Planning a retreat can feel overwhelming. Finding the right location, coordinating lodging, organizing meals, scheduling activities, and making sure everyone has a meaningful experience can quickly become a lot to manage.
If you’re searching for a Santa Cruz retreat center for your church, youth group, school, nonprofit, or staff team, Redwood Christian Park was designed to make that process easier.
Nestled among the towering redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Redwood Christian Park provides a place where groups can step away from the distractions of everyday life, connect with one another, and focus on what matters most. Whether you are planning a weekend retreat, a weeklong camp, or a midweek staff gathering, our team is here to support your vision and help create an experience your group will remember for years to come.
A Retreat Center in the Heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains
One of the reasons groups return to Redwood Christian Park year after year is our location. Our 400-acre property is surrounded by beautiful redwood forests, offering a peaceful environment that actually encourages great reflection and meaningful connections.
While we are tucked away in the Santa Cruz Mountains, we are still conveniently located for groups traveling throughout California. Churches, schools, and organizations from San Jose, Sacramento, Fresno, and across the Central Valley regularly choose Redwood Christian Park because it’s close enough to be accessible while still feeling like a true getaway.
The moment guests arrive, they experience something different. The pace slows down, conversations get deeper, and time spent together becomes more intentional.
Your Group Leads the Retreat
Many retreat centers provide preplanned schedules and programming. At Redwood Christian Park, we take a different approach.
You know your group best, so you remain in control of the schedule, speakers, worship, activities, and overall flow of your retreat. We call this guest-led programming.
Whether you are planning a youth retreat, leadership retreat, church camp or outdoor education experience or staff retreat, we give you the flexibility to create a retreat that aligns with your goals.
Our team takes care of the logistics so you can focus on the people.
Everything You Need in One Place
When you book your retreat at Redwood Christian Park, you’ll have access to lodging, dining, meeting spaces, and activities all on one campus.
Groups can accommodate up to 315 guests, making RCP one of the few large group retreat venues in California that combines flexibility, affordability, and a beautiful mountain setting.
Your stay includes:
- Comfortable lodging accommodations
- Delicious meals prepared by our on-site kitchen
- Chapel and meeting spaces
- Recreational facilities and activities
- Support from our experienced hospitality team
Instead of coordinating multiple vendors or locations, you’ll find everything your group needs in one place.
Activities That Bring People Together
One of the highlights of any retreat is the opportunity to build relationships outside of formal sessions.
At Redwood Christian Park, groups enjoy a wide variety of activities for all ages and interests.
Challenge yourself on the rock climbing wall. Cool off in the swimming pool. Explore miles of hiking trails through the redwoods. Test your skills at the archery range. Gather friends for volleyball, basketball, soccer, or other group games.
For those seeking a quieter experience, there are plenty of spaces to slow down and reflect. From Cathedral Grove to the Chapel and Gazebo, our contemplative spaces provide space to spend time listening to God’s voice, have quiet conversations with others, or just take a few moments to breathe, reflect, and give thanks.
Whether your group thrives on adventure or values peaceful moments together, there’s something for everyone.
A Retreat Center for Churches, Schools, and Organizations
Every year, a wide variety of groups gather at Redwood Christian Park.
Churches host weekend retreats, leadership gatherings, men’s and women’s retreats, and youth camps. Schools bring students for outdoor education experiences that combine learning and adventure. Nonprofits and organizations gather for team building and strategic planning. Businesses use our campus for staff retreats and offsite meetings that strengthen culture and collaboration.
No matter your purpose, our goal remains the same: to provide a welcoming environment where your group can grow closer together.
More Than a Venue
A retreat is about more than a location. It’s about creating space for transformation.
Some groups come looking for rest. Others come seeking connection, spiritual growth, team unity, or simply a chance to step away from busy schedules. Whatever brings you here, we hope that every guest leaves refreshed, encouraged, and strengthened.
For decades, Redwood Christian Park has been helping groups create meaningful experiences in the Santa Cruz Mountains. We would be honored to help your group do the same.
Start Planning Your Retreat
If you’re looking for a Santa Cruz retreat center that offers beautiful surroundings, flexible scheduling, comfortable accommodations, and a team that genuinely cares about your experience, we’d love to connect with you.
Reach out today to request pricing and learn more about available dates. Together, we’ll create a retreat experience built around your group’s unique goals and needs.