The Venue's Majestic Spaces:
Cocoanut Grove boasts several standout spaces that cater to different event needs:
The Grand Ballroom:
With its spacious interiors, this ballroom can accommodate up to 950 guests, making it perfect for large gatherings such as balls, galas, and large corporate events.
The Sun Room:
Known for its retractable glass ceiling, the Sun Room offers an indoor space filled with natural light and stunning views, ideal for daytime events and meetings.
The Bay View Room:
As its name suggests, this room offers expansive views of the bay, creating a serene setting for meetings and small gatherings.
A Rich Tapestry of History:
Cocoanut Grove is not only a venue; it's a piece of California's history. Designed by the acclaimed architect William H. Weeks, its construction was a feat achieved by 500 local laborers in just seven months, overcoming material shortages due to the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Since its grand opening in 1907, attended by over 1,200 guests and lauded by President Theodore Roosevelt, the venue has been a pivotal site for significant events:
Miss California Pageants:
Starting in 1924, it hosted the glamorous Miss California pageants, contributing to the state's cultural heritage.
Big Band Era Concerts:
Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, the ballroom was a hotspot for the era's biggest names in music, from Benny Goodman to Tommy Dorsey.
Modern-Day Concerts and Events:
From Nat "King" Cole to Sonny and Cher, Cocoanut Grove continued to be a cultural hub into the 1960s and beyond.
Photo: Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 8, 2013 - HMBD.org
1. The Cocoanut Grove Marker
Photo captions: 1946 – Buddy King Orchestra (bottom, left); 1937 – Paul Whiteman (center); The Sun Room, a 6,000-square-foot event room with a retractable glass ceiling was added in 1981 (bottom, right).
Cocoanut Grove is a portal to the past and a beacon for the future of events. With its breathtaking ocean views, historic charm, and modern amenities, it stands as a testament to California’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. Whether you’re looking to host a corporate function, a festive celebration, or an intimate gathering, Cocoanut Grove provides an unforgettable setting tailored to your needs. Looking for other Santa Cruz venue options? Check out the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium and 1440 in Scotts Valley.
Our Services
- CA complaint payroll services for live events
- AV techs and riggers for events
- Stagehand brokering
- Audio Video, Tech and Setup for live and hybrid events
- Staff, AV and pro support for concerts and festivals
- Lighting, audio and power distribution for events and films
Request a Quote
Ready to start planning your event? Great! You have two options to get started: click the link below to request a quote or give us a call directly. We're excited to help bring your event to life. Request a quote HERE.
