Stories and guides
Around Town
Local guides, history, and practical notes about living in and visiting Boulder Creek.
What Twenty Years of Rain Looks Like in the San Lorenzo Valley
Ben Lomond gauge records since 1937: the valley's driest and wettest years, what a typical winter really brings, and why rainfall averages mislead here.
The Boulder Creek Branch Library on West Park Avenue
The Boulder Creek branch of Santa Cruz Public Libraries at 13390 West Park Avenue: hours, storytimes, the seed library, printing, and programs for kids and adults.
Taqueria Los Gallos: The Sit-Down Taqueria on Central Avenue
Taqueria Los Gallos is the sit-down taqueria at 13070 Central Avenue in downtown Boulder Creek, open daily from 8:30 a.m. The menu, hours, and how ordering works.
The Sawmill Restaurant & Alehouse: Boulder Creek's Yard Under the Redwoods
The Sawmill Restaurant & Alehouse sits at 15520 Highway 9 north of downtown Boulder Creek, with American fare, craft beer, a big outdoor area, and a music stage.
KBCZ 89.3 FM: The Radio Station in Downtown Boulder Creek
KBCZ 89.3 FM is Boulder Creek's community radio station, broadcasting from downtown with local shows, emergency information, and volunteer DJs. How to listen, stream, and get involved.
Miller Property County Park: Boulder Creek's Newest Place to Hike
Miller Property County Park opened in 2025 three miles north of Boulder Creek: 410 acres on Kings Creek with nature trails and a bigger network coming.
Hiking in and Around Boulder Creek: Where the Trails Are
Where to hike from Boulder Creek: Big Basin, Castle Rock, Henry Cowell, Fall Creek, Loch Lomond, and the new Miller property, with fees and access notes.
Tae's Edo Sushi Bar: The Sushi Restaurant in Boulder Creek
Tae's Edo Sushi Bar at 13271 Highway 9 is the sushi restaurant in Boulder Creek. Dinner Tuesday through Sunday, with a Friday and Saturday lunch window.
Boulder Creek's Year: The Big Annual Events
The parade, the pancake breakfast, the harvest festival, the tree lighting. Boulder Creek's big annual events month by month, with links to the details.
Herrick Games and Hobbies: The Painting Masterclasses on Pine Street
Herrick Games and Hobbies at 13111 Pine Street, Boulder Creek: Warhammer and Games Workshop range, hobby supplies, painting masterclasses, and the Adopt-a-Gamer program.
Pet Boarding and Sitting Near Boulder Creek: Where the Dog Stays
Where Boulder Creek pets stay when you travel: boarding at both valley vets, a licensed local sitter, and a 24-hour staffed kennel in Santa Cruz.
After-School Care in Boulder Creek: Covering the Edges of the School Day
Before- and after-school care at Boulder Creek Elementary, the rec district's walk-down enrichment classes, free library programs, and summer coverage.
River Dogs of Boulder Creek: The Hot Dog Stand Behind Joe's Bar
River Dogs of Boulder Creek is an outdoor hot dog stand at 123 Forest Street, behind Joe's Bar. Chicago dogs, veggie dogs, a fire pit, and a small stage.
Springygirl: The Secondhand Boutique on Central Avenue
Springygirl is the secondhand boutique on Central Avenue in downtown Boulder Creek, curating used and vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories.
Preschools in and Around Boulder Creek
Every preschool option in and near Boulder Creek: the town's licensed preschool, play-based home programs, state preschool in Ben Lomond, and rec programs.
Infant Care in and Around Boulder Creek: Who Takes Babies
Infant and toddler care in Boulder Creek: the town's licensed infant center, a longtime home daycare, nearby Ben Lomond options, and how to get on lists.
Bella's Cafe: Boulder Creek's Sit-Down Breakfast
Bella's Cafe at 13132 Central Avenue is the sit-down breakfast and lunch diner in downtown Boulder Creek. It keeps no website, so call 831-217-5070.
Childcare in Boulder Creek: Start Here
Start here for childcare in Boulder Creek: infant care, preschools, and after-school options, matched to your child's age, with the local guides for each.
Boulder Creek Veterinary Clinic: Forty Years of Caring for the Town's Animals
Boulder Creek Veterinary Clinic at 12870 Highway 9 handles exams, dental work, surgery, and urgent care for dogs, cats, and exotics. Hours and how to book.
Elevated Wellness Massage: Therapeutic Bodywork on Forest Street
Elevated Wellness Massage at 127 Forest Street, Boulder Creek. Swedish, deep tissue, cranial-sacral, and polarity work with Sylvia Lynn. Sessions from $60. Book online.