Located along the San Lorenzo River in the redwood-covered Santa Cruz Mountains, Ben Lomond is a town where visitors and locals alike find inspiration and relaxation. The town’s art center brings art into the community with its wealth of daily and annual events, its youth and adult classes, and art exhibitions. With or without artistic ability, visitors will all enjoy what the center has to offer. For decades, Ben Lomond has also attracted those looking for spiritual fulfillment. Within its redwood groves, visitors have participated in retreats, seminars, and conferences dealing with personal inner struggles, conflicts with others, religious wonderings, and ways to promote peace. Though mostly nondenominational, the Quaker Center also offers teachings and meetings that are Quaker-specific in addition to hosting groups of all belief systems. The parks in Ben Lomond also cater to nature enthusiasts interested in spending a day picnicking, hiking, or playing sports. Skateboarders of all ages and abilities will love the adrenaline rush offered by the Jim Keeffe Skate Park’s state-of-the-art facilities.
Things to do & Activities
Ben Lomond is the perfect place for discovering peace and relaxation amongst the redwoods. Visitors come here to fulfill their artistic, spiritual, and outdoor needs. The town’s Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center brings art into the community through regular exhibitions, classes, and cultural activities. Whether visiting Ben Lomond for a day or a week, there are adult and youth drop-in classes and workshop series catering to both beginner and expert artists. Or for those art lovers who are not necessarily artists themselves, the art center always has a variety of pieces on display for sale and enjoyment.
Ben Lomond’s awe-inspiring redwood forests not only bring artistic inspiration to its residents and visitors, but they also bring spiritual peace for many as well. The Sequoia Retreat Center has been a gathering place for those seeking peace for over 80 years. It has evolved from a nondenominational religious space to a center for conflict mediation and peace promotion to a gathering place for retreats, meetings and weddings of all kinds. The Quaker Center in Ben Lomond is also a retreat and conference center that opens its doors to all types of events and organizations, as well as those specific to the Quaker way of life. Ben Lomond’s Highlands County Park and Ben Lomond Park are both places where the entire family can enjoy beautiful natural settings, sports facilities, and picnics. The state-of-the-art Jim Keeffe Skate Park at Highlands County Park draws skateboarders of all ages and abilities for miles around.
Ben Lomond Park
There’s plenty to do in this 43-acre park: the athletically inclined may opt for a round of tennis or volleyball, children can take advantage of the playground or skate park, and anglers with a license can fish in the San Lorenzo River. There’s also a lovely house here, perfect for holding small-to-medium events.
Jim Keeffe Skate Park at Highlands County Park
Jim Keeffe Skate Park is a 26-acre park, complete with playing field, group picnic areas, play area, tennis court, and a beautiful house. The house features hardwood floors, picture windows, a large kitchen and a private lawn. The house will accommodate groups of up to 200 for weddings, private parties, or meetings. This is one of Santa Cruz County’s most popular wedding facilities.
Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
The Santa Cruz Mountains Arts Center supports and encourages the arts through education, exhibition, and cultural activities, reflecting the unique and diverse environment of the mountain communities. In 1987 the Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center started as a committee of the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County. In November of 1997, the organization became its own non-profit 501 (C) (3) corporation registered with Federal and State governments.
Highlands County Park
This is a 26-acre park, complete with playing field, group picnic areas, play area, tennis court, and a beautiful house. The house features hardwood floors, picture windows, a large kitchen and a private lawn. The house will accommodate groups of up to 200 for weddings, private parties, or meetings. This is one of Santa Cruz County’s most popular wedding facilities.
Annual Events in Ben Lomond
Every year, Ben Lomond’s Mountain Art Center hosts a series of shows and celebrations in the name of art. The annual Ceram-A-Rama held for three days in September celebrated its 10th year in 2011. Activities include a BBQ Potluck and claymation movie, workshops, contests, and demos. The annual Open House & Holiday Sale every November is the perfect place to find handmade holiday gifts for the entire family. The Tyrolean Inn brings a little bit of Germany to Ben Lomond during its annual Oktoberfest and Maifest – both of which provide fun and games for adults and children, as well as live music.
Restaurants In Ben Lomond
Tyrolean Inn Restaurant
Visit the Tyrolean Inn Restaurant for authentic Bavarian and German cuisine, as well as a wide variety of German beers and fine wines. Our quaint chalet is surrounded by beautiful redwoods and filled with Bavarian folk music, a warm fire, and friendly service. We are open Tuesday – Thursday 5 – 9, Friday and Saturday 4-10, and Sunday lunch is served noon – 4 pm, followed by dinner until 9. Reservations appreciated, call 831-336-5188 Beer Garden open during dining hours.