Watsonville

Climate

By bus

Santa Cruz Metro provides service from Santa Cruz and other towns around it, and Monterey-Salinas Transit provides service from destinations including Monterey and Salinas.

Downtown is pedestrian friendly. There are some bicycle and pedestrian paths along the creeks, rivers, and sloughs around Watsonville as well and some limited bus service. Taxi's are available throughout the area by phone. Watsonville airport also provides small craft access.

• Mountains
• Pajaro River
• Mount Madonna
• Auto races at Ocean Speedway.

• Sunset State Beach

  phone: +1 831 763-7062
  address: 201 Sunset Beach Rd
  The beach features pine trees, mountainous sand dunes, and ocean side picnic spots. Bordered by large agricultural fields west of the city of Watsonville, the beach is a year-round destination for thousands of visitors. Amenities include: Picnic tables, Camping areas (including large group camping), Restrooms, and Showers (Camping showers are 25 cents; bring quarters.). Food, lodging and supplies are available nearby. The campground is open year-round. There are 91 camping sites, one bicycle site and one group site. Cost is $35 per night. Call 800-444-7275 for reservations. Campsites in the Dunes and Pine Hollow loops are first-come, first-serve during the winter (Nov. 1 to the end of February). Nature walks on the dunes and family programs are offered; call the park for more information. More information: More information: http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/544/files/Sunset-ManresaWebBrochure2012.pdf

• Manresa State Beach

  phone: +1 831-724-3750
  address: 1445 San Andreas Rd
  Manresa State Beach features a beautiful expanse of sea and sand, with surf, fishing, surfing, and recreation. Amenities include: Restrooms, Outdoor shower, Food Dogs are allowed on the beach on leash. Fire rings are available for beach fires. More information: More information: http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/544/files/Sunset-ManresaWebBrochure2012.pdf

• Pinto Lake County Park

  phone: +1 831-454-7956
  address: 757 Green Valley Rd
  A 183 acre regional park, which features a scenic lake with a fishing pier and surrounding nature trails, playground, two family picnic areas, and wheelchair accessible restrooms. Turtle Dove, a public art project by artist Roberto Castro and youth from the JTPA program, can be found at the park; trail markers highlight the wildlife which can be viewed along the nature trail. Soccer fields and two pavilions with BBQs are available for rent. There is also a small baseball field. See the location where locals believe the Virgin Mary appeared. A disc golf course is the newest attraction to Pinto Lake Park. Reservable picnic areas: Reservable Picnic Areas Pavillions A and B are perfect outdoor locations for family and company picnics. Available by reservation only. They offer privacy for your group and a comfortable, scenic oasis for your enjoyment. Capacity is 100. 1 Large Barbecue and picnic tables are included. Pavillion A is the first covered picnic area upon entering the park. It is closest to the playground and near public restrooms. Pavillion B is the second covered picnic area located at the far end of the park. Public restrooms are nearby. It offers privacy for your group. Reservations can be made up to one year in advance. Walk-in reservations can be made at the Simpkins Family Swim Center at 979 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9AM- 4PM. Please allow one month before event date for phone reservations, and 3 days for walk-in. Cash, check or Visa/Mastercard accepted. For more information, call (831)454-7956.

• Pinto Lake Park

  phone: +1 831 722-8129
  address: 451 Green Valley Rd
  Pinto Lake City Park is owned by the City of Watsonville and offers RV camping. Amenities: Back-in Sites 50' x 15' On grass Electricity (30 amp) City water Sewer Wi-fi (Strong, reliable signal) Locked gate at night (You get a key.) Fire rings allowed in picnic area adjacent to campground Showers, laundry Rates: Two adults in one RV or trailer: $35.00 One tow vehicle: Free Children 16 and under: Free Extra adults: $2.00 each Dogs: $2.00 each Extra vehicles: $2.00 each

