it a great location to spend quality time with your friends and family.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Felton

Felton is undoubtedly one of the best places in California for hiking and biking. The scenic beauty of redwood trees that seems to go forever make the hiking and biking trails of Felton particularly noteworthy. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Felton:

  • Fall Creek Park Loop Trail: A 4.2-mile trail in Fall Creek State Park with moderate hiking difficulty. The route is perfect for families, hikers, and bikers.
  • Henry Cowell State Park: This state park has a few trails with varying lengths and difficulty levels, covering different aspects of redwood ecology.
  • Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge: A popular biking route that takes visitors through the heart of Santa Cruz County covering 89 miles over two days of continuous riding!

Best Things to Do in Felton: Activities and Tours

When it comes to things to do in Felton, you won’t run out of options. Here are some of the best activities and tours in Felton:

  • Roaring Camp Railroads: Take a historic steam train through the scenic beauty of the redwoods trails in Felton.
  • Covered Bridges of Santa Cruz County Bike Tour: Cover miles of stunning bike trails and see one of America’s few remaining covered bridges in Felton while enjoying the scenic view of Santa Cruz coastline
  • Art & Coffee Tour: Discover local art scene of Felton while sipping on a hot cup of coffee.
  • Mystery Spot Tour: The Mystery Spot is a small area in Felton where the laws of physics seem to be defied, making it the perfect spot for optical sensations you’ve never seen before.

Week-Long Itinerary for Felton

With so many exciting things to do and places to visit in Felton, California, we’ve created an itinerary that will help you make the most of your seven days in this charming town.

  • Day 1: Arrive in Felton in the morning, check-in to your accommodation and explore the town’s downtown area.
  • Day 2: Visit the Roaring Camp Railroads and take the historic steam train ride through redwood forests.
  • Day 3: Enjoy a hiking trail at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and relax at Felton Covered Bridge Park.
  • Day 4: Visit the Bigfoot Discovery Museum and get to know more about Santa Cruz County’s enigmatic history.
  • Day 5: Book a zip-lining tour for an awe-inspiring view of Felton’s natural beauty.
  • Day 6: Take a fun-filled Santa Cruz Mountains Art Centre tour and learn more about local art and culture.
  • Day 7: Head to Mount Hermon Adventures for an outdoor adventure before departing the town.

Food and Drink Scene of Felton

Felton takes pride in its food and drink scene, featuring a wide range of restaurants, cafes, wineries, and local breweries. Here are some of the must-try local dishes and beverages in town.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Sourdough Bread Bowl at Moldovan: This Authentic Moldovan Restaurant serves one of the best sourdough bread bowls filled with divine soups.
  • Baking Emporium: Visit this restaurant to indulge in their sumptuous baked goods.
  • Cowboys Corner Cafe: A traditional American diner that serves classic breakfast dishes to start off your morning.

Local Beverages

  • Sante Adairius Rustic Ales: A destination for beer lovers, the Sante Adairius Rustic Ales is perfect for those who love to experience new flavors and refreshing brews.
  • Bargetto Winery: A family-run winery in one of the earliest vineyards of Santa Cruz Mountains.

Where to Stay in Felton: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Felton offers a wide range of accommodations for your stay, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels. Here are some of the best options:

  • Jayes Timberlane Resort: This 50-acre resort offers luxurious vacation homes, lodges, and cabins located in the midst of redwood trees offering scenic views.
  • Cotillion Gardens RV Park: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, then Cotillion Gardens RV Park is a great choice. Located in downtown Felton, this park has RV spaces available for rent.
  • The Inn at Pasatiempo: The Inn at Pasatiempo is a scenic resort located in Santa Cruz Mountains that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and is just a short drive away from Felton.

What to Buy in Felton: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Felton is famous for its local products and souvenirs. Here are some of the unique items to bring home:

  • Local Handmade Crafts: You can shop for a range of handmade crafts of pottery and jewelry made by the local artisans in Felton.
  • Wine & Local Beer: Don’t forget to bring some local wine and beer brands as a souvenir for your loved ones.
  • Redwoods Souvenir T-shirts: Find a variety of clothing’s such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, and jackets made to represent the redwood forests of Felton.

Local Culture and Customs of Felton

Felton is deeply rooted in its culture and traditions, showcasing its unique blend of Californian and American sensibilities. The locals are friendly and hospitable, and tourists are always embraced with open arms.

Best Time to Visit Felton

Felton offers a pleasant climate throughout the year, with mild temperatures and low humidity. The best time to visit Felton is from mid-June to August when the weather is warm and sunny, and perfect for outdoor activities. In winter, the temperature can drop below freezing, and the trails of Henry Cowell State Park or Fall Creek State Park could become inaccessible, so it’s better to plan accordingly.

Do’s and Don’ts of Felton

Here are some important do’s and don’ts to follow during your stay in Felton:

Do:

  • Respect the natural beauty of redwoods by not littering and maintaining cleanliness.
  • Try out the various outdoor activities available in Felton like hiking, biking, and zip-lining.
  • Engage with the locals and learn more about the town’s history.

Don’t:

  • Smoke or litter in public places.
  • Pluck flowers or plants while on a trail or from public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Felton

Felton is generally a safe town, and the crime rate is low. However, it’s always advisable to ensure safety measures like keeping your valuable items in the hotel safe and being aware of your surroundings during your stay.

Health in Felton

Felton has reliable healthcare facilities, including a hospital and clinics, in case of any medical emergency.

Getting to Felton: Transportation Options and Logistics

Felton is easily accessible via various transportation options, including air, bus, train, and car. Here’s what you need to know:

Airports Near Felton

  • The nearest airport to Felton is the Mineta San Jose International Airport, which is 35 miles away.
  • San Francisco International Airport is the closest major airport, located about 68 miles north of Felton.

Bus Stations Near Felton

  • Santa Cruz METRO and Greyhound Lines operate bus services that connect Felton to nearby towns and cities.

Other Options

  • Visitors can take the Caltrain from San Francisco to San Jose and then take a bus from San Jose to Felton.
  • Visitors can also rent a car to reach Felton conveniently.

How to Get Around in Felton

Renting a car is the best way to get around Felton. However, visitors can also use bike rentals or take the bus to get around the town conveniently.

Where to Go Next from Felton: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Felton is located in the heart of Santa Cruz County, which offers various nearby destinations to explore, including:

  • Santa Cruz: A beach town that promises a fun-filled day trip including surfing, swimming, and shopping.
  • Monterey: Known for its gorgeous beaches, world-class aquarium and historic Cannery Row Marketplace.
  • Big Sur: Located about 83.4 miles away from Felton, Big Sur is famous for its stunning coastline, rugged mountain ranges, and awe-inspiring beauty.

Conclusion

Felton may be a small town, but it packs a punch when it comes to offering exciting tourist attractions and outdoor adventures. From hiking in the redwoods to exploring the local food and drink scene, Felton offers an unforgettable experience that will keep you coming back for more. Plan your next trip to Felton, and experience the beauty and charm of this picturesque Californian town.

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