Senior Programs
Contribute to the vibrancy of the Downtown Senior Center.
Our Mission
The Downtown Senior Center aims to keep seniors active, engaged and connected with the community through recreation, education, and technology.
Our Activities and Services
The Downtown Senior Center offers a variety of classes, trips, and services for seniors ages 55 and up, as well as older adult classes for ages 45 and up. We offer both exercise and creative recreational courses to keep the mind and body active. We also offer day trips to museums, live shows, national parks, and cultural locations at special discounted prices. In addition, we occasionally host some special senior services that range from tax assistance to medical screenings. Our Downtown Senior Center also contains the Senior Computer Center, which offers a great diversity of computer classes, special interest groups, and volunteer help days to teach seniors the skills they need to stay current with today's technology.
The Downtown Senior Center is located at the London Nelson Community Center, a multi-generational and multi-use facility.
Age Well Santa Cruz County
The City of Santa Cruz is partnering with Santa Cruz County's Human Services Department, local cities and Seniors Council to develop a Master Plan for Aging, a 10-year blueprint for implementing strategies and partnerships that promote healthy aging for all. This regional effort is called Age Well Santa Cruz County.
Age Well Santa Cruz County wants to ensure people of all ages and abilities in Santa Cruz County are afforded equitable opportunities to thrive as they age, how and where they choose. To learn more about Age Well Santa Cruz County visit: AgeWellSantaCruzCounty.org
The Age Well Santa Cruz County survey is collecting community feedback focused on aging locally. If you are a resident of Santa Cruz County and 40 years or older we encourage you to take the survey now.
Senior Services
Our programs follow local, state and federal COVID-19 guidance. Rules and policies are subject to change based on applicable guidance. Please contact us at 831-420-6180 for the latest adjusted offerings
Transportation
Lift Line has expanded their services to provide door-to-door transportation for seniors attending activities at the Downtown Senior Center in London Nelson Community Center Monday through Saturday. To be eligible, the applicant must be 60 years of age or older and live in Santa Cruz County. After the application is submitted, simply call at least 24 hours in advance to book a ride: 831-688-9663. Apply below:
Meals on Wheels: London Nelson Dining Site
A nutritious lunch designed for seniors (60 years and over) is served every weekday at the London Nelson dining site. For a complete calendar of this month's meals please visit the dining site during business hours. Advance reservations are required, and there is a suggested donation of $2.50. No one is turned away for lack of funds. Transportation is available via the Lift Line program.
- Monday-Friday, 12:00pm, by appointment only
- Call 831 427-0901 one day ahead by 1:00 p.m. to reserve a lunch
- Call 831 688-9663 for Lift Line Transportation Services
Project Scout: Free Tax Preparation for Seniors
Project SCOUT provides free tax assistance to seniors, individuals with a disability, low-income families and individuals in Santa Cruz County. Project SCOUT also assists with general tax questions. Project SCOUT began its operations in 1968 as an independent non-profit organization. We have a corps of volunteers who assist the community with their tax-related needs during tax season.
For information on the Project Scout operations, please visit the Project Scout website or call us 831-420-6177.
Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP)
Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP): Trained HICAP counselors available via appointment Monday through Friday. Unbiased free counseling of Medicare Parts A,B,C,D and Medigap supplements, long-term care insurance and claims assistance. Call 831-462-5510. Free.
Information and Referral (on pause until further notice)
A Senior Network Services counselor is available to answer questions about services relevant to seniors during the Meals on Wheels lunch hour. Free of charge. 3rd Tuesday of the month, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Senior Computer Center
Celebrating 35 years!
Since 1990, the Senior Computer Center of Santa Cruz has provided tech support to older adults 55 and over. Membership benefits include one-on-one tech appointments on both PC and Apple platforms, in person and online courses on relevant tech topics, and access to lab facilities including laptops, printers, and internet access. Courses are taught by volunteer instructors at the London Nelson Community Center.
Membership is $25 per year. $35 for a household of two memberships. Scholarships are available. If you are interested in becoming a member, contact the Downtown Senior Office at 831-420-6180 or visit the Senior Computer Center of Santa Cruz website. For up-to-date information, join our monthly email list.
Trips
Day Trips
Bus & van trips leave from and return to the London Nelson Community Center, 301 Center St. Please arrive 15 minutes before scheduled time to pick up your parking pass and check in for the trip. Participants must be at least 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent or guardian.
For more information about these trips call 831-420-6180. To register, visit Parks & Recreation or call 831-420-5270.
Golden Gate Park:
Tuesday, March 3 2026 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Art, history, science, nature; there is something for everyone in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. You can spend time at the Conservatory of Flowers, a tropical greenhouse containing multitudes of plant species. Or you may choose to embrace the tranquility of the Japanese Tea Gardens. If you're seeing an intellectually stimulating experience, head over to the California Academy of Sciences. This natural science museum is packed with live and interactive exhibits including an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, living plant roof, and a four-story rainforest. For those interested in the arts, the DeYoung Museum is a must see! Each attraction is a 5-10 minute walk through the park from our drop-off location. Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers for all weather possibilities. Price includes transportation to Golden Gate Park. Lunch and admission to the various attractions located within the park are at the discretion of the individual. Some museums have free admission on the first Tuesday of the month.
Registration opens on January 12th. Link to register can be found here.
Senior Clubs
Book Club (Ages 45+)
First Tuesday of the Month, 10:30 - 11:30 am
Meet for an hour (or so) to discuss current book selections and future books. Free
Garden Club (All ages)
Wednesdays 9:30 - 11:00 am
Do you have a green thumb? Or wanting to learn basic gardening techniques? All skills levels are welcome to join our new Garden Club! Led by local gardeners. Projects include creating a butterfly and pollinator garden, worm and compost bin. Free
Ping Pong Club
Mondays 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Wednesdays 11:30 am - 2:30 pm & Fridays 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: London Nelson Community Center, 301 Center Street, Santa Cruz CA 95060.
Start your day with a rousing game of ping pong! Competition grade tables and volunteers are available to help newcomers get up to speed.
Membership fee $5.00 per month or $50 per year. Go to the London Nelson Community Center to sign up.
Volunteer with Us!
We are always looking for volunteer class instructors and computer lab volunteers! Find out more about volunteering with us by calling our Senior Programs Office at 831-420-6180 or drop off a completed CitySERVE application(PDF, 836KB) to 301 Center Street, ATTN: Seniors Programs.
Senior Resources in the Area
Contact Us
Downtown Senior Center
301 Center Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-420-6180
Senior Center Hours
Monday - Friday
9:00 am - 3:00 pm