• Wetlands of Watsonville

  phone: +1 831 768-1622
  address: 30 Harkins Slough Rd
  The City of Watsonville's nature trails provide easy public access to this 800 acre freshwater wetland. More than six miles of paved trails and 29 trail entrances in Watsonville neighborhoods offer new opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of our special wetlands for recreation and relaxation. The Wetlands of Watsonville Nature Center offers trail maps and other information about the animals and habitats of the area. City wetland trails are free to use and open every day in every season. Joggers, hikers, cyclists and birders are welcome to access any of the trails. Several trails are wheelchair accessible; please see trail maps for appropriate entrances. Recommended Trail Walks & Entrances Watsonville Slough Trail Trail Head: Park at the Wetlands of Watsonville Nature Center – 30 Harkins Slough Road, Watsonville, CA.(831)768-1622. Trail map available outside Nature Center. Trail entrance behind center. Approximate walk: 1.5 miles Ohlone Loop Trail Trail Head: Park in the back of the West Marine parking lot by trail head – 500 Westridge Drive, Watsonville, CA. Approximate walk: 1.5 miles Upper Struve Slough Trail Trail Head: Park in Body Zone parking lot by trail head – 1810 Main Street, Watsonville, CA. Approximate walk: 1.5 miles Nearby Areas: Food and shopping center on Main Street.

• Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds & Event Center

  phone: +1 831-724-5671
  address: 2601 E. Lake Ave
  Home of the Santa Cruz County Fair held each September and the races at the Ocean Speedway, Agricultural History Project and Museum and the historic Rogers House.

• Henry J. Mello Center for Performing Arts

  phone: +1 831-763-4047
  address: 250 East Beach St
  This premier concert performance hall boasts the best acoustics in the county.

• Mount Madonna County ParkThis park offers hiking, camping, archery, and equestrian trails.

• Watsonville WetlandsThese wetlands can be enjoyed by foot or bicycle.

• Annieglass

  phone: +1 831-761-2041
  address: 310 Harvest Dr
  Glass artist Annie Morhauser developed her own "slumping" process in the 1980s that marked the beginning of Annieglass. A graduate of the California College of the Arts, she trained in a range of glass techniques, but Annieglass's original tour de force was a piece called "Roman Antique," a plate of thick glass with a widely painted rim of pure gold. She took it to a trade show in 1983 and astounded the country's leading retailers with this entirely new look in dinnerware—today, "Roman Antique" is an oft-imitated industry icon that is sold at luxury retailers such as Neiman Marcus, Barney's New York, Bergdorf Goodman and Bloomingdales; has been used at leading hotels and restaurants such as the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, the Four Seasons, the Ritz Carlton, and the Waldorf Astoria; and has been featured in the private collections of contemporary luminaries such as Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Aniston, Christina Aguilera and John Grisham. In 2006 the Smithsonian American Art Museum honored Annieglass by selecting two sculptural pieces ("Tiburon" and "Coquina" from the Shell series) as part of its permanent collection.

• Watsonville Winemakers' Studios

  phone: +1 831-227-4916
  address: 18 Hangar Way, Ste C
  The Watsonville Winemaker Studios are a cooperative of boutique wineries operating as multiple wineries in one location with a shared tasting room, event space and award winning wines. Includes Myka Cellars, Roudon Smith and Wargin Wines. Special tastings and events offered; call for more information.

• Agricultural History Project

  phone: +1 831-724-5898
  address: 2601 East Lake Ave
  Located at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, this museum showcases exhibits, and equipment representing history of agriculture on the Central Coast. One the 2nd Saturday the Farm features a different and fun activity for children. See website for details or call to visit by appointment.

• Gizdich Ranch

  phone: +1 831 722-1056
  address: 55 Peckham Rd
  You-pick farm features on-site bakery, gift shop and antiques. "Pik-Yor-Self" Strawberries, Olallieberries, Boysenberries, and Apples are available seasonally. Berry and apple pie by the slice or whole, fresh juices, jams and honey are all available in this country-setting.

• Pajaro Valley Arts Council

  phone: +1 831-722-3062
  address: 37 Sudden St
  A non-profit fine art gallery located in a 114-year-old historic Victorian. PVAC presents rotating contemporary visual art exhibitions showcasing the diversity and talent of regional artists.

• Watsonville Fly-In & Airshow

  phone: +1 831-763-5600
  address: 100 Aviation Way
  The largest airshow in Northern California, the Watsonville Fly-In takes place in September of each year at the Watsonville Airport. See website for more information.

