Coastal California: A Weekend of Discovery

Activity highlights

• We’ll be spending two nights at Costanoa, fully immersed in the natural beauty and wildlife that surround the area. Enjoy early-morning tidepooling on Saturday and Sunday mornings, guided by Academy scientists, where we’ll learn about the ecology of tidepools and oceans. You’ll discover how tides work, get tips for finding the tidepool organisms you’re most interested in seeing, and hear about the survival strategies of intertidal inhabitants along our rocky shore.
• Saturday afternoon, Academy scientists will lead a plant walk where we’ll learn about the ecology of coastal dune and scrub plant communities. As part of this walk you’ll have the chance to stroll through these different, but closely connected habitats, and hear about the unique plant species that support much of the biodiversity held within these communities.
• On Saturday night, you’ll enjoy a very special night of learning and dining at Pie Ranch, whose mission is to cultivate a healthy and just food system from seed to table through food education, farmer pathways, and regional partnerships. We’ll take a tour of the ranch, enjoy some locally produced wines, and have a delectable meal prepared by Santa Cruz-based chef Diego Felix of Colectivo Felix that will focus on Latin American culture, the importance of edible biodiversity, and the necessity of small-scale and ecological food producers. We’ll listen to some live music to carry us into the night!
• Sunday morning, those that are feeling up for it will head back out to the tidepools for some more intertidal adventures. After breakfast, it will be time to pack our things and check out, with plenty of time for more coastal exploration on your own as you make your way back home.

Detailed itinerary

Friday 5/19

• After you’ve had a chance to check in for your afternoon arrival, we’ll gather together at Costanoa where you’ll hear more about our weekend plans, learn how to use iNaturalist, a tool to help us record biodiversity observations throughout the weekend, meet your fellow travelers, and enjoy a cocktail/happy hour followed by a delicious dinner complete with locally grown produce, wines, and sustainable seafood of the California coast. We’ll finish off the night with a campfire and s’mores!

Saturday 5/20

• We’ll be waking up early today for our trip to the coastal tidepools near Costanoa, just as the sun is rising! We’ll bring snacks to tide you over until we return to Costanoa for breakfast.
• After tidepooling, you’ll have some free time before lunch. Some activities might include:
  • Explore the area on your own
  • Participate in a plant-pressing activity
  • Review our tidepool observations and chat about invertebrates with Academy scientists Sarah, Rebecca, and Alison
  • Test your trivia skills
  • Take a nap!
• In the afternoon after lunch, we’ll go on a plant walk with our botanists.
• We'll then head off to dinner at Pie Ranch (just a short drive from Costanoa) before heading back to camp for some rest.

Sunday 5/21

• We’ll go on our second early-morning tidepool discovery adventure, followed by breakfast back at Costanoa.
• After we pack up and check out, we encourage you to explore the area on your own:
  • Wine tasting
  • Pigeon Point Lighthouse
  • Swanton Berry Farm
  • Explore the town of Pescadero
  • Tour Harley Farms Goat Dairy
  • See elephant seals at Año Nuevo
  • Shop and catch some live music at the San Gregorio General Store