Brookdale, Census-designated place in Santa Cruz County, California.
Brookdale is a census-designated place in Santa Cruz County, California, situated in the San Lorenzo Valley between Boulder Creek and Ben Lomond. The area sits along Highway 9 at an elevation of around 400 feet (120 meters).
The area was originally called Clear Creek and later known as Brookville before taking its current name. Early development accelerated when a lumber mill was built around 1870, establishing it as a working community.
The lodge, built in 1922, draws visitors with its dining hall constructed over a stream and has hosted prominent guests including President Herbert Hoover. The location has become a destination for travelers seeking the natural beauty of the San Lorenzo Valley.
Visitors should know this is a small rural area best explored by car, with most services and amenities accessible via Highway 9. The community operates without direct home mail delivery, which is typical of how this area manages services.
A striking feature of the lodge is its dining room with a natural stream flowing directly through it, creating an indoor water feature. This unusual design element has made the building a conversation piece since it opened to guests.
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