When asking yourself about something to do near me in Santa Cruz with a group of friends or family, consider
The Grove: Santa Cruz Event Center
Why The Grove: Santa Cruz Event Center is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Located adjacent to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, The Grove: Santa Cruz Event Center is the Bay Area’s largest oceanview event venue, making it an excellent destination for meeting friends, family, and colleagues. This historic venue, originally established in 1907 and formerly known as the Cocoanut Grove, offers a unique blend of classic charm and modern amenities. Its spacious 20,000-square-foot ballroom, glass-covered Sun Room, and panoramic Bay View Room provide versatile settings for any occasion, from large celebrations to intimate gatherings. Guests enjoy stunning ocean views that create an inviting and memorable atmosphere, perfect for both day and evening events.
The Grove serves as a prime location for corporate events, private parties, weddings, and community gatherings, with accommodations for groups ranging from 25 to 950 people. The venue provides full on-site catering, advanced audio/visual equipment, and high-speed wireless internet, all supported by professional event planning staff dedicated to delivering seamless experiences. Highlights include opportunities for team-building events and unique amusements, such as ride rentals and arcade access, adding a fun, playful element to events. Its historical significance as a State Historic Landmark since 1989 adds to its appeal, with a storied past that hosted famous big band and 60s musicians. These elements combine to make The Grove a standout choice for friends looking for a vibrant, scenic, and comfortable place to connect and celebrate.
Here's what people think of The Grove: Santa Cruz Event Center
As of recent, The Grove: Santa Cruz Event Center holds a 4.4-star rating based on 164 reviews.
Reviews of The Grove: Santa Cruz Event Center generally praise its stunning ocean views, spacious and versatile event spaces, and professional service. Many users highlight the breathtaking scenery visible from the ballroom and Bay View Room, which enhances the ambiance for weddings, corporate functions, and social gatherings. Positive feedback often mentions the helpfulness and responsiveness of the event planning staff, the quality of on-site catering, and the venue's historic charm that blends seamlessly with modern conveniences. The availability of ample parking and flexible event packages also receive strong commendations.
On the other hand, some negative reviews focus on occasional concerns such as spotty coordination during large events, limited accessibility in certain parts of the venue, and some guests feeling the rebranding from the historic Cocoanut Grove to The Grove has diminished a bit of the nostalgic atmosphere. A few critics also noted that pricing can be on the higher side compared to other local venues, and that the change in identity led to mixed reactions among longtime patrons.
Overall, the majority of reviews reflect a positive consensus that The Grove provides a unique and memorable venue for a wide range of events, with beautiful views and capable staff making it a great place to meet up with friends and celebrate important moments. While some lament the shift away from the classic Cocoanut Grove name, this transition is understood as a move to adapt to modern event needs, preserving the venue’s legacy while expanding its functionality.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Cathy Chavez-Miller
Fabulous setting to enjoy the music of Freddie Mercury and Queen! The Santa Cruz Coconut Grove was perfect. The musicians were incredible 💙
Barbara J Sears
Candlelight made the ambiance in the room warm and relaxing. The music was played exceptionally well. The only downside is that the audience wasn’t respectful of other people’s desire to listen without hearing them whispering. I’m going back to hear the rest of the series playing at the Cocoanut Grove in Santa Cruz. Great venue!
Sriram Sundararajan
Amazing venue to host your events. I have been here multiple times and been impressed by the beauty that this venue offers. The views of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and the Pacific Ocean are a sight to behold
Nolan
The new sign just sucked all the soul out of what used to be a historic venue. I think this was a huge mistake and will backfire just like the Dream Inn rebrand did. Consider bringing back the old sign that the community loves!
jlt_productions
Last time was here was my Watsonville High School graduation in 1997. Still iconic and beautiful venue as ever before. Here for friends Christmas party 🥳 🎉
How to reach The Grove: Santa Cruz Event Center
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Why rally at The Grove: Santa Cruz Event Center with your friends?
The Grove offers an exceptional setting for gathering friends and family, combining historic charm, stunning ocean views, and a vast flexible event space all in one location. Located right next to the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the venue immerses you and your group in the vibrant, relaxed atmosphere of coastal California while providing world-class amenities and professional event support. Whether you seek a lively party, a cozy family reunion, or a memorable celebration with friends, The Grove caters to groups as intimate as 25 and as grand as 950 guests, ensuring plenty of room for everyone to mingle, dance, and relax. Its historic pedigree — dating back to 1907 and a designated State Historic Landmark — infuses the space with character unmatched by many other venues. Imagine toasting with your closest people while gazing out over the sweeping views of Monterey Bay or dancing on a custom wooden floor beneath elegant lighting. This combination of location, history, space, and service makes The Grove a top choice for any group meetup looking to create lasting memories in a unique seaside environment.
What activities can you do with a group at The Grove: Santa Cruz Event Center?
