Top Aptos Venues

• Spaces for 79-500 Guests
• 3 Outdoor Spaces
• 3 Parks
• 3 Ranches

Roaring Camp Railroads is a historic narrow-gauge railroad and event destination nestled among ancient coastal redwoods in Felton, California, in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The 1880s-themed property transports guests back in time through a covered bridge gateway into a working heritage site where steam locomotives dating to 1890 still carry passengers over trestles and through towering groves to the summit of Bear Mountain. The grounds accommodate groups from 25 to 2,500 guests across indoor and outdoor spaces. Bret Harte Hall, a 6,120-square-foot 1880s-style structure with a 32-foot ceiling, raised theatrical stage, and on-site prep kitchen, serves corporate events, receptions, reunions, concerts, and trade shows. Reserved forested picnic areas along Deer Creek seat groups ranging from 79 to 250 guests, each with BBQ pits shaded by redwoods and oaks. Weddings, birthday parties, alumni gatherings, and corporate team-building events can all incorporate heritage train excursions, Chuckwagon BBQ catering, and activities including gold panning and candlemaking — giving every gathering a setting and experience that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

• Spaces for 150-200 Guests
• 3 Outdoor Spaces
• 1 Historic Space
• 3 Total Spaces

Fern River Resort is a third-generation, family-owned property nestled in the redwood forest of the Santa Cruz Mountains in Felton, California. Originally established as Griffin's Resort in 1929, the 5.25-acre grounds sit along Highway 9 near Gold Gulch Creek and have been stewarded by the Martin family since 1971, with an on-site redwood mill supplying materials for decks, gazebos, and furnishings throughout. The resort offers four distinct outdoor ceremony and reception areas — including the Redwood Gazebo Meadow, Arbor Garden, River Overlook Area, and Cocktail Lawn — accommodating ceremonies of up to 200 guests and receptions of up to 150 guests. For groups seeking exclusive use of the full property, all 15 cabins across 62 guest beds are available for a full three-night buyout. Across all events, the site rental includes ceremony and reception seating, dining tables, LED uplighting, café lighting, a professional sound system, access to a private river beach, and a campfire ring. The resort sits directly across from Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, offering guests direct access to hiking trails through old-growth forest.

• Spaces for 100-200 Guests
• 1 Outdoor
• 1 Vineyard
• 1 space at this venue

Redwood Retreat at Fernwood Cellars is a historic estate winery nestled in a canyon at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains, located at the end of Redwood Retreat Road in Gilroy, California. Established in 1863 with six generations of family stewardship, the property encompasses towering ancient redwoods and 100% estate-grown vineyards farmed using sustainable practices. The venue accommodates private events of up to 100 guests across its grounds, offering ceremonies among the redwoods and reception space that draws on the estate's natural and historic character. A historic tasting room serves as a getting-ready suite for weddings, and the estate provides indoor/outdoor flexibility suited to year-round gatherings. Weddings, corporate retreats, family reunions, and private celebrations are all hosted here. Every private event includes full estate access, a personal event coordinator, a customized wine selection, setup and breakdown time, and ample on-site parking.

• Spaces for 50-120 Guests
• 1 Outdoor
• 1 Historic Space
• 2 Total Spaces

Quail Hollow Ranch County Park is a 300-acre historic horse ranch and nature preserve nestled deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains near Felton, California. Acquired by Santa Cruz County in 1986, the property traces its roots to 1866 and was once owned by the Lane family — publishers of Sunset Magazine — who developed it as a working ranch from 1937 through 1991. That history is woven into the ranch house's architecture and decor, giving every event a sense of place that purpose-built venues rarely offer. Two distinct settings accommodate different group sizes and seasons. The historic ranch house and its rambling oak-shaded porch host indoor gatherings of up to 50 guests year-round, while the spacious lawn — framed by an apple orchard, a pond edged with red willows, and forested mountain ridgelines — accommodates up to 120 guests for outdoor celebrations from April through October. Rentals include 100 white stacking chairs, 15 rectangular banquet tables, 10 picnic tables, and reserved parking for 50 vehicles. Quail Hollow Ranch is available for weddings, receptions, and private celebrations. Catering is bring-your-own, and beer, wine, and champagne service is permitted with an alcohol permit.

• Spaces for 200 Guests

Nestldown is a story in and of itself, and the ideal spot to begin your own. Nestldown, a small retreat in the Redwoods, rests on acres of beautifully maintained property. Nestldown, located just outside of Silicon Valley, hosts events that are guaranteed to be remembered by all. At Nestldown, you can turn your California party into an unforgettable experience with ponds, waterfalls, and lush gardens. This is the spot to throw your next event because of its rustic elegance, vivid garden backdrop, and isolated ambiance. Just admit it: you're anxious to visit Nestldown and see it for yourself. At your next special event celebration, start your fairytale here among the trees with everyone you care about. There's nothing quite like it. The Nestldown family has expanded over the years to include not just ourselves and our children, but also our workers and visitors. We draw inspiration from all of our "family" members, and we are grateful to see individuals come to celebrate their special occasions here again and again. Thank you for your years of support and for sharing your enthusiasm for this precious site with us.

• Spaces for 100-150 Guests

Whiskey Hill Farms and Science Center: In a Serene Country Environment, securely secluded on a hill that overlooks beautiful blends of Redwood Groves, Pines and the Greenery of the surrounding farms. Only 10 minutes away from the sandy dunes upon the beaches of Monterey Bay — where dolphins are riding waves, sea otters are cracking shells on their bellies, and waterspouts from whales are observed. We have multiple venue spaces for rent for your next event as well as rooms for rent in our Farmhouse for overnight stays. We also have a pool and hot tub and bbq area that is available to rent for an extra fee(under renovation, available end of June 2024).

• Spaces for 250 Guests

• Spaces for 300 Guests

Flora Vista Events is a boutique outdoor event venue situated near the floral fields and beaches of La Selva Beach, California. The family-owned and operated property sits just off Highway One, within blocks of Manresa Beach, and offers sweeping views of rolling hills, strawberry fields, and seasonal flowers in bloom. The grounds accommodate gatherings from 75 to 300 guests, making the venue well-suited for weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, elopements, engagement parties, anniversary celebrations, milestone birthdays, and corporate retreats. The property also includes a historic White House — a 3,800-square-foot residence with six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, fireplaces, and a commercial kitchen — available for wedding weekend buyouts and overnight retreats. Two clay tennis courts round out the on-site amenities. Flora Vista Events brings over 26 combined years of wedding and event experience to every booking, offering both all-inclusive packages with an in-house caterer and a DIY site-fee option for couples and clients who prefer to bring their own licensed vendors.