• Annual Watsonville Strawberry Festival at Monterey Bay

  phone: +1 831-768-3240
  address: Takes place in historic Downtown Watsonville
  This multi-faceted celebration will serve up a menu of strawberry delights, non-stop entertainment, gooey contests & more.

• Monterey Bay Birding Festival

  address: 275 Main St
  The annual Monterey Bay Birding Festival takes place in one of the most spectacular birding and wildlife venues in North America. Few places can match the diversity of species as the Monterey Bay region. This event is held each September, Thursday - Sunday at various locations and times. See website for more details.

• Target

  address: 1415 Main St

• Miyuki Sushi

  address: 452 E Lake Ave

• Red Apple Cafe

  address: 589 Auto Center Dr

• Cafe Ella

  address: 734 E Lake Ave

• Roger's Diner

  address: 11 Green Valley Rd

• Cassidy's Pizza

  address: 1400 Freedom Blvd

• Cilantros Mexican

  address: 1934 Main St

• Real Colima

  address: 1101 E Lake Ave

• La Esperanza Mexican Seafood

  address: 400 E Lake Ave

• Norma's Family Restaurant

  address: 707 Freedom Blvd

• El Patio Grocery Deli

  address: 312 Playa Blvd

• Wingstop

  address: 1998 Freedom Blvd

• California Grill of the Pajaro Valley

  phone: +1 831-722-8052
  address: 1970 Freedom Blvd

• The Villager

  address: 1032 E Lake Ave

• The Wooden Nickel

  address: 1819 Freedom Blvd

Hotels

• Mount Madonna Campgrounds and Yurts

  phone: +1 408 355-2201
  address: 7850 Pole Line Rd

• Pajaro Dunes Beach Condos

  phone: +1 831 728-7400

• Best Western Rose Garden Inn

  phone: +1 831 724-3367
  address: 740 Freedom Blvd

• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites

  phone: +1 831 728-3600
  address: 1855 Main St

• Comfort Inn Watsonville

  phone: +1 831 728-2300
  address: 112 Airport Blvd
  Free internet.

• Motel 6 Watsonville - Monterey Area

  phone: +1 831 728-4144
  address: 125 Silver Leaf Dr

• At the Dunes

  phone: +1 831-768-7285
  address: 2661 Beach Rd
  42 units, pool, fireplace, full kitchens, meeting space, tennis, hot tub, cable/satellite TV, DVD/VCR, free Wi-Fi. No pets.

• Economy Inn

  phone: +1 831-724-4755
  address: 584 Auto Center Dr
  30 units, free continental breakfast, cable/satellite TV, free Internet, free Wi-Fi. No pets.

• America's Best Value Inn - Watsonville

  phone: +1 831-724-2181
  address: 781 Freedom Blvd
  28 rooms, free continental breakfast, cable/satellite TV, free Wi-Fi. No pets.

• National 9 Motel - Watsonville

  phone: +1 831-724-1116
  address: 1 Western Dr
  14 units, pool, cable/satellite TV, DVD/VCR, free Wi-Fi. Pets allowed.

Camping

• KOA Campgrounds

  phone: +1 831 722-0551
  address: 1186 San Andreas Rd

• Pinto Lake RV Camping

  phone: +1 831 722-8129
  address: 451 Green Valley Rd

• Manresa State Beach - Uplands Campground

  phone: +1 831-761-1795
  address: 205 Manresa Uplands Rd
  Manresa Uplands Campground provides dramatic views of the ocean from the bluffs above the beach. This beautiful expanse of sea and sand offers surf fishing, surfing and other beach recreation. The walk-in, tent-only campground is open March through November. There are 64 sites. Cost is $35 per night. Equipment may be dropped off from 10-200 yards from campsite. Amenities include: 64 walk-in, tent-only campsites, Restrooms, and Showers (camping showers are 25 cents; bring quarters.). Food, lodging, and supplies are available nearby More information: http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/544/files/Sunset-ManresaWebBrochure2012.pdf

• Moss Landing - Nine miles south of Watsonville, this tiny town is often overlooked but offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities at Elkhorn Slough, one of the largest saltwater estuaries in California and a great place to spot sea otters. The harbor is also the departure point for several whale watching companies. Amenities for travelers are limited, although there are several restaurants in the harbor area.