The Grove’s expansive 20,000-square-foot facility is designed to accommodate a variety of group activities that make it an ideal spot for meetups with friends or family. Depending on your event’s mood and size, you can choose from several distinct rooms each offering different experiences. The grand Ballroom offers a large flexible space with a stage perfect for live music, speeches, or entertainment, and it features a wooden dance floor with custom lighting and a disco ball to keep your guests moving. For those who want to relax and socialize, the Bay View Room provides panoramic 160-degree ocean views with a famous wrap-around bar and a lounge area for sipping signature cocktails or catching up with friends. If your group seeks something more sun-soaked and light-filled, the Sun Room with glass-covered ceilings offers an airy and bright ambiance ideal for ceremonies, brunches, or casual social gatherings. Beyond indoor spaces, The Grove can also supplement your event with fun ride rentals and arcade access from the adjoining Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to add playful entertainment and group bonding opportunities. From formal dinners to casual cocktail hours and dance parties to casual get-togethers, The Grove’s versatile spaces and oceanfront setting ensure your group activities can match any vibe you desire.
Why is The Grove the perfect place for a group meetup?
Several factors distinguish The Grove as the perfect venue to host a group event. First, its flexibility in hosting small intimate groups or large-scale events means you can tailor your meetup precisely, whether it’s a family reunion, birthday party, corporate outing, or social club gathering. The variety of unique spaces—from the historic, elegant Ballroom to the modern scenic Bay View Room and the bright, inviting Sun Room—allow your group to find exactly the right atmosphere. Its location adjacent to the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers guests additional entertainment, dining options, and the quintessential coastal vibe, making the event more than just a gathering—it becomes a complete experience. On-site full catering services and professional event planners take the stress out of organizing, allowing your group to focus on enjoying the moment rather than logistics. Moreover, with high-speed wireless internet, audio/visual equipment, and ADA accessibility, the center accommodates all your technical and accessibility needs, ensuring everyone in your group can participate fully. The Grove’s rich history dating back over a century adds an element of timelessness, making your meetup feel part of a living tradition.
What amenities and services enhance group meetups at The Grove?
The Grove provides a comprehensive suite of amenities that enhance any group event. This includes full on-site catering that can be customized to your group’s taste and dietary preferences, ensuring everyone enjoys delicious, professionally prepared food without the hassle of arranging outside vendors. The venue also offers full bar and lounge services with bartenders ready to craft your favorite beverages, adding to the festive atmosphere. Event technology is top-notch, with audio/visual equipment including ceiling-mounted projectors, custom stage lighting, and a wall-hung screen allowing multimedia presentations, slideshows, or video entertainment which is perfect for announcements, speeches, or simply sharing memories. The wireless internet connectivity ensures your guests stay connected if needed. Accessibility is considered with ADA-compliant facilities, making the space welcoming to all members of your group regardless of mobility. Additionally, the professional event planning staff work closely with you from initial consultation through event day, handling setup, timelines, and coordination so you can relax knowing every detail is managed.
What makes the location of The Grove a standout for hosting events?
Situated right by the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, The Grove’s location offers more than just convenience—it provides an iconic, oceanside backdrop unmatched by many other venues in the Bay Area. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of Monterey Bay from several key rooms, creating a stunning atmosphere especially during sunset hours. Being adjacent to the Boardwalk means your group has exclusive access to one of California’s most beloved amusement parks, adding a layer of fun and nostalgia. After your event, attendees can easily explore rides, games, and beaches, making the venue not just a place for gathering but a destination for a full day or weekend experience. The proximity to the ocean also allows outdoor spaces like the Aloha Deck to offer breezy dining or mingling options with the gentle sound of waves nearby. The central Santa Cruz location is accessible for local and regional guests, and free validated parking adds convenience. This unique blending of seaside scenery, historic ambiance, and boardwalk vibrancy creates an unforgettable environment for socializing and celebrating.
How has the history of The Grove enriched its appeal as an event center?
The Grove’s heritage as a venue dates back to 1907 and it was declared a State Historic Landmark in 1989, which imbues the space with a unique character that modern venues lack. This historic legacy includes hosting prestigious events such as the Miss California pageants and performances by famous musicians from the Big Band era and the 1960s, including acts like Sonny and Cher. The venue’s architecture and interior design reflect this rich past, with original wooden floors, classic lighting fixtures, and period details preserved and restored to maintain its elegance. This sense of history gives guests the feeling that they are part of something larger — a continuation of a century-long tradition of celebration. For groups, this historic ambiance adds a special dimension to their meetups, making each event not just a gathering but a memorable occasion surrounded by a story that spans generations. The Grove is more than just a location; it’s a landmark that connects the past to the present while providing a spectacular setting for future memories.
In sum, The Grove: Santa Cruz Event Center offers everything a group could want in a meetup location — extensive and flexible spaces, breathtaking ocean views, a rich historic atmosphere, top-tier amenities, and a vibrant location next to a famous amusement park. Whether gathering for a formal occasion or a casual celebration, your event here will be marked by beautiful surroundings, exceptional service, and a uniquely memorable experience that brings friends and family closer together.