Book Your Group Tour
We can host your school, church, YMCA or youth group event. To ensure that your whole group is able to get on the same tour we suggest purchasing your tickets ahead of time.
To purchase advanced tickets please call (831) 423-8897 and let us know when you would like to visit.
Effective 10/24/2017: The Mystery Spot no longer offers refunds for “no shows” or late groups.
There is a 24 hour cancellation policy for ALL group reservations. No exceptions will be made.
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Is your school looking for an experience your K-12 students will not soon forget? Bring them to the Mystery Spot! The Mystery Spot offers school field trip programs with a wide variety of activities and amenities.
Students learn about the native and natural habit of the Santa Cruz Redwood forest by hiking our nature trail and experience the gravitational phenomenon of the Mystery Spot by taking our 45 minute guided tour.
Our school field trip tour times are flexible and can start before or after our standard hours of operation in order to meet your needs.
Special School Group Discount
Starting September 6th 2022 and running through May 1st 2023 school field trip groups of 15 or more that visit the Mystery Spot Monday through Friday may be eligible to enjoy a discounted tour admission rate of $9 per student and two free chaperones per 20 students. We are happy to host your school group anytime outside of these dates for the standard ticket fare.
* The following dates are excluded from the discount offer and subject to the standard ticket fare; 2022: Oct 10, Nov 24 through Nov 26. Dec 19 through Dec 31 2022: Jan 1 through Jan 9, Mar 20 through Apr 16 2023. Tours outside of normal business hours may be subject to an additional fee. School group discounts are only valid Monday through Friday. Tours outside of normal business hours may be subject to an additional fee. School group discounts are only valid Monday through Friday.
Amenities include:
- Bus & van parking
- “Private, school group only” guided tours of the Mystery Spot
- Additional nature trail through the Redwoods
- Cold drinks and snack bar onsite
- Onsite bathrooms, picnic area with tables and benches
We are now booking for the 2022-2023 school year! Please call us at (831) 423-8897 to book your school field trip now. We gladly accept purchase orders as well!
If you're waiting for your tour to start, or have just finished your tour but can't get enough of the beautiful Redwoods, we have a beautiful hiking trail. This 30 minute trail will bring you on a short journey through our native Californian plant and animal life. Experience our picture platform and discover new information by following our yellow environment signs. This trail is open year round and leashed pets are welcome to join!
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Here is a list of our guest's most frequently asked questions. Don't see your question addressed here? Please contact us for assistance.
Tour Notices
** If your situation applies to one or more of our Tour Notices please email us before you arrive at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will do everything we can to make your visit more comfortable. **
1. Portions of The Mystery Spot tour are on a 55 degree slope and thus can be difficult for people with limited physical abilities to negotiate.
2.The Mystery Spot Cabin, a central part of the tour, has stairs and uneven surfaces that make it difficult for persons with limited physical abilities or service animals to negotiate.
3. If you have limited physical abilities or a service animal and were not able to enjoy the tour please ask for a full refund by completing our refund request form.
How long is the Mystery Spot tour?
Our fully guided tours are approximately 45 minutes long.
What about large vehicles?
All large vehicles, such as RV's and campers, are permitted but we do ask that you call ahead of time to let us know when you will arrive. This is to ensure we can find you parking and make your Mystery Spot visit a pleasant one! Two piece vehicles are also permitted. All large vehicles must park in the lower dirt parking lot as our upper paved lot is very small and turning around can be difficult. Please call (831) 423-8897 for more information.
Rideshare Information
If you have taken a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft to the Mystery Spot and need to call for a return car, please speak with an employee in the gift store, and they will assist you.
What else is there to do at the Mystery Spot?
If you're waiting for your tour to start, or have just finished your tour but can't get enough of the beautiful Redwoods, we have a beautiful hiking trail. It is a small trail that climbs up a hill in front of the Mystery Spot. At the top you find yourself in front of a wonderful view through the Eucalyptus trees. It takes about 15 minutes and is a very nice hike.
Can the Mystery Spot be rented out?
Our beautiful garden area is first come first serve. If you are interested in renting out other parts of The Mystery Spot, please call (831) 423-8897 for more information.
Why do I want to buy a ticket online?
