Glassblowing for the people! This is the only publicly accessible glassblowing studio in the Santa Cruz area, offering a hands-on hot glass experience for complete beginners, couples, families, and corporate groups. Located in the historic village of Davenport — just 10 minutes north of Santa Cruz on Highway 1 — this locally owned studio provides a rare opportunity to work with molten glass in a real hot shop, no prior experience required.
The Hot Glass Experience is a mini-workshop designed for first-timers. Under the guidance of skilled glass artists, you will select your own colors and create a beautiful glass orb, heart, or other object d'art to take home. The small group format ensures personalized
Glassblowing for the people! This is the only publicly accessible glassblowing studio in the Santa Cruz area, offering a hands-on hot glass experience for complete beginners, couples, families, and corporate groups. Located in the historic village of Davenport — just 10 minutes north of Santa Cruz on Highway 1 — this locally owned studio provides a rare opportunity to work with molten glass in a real hot shop, no prior experience required.
The Hot Glass Experience is a mini-workshop designed for first-timers. Under the guidance of skilled glass artists, you will select your own colors and create a beautiful glass orb, heart, or other object d'art to take home. The small group format ensures personalized attention while you learn the fundamentals of working with hot glass. It is a perfect activity for date nights, couples looking for a unique shared experience, and anyone curious about the art of glassblowing.
What the experience includes:
Hands-on instruction from professional glass artists in a safe, supportive environment
Your choice of colors and design to customize your handmade glass creation
Creation of a finished glass orb, heart, or other fabulous glass art to keep
A small group setting for a personal and engaging workshop
Access to a working hot shop and an authentic glassblowing experience
An ideal activity for a wide range of events and gatherings. The Hot Glass Experience is a memorable choice for birthday celebrations, anniversary outings, holiday parties, team-building events, and corporate retreats. It also works beautifully for family reunions, mother-daughter trips, and friend getaways along the California coast. Because the activity is hands-on and creative, it suits mixed-age groups and does not require any artistic ability or physical strength — just curiosity and a willingness to try something new.
Perfect for visitors and locals across the Bay Area and Central Coast. The studio is conveniently located in Davenport, a historic seaside village along scenic Highway 1, making it an easy addition to a day trip from Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos, Scotts Valley, or the greater Monterey Bay area. For those coming from the greater Bay Area, the studio is roughly 90 minutes from San Francisco and under an hour from San Jose, offering a compelling reason to escape the urban routine for a coastal creative adventure. Whether you are a resident of Silicon Valley looking for a weekend activity, a family based in the East Bay, or a tourist exploring the Northern California coastline, this glassblowing workshop offers a distinctive and hands-on cultural experience that stands out from typical sightseeing.
A welcoming and inclusive creative space. The studio is committed to fostering a fun, inclusive, and safe environment for learning and creating. Customers of all races, identities, sexualities, genders, and physical attributes are welcome and respected. The instructors prioritize clear communication, patience, and encouragement, making the experience accessible to nervous beginners and experienced students alike.
More than just a class — a connection to the craft. Beyond the introductory glass experience, the studio offers classes and workshops for beginners through more experienced students who want to deepen their skills in glassblowing. This makes it an excellent starting point for anyone considering a longer course or a repeat visit. The funky, divine atmosphere of the hot shop adds to the charm, providing an authentic backdrop for creativity and connection.
Key details at a glance:
Service area: Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties, the greater Bay Area (including San Francisco, San Jose, and the Peninsula)
Experience type: Hands-on glassblowing mini-workshop for beginners
Group types served: Couples, families, corporate teams, private events, and small parties
Skill level required: None — fully guided instruction and all materials provided
Takeaway: A one-of-a-kind glass creation made by you. All creations must anneal (cool) overnight, and can be picked up the following day. Shipping is available.