The Mystery Spot frequently sells out its tours, and in order to guarantee that you will be able to go on a tour at a time you desire it is recommended that you purchase advance tickets.
Which credit cards do you accept for advance ticket sales?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover Card.
If I buy tickets online can I get a refund?
Yes, you may. To get a refund please scroll to the bottom of the page and fill out a refund request. For more asisstance please call us at (831) 423-8897.
What happens if I miss my tour?
If you cannot make your scheduled reservation time please call us at (831) 423-8897 to change your reservation. If you miss your tour and do not change your reservation it is possible that the next tour will already be sold out, especially on busy days. It is to your benefit to show up for your tour time or call in ahead of time and change your reservation.
What does it cost to buy tickets online? Are there any extra fees?
Advance tickets, online or over the phone, are $10.00 a person. There are no extra ticket fees.
Can I give my ticket to another person?
How many tickets can I buy?
The most tickets you can buy for a tour is 25 depending on the number of spaces available. You may purchase tickets for more than one tour.
Who do I contact for customer service?
You can contact us via e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via telephone (831) 423-8897.
What do I do when I get to the Mystery Spot if I have advance tickets?
Go to the window on the right hand side of the ticket shack marked "Internet Reservations". There you will tell the ticket seller; what time you purchased your tickets for, how many people it was for, and your last name. Then you will pay the $5.00 parking fee and the ticket seller will issue you your ticket.
Can I bring a Selfie Stick for photos?
You are welcome to use a Selfie Stick while in the Mystery Spot's parking lot. However, due to space limitations we do not allow selfie sticks in our front gates.
Are alcoholic beverages allowed at the Mystery Spot?
No, alcoholic beverages of any kind are not allowed on Mystery Spot property.
Can I bring my lunch to the Mystery Spot?
Yes, the Mystery Spot has benches and tables in our courtyard where you can sit down to eat.
Are the tours guided, or can I take the tour on my own?
All tours are guided; visitors must be accompanied by a Mystery Spot tour guide to see the Mystery Spot.
If I order tickets will the information that I provide be sold or distributed?
When purchasing tickets to the Mystery Spot online you may be asked to provide personal information such as our name, telephone number, mailing address, zip code and e-mail address that we use to process your order. The Mystery Spot respects your right to privacy and as such, any information that you provide to us for the purpose of ordering tickets will not be distributed to any third party for any purpose other than processing your order. Read our full privacy policy here.
If I order tickets is my credit card number secure?
Yes, the Mystery Spot ordering process uses the latest security technology to make sure that your personal information stays safe.
Is food available at the Mystery Spot?
The Mystery Spot gift store sells snacks, sodas, coffee and tea. On weekends and holidays the Mystery Spot Canteen is open. Their menu includes hot dogs, nachos and ice cream as well as vegetarian selections.
Are discounts offered for youth group reservations?
The Mystery Spot may offer discounted rates to some groups/organizations during weekdays, and only if you book at least one entire tour. Please fill out the field trip inquiry form, and someone from the office will contact you directly!
What time should I arrive if I have advance tickets or a reservation?
You should plan on arriving 30 minutes early.
What do I do if I am late?
If you are going to be late please call our ticket booth at your earliest opportunity (831) 423-8897, to let us know so that we can change your reservation time. If you cannot call in advance and you arrive after your scheduled tour time we will do our best to accommodate you based on availability of tour times.
Are family pets allowed at the Mystery Spot?
Unfortunately, we do not allow family pets inside the Mystery Spot gates. But we do allow family pets on our hiking trail and parking lot area.
Are service animals allowed at the Mystery Spot?
Yes, all service animals are allowed at the Mystery Spot.
Jump Bikes
The Mystery Spot is outside the Jump Bike service zone. If you lock your Jump Bike at the Mystery Spot, you will not be able to unlock your bike because there is no WIFI at the Mystery Spot. There will be a $25.00 out of zone fee once you lock your bike at the Mystery Spot.
If you decide to Jump bike to the Mystery Spot do not lock your bike, please ask an employee where you can store your bike during your tour. That way, you can avoid the out of zone fee. The meter on your bike will continue to run. But, you save your self a $25.00 dollar out of the zone fee per bike.
