Welcome to
Monterey Bay
Pajaro Dunes Paradise

LOCAL ACTIVITIES

Tour Companies:

Ag Venture Tours
Phone: (888) 864-9463
Specializes in wine tasting, sightseeing and agricultural education tours of the Monterey Bay region of California.

Carmel Walks
Phone: (831) 642-2700
Carmel's famous guided tour. Stoll through secret pathways, hidden courtyards, award-winning gardens, and by enchanting fairytale cottages, the homes haunts, and history of artists, writers, and movie stars.

Monterey Bay Aviation
Phone: (831) 375-2FLY
Tour operator specializing in cost-effective custom-designed and detailed single and multi-day excursions, soft-adventures, educational outings, and team-building specific needs of corporate, incentive, and youth groups.

Monterey Bay Scenic Tours
Phone: (831) 372-6278
Award-winning regularly scheduled multimedia luxury motorcoach tour of the Monterey Peninsula.

Monterey Movie Tours
Phone: (800) 343-6437
A new deluxe motorcoach tour that shows off local Monterey area sites filmed in Hollywood movies.

The Santa Cruz Experience

Phone: (831) 763-2244

Experience the Monterey Bay from a bird's eye view. Tour this area from the air and create a memory of a lifetime for you and your guest. Will fly from either Watsonville Airport or Monterey Airport.

The Santa Cruz Experience

Phone: (831) 227-5194

Providing guided wine tours and adventures in Santa Cruz County.

Tour Carmel
Phone: (877) 474-3127
Choose from a full selection of tours and activities for Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, or Santa Cruz.

Area Attractions:

Año Nuevo State Reserve
Hwy 1 between Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay Recorded
Information: (650) 879-0227
For Año Nuevo guided walk reservations: (800) 444-4445
Make your reservation to view the massive 3-ton elephant seals battle for mates while females give birth to their young on the beaches of the largest mainland breeding colony in the world. Reservations for Año Nuevo start October 20th for individuals and the first Saturday of October for School Group Walks. Reservations are required December 15 - March 31.

Antonelli Brothers Begonia Gardens
Watsonville

Information (831) 724-6367
Begonia Gardens, retail sales of seeds, large selection of house plants, ferns and fuchsias. Established in 1935. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sundays Noon - 5 p.m.

Gilroy Gardens (formerly Bonfante Gardens Family Theme Park)
3050 Hecker Pass Highway, Gilroy
Phone: (408) 840-7100

This unique theme park combines trees, flower gardens and 40 amusement park rides in a mid-20th century Silicon Valley historical setting. Open daily throughout the summer, after Labor Day to Memorial Day open some weekends in the spring and fall weather permitting. Check web site or call for current operating hours.

Elkhorn Slough
Elkhorn Slough Foundation, P.O. Box 267, Moss Landing, CA 95039
Phone: (831) 728-5939
National Estuarine Research Reserve established nationwide as field laboratories for scientific research and estuarine education. 5 miles of trails that meander through beautiful oak woodlands, calm tidal creeks and freshwater marshes.

Kayak Connection

Santa Cruz Harbor, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 and Elkhorn Slough,Moss Landing, CA 95039
Phone: (831) 479-1121 and (831) 724-5692

Monterey Bay and Elkhorn Slough, a kayaker's dream. Both marine environments are home to otters, seals, sea lions, dolphins, whales and an infinite variety of birds: both shorebirds and pelagic. Let our professiona guides show you these amazing edcosystems. Open daily and reservations are required.

Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery Row, Monterey
Phone: (831) 648-4800
More than 100 galleries and exhibits devoted to the diverse habitats of Monterey Bay plus more than 300,000 animals and plants representing 571 species of fishes, invertebrates, mammals, reptiles, birds and plants. Open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily except Christmas.

Mystery Spot
465 Mystery Spot Road, Santa Cruz
Phone: (831) 423-8897
It can't be explained. It can't be described. It can only be experienced. Stranger than Fiction — Nature's Mysterious Phenomenon — Believe It or Not...thousands have visited since 1940. Summer hours (starting Memorial Day): 9 a.m. - last tour 7 p.m. Winter hours (starting Labor Day): 9 a.m. - last tour 4:30 p.m. Cameras and video cameras welcome!

National Steinbeck Center
One Main Street, Salinas
Phone: (831) 763-0939
The National Steinbeck Center is dedicated to unifying the diversity of the spirit that flows through Steinbeck Country, carrying his vibrancy and literary genius into the 21st century and beyond. Open daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day, and Easter.)

Roaring Camp Railroads
5355 Graham Hill Road, Felton
Phone: (831) 335-4484
America's last steam-powered passenger railroad with year-round passenger train service providing visitors with the rare opportunity to ride back into the pages of history through some of the most beautiful and primitive scenery in the American West. Open daily throughout the summer, weekends and major holidays the rest of the year. Call or check web site for hours of operation and train schedules.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz
Phone: (831) 423-5590
California's only seaside amusement park. Featuring 28 rides including the Giant Dipper roller coaster and Looff Carousel merry-go-round, miniature golf, arcade games, laser tag arena and mile-long sandy ocean beach. Open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day. Open weekends throughout the year weather permitting. Best to call for latest operating hours schedule.

Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds
2601 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville
Phone: (831) 724-5671
Santa Cruz County Fair is scheduled for early September every year. Every Friday night April through September NASCAR races at Watsonville Speedway at the Fairgrounds.

Santa Cruz Wharf
Pacific Avenue & Beach Street, Santa Cruz
Phone: (831) 724-5671
Combining the natural splendor of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary with the fun and recreation of the largest working wharf on the West Coast.

Seymour Center at Long Marine Laboratory
End of Delaware Avenue, Santa Cruz
Phone: (831) 459-3800
The Seymour Center reflects the world of the scientist portraying the labs and seawater aquaria where scientists spend their days. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday Noon - 5 p.m., Closed Monday. Ask at the front desk about the hourly lab - wide tours to view the dolphins.

Sierra Azul Nursery & Gardens
2660 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville
Phone: (831) 763-0939
Featuring plants from the five mediterranean climate zones in the world such as manzanita, ceanothus, sages, flowering currants, toyon, and iris. Retail sales and two acres of demonstration gardens. Open daily 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
(9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. in winter)

University of California, Santa Cruz Arboretum

1156 High Street, Santa Cruz
Phone: (831) 427-2998

A unique collection of plants from Australia, California, South Africa and New Zealand. Non-lending library onsite and gift shop. Open daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Whale Watching

Explore the Bay on one of several boat tours out of Moss Landing. Discover animals such as seabirds, whales, jellyfish and turtles on a nature trip. Less than a 15 minute drive from Pajaro Dunes. Tickets available at our registration desk.

Restaurants:

Anton & Michel
Mission St. between Ocean & 7th

Carmel

32 Miles
Phone: (831) 624-2406
Continental. Fine dining, casual dress. Full bar.

Beach Street Diner

435 West Beach Street

Watsonville

3 Miles

(831) 761-0544

Breadfast and Lunch served until 1:30 PM every day

Bittersweet Bistro
787 Rio Del Mar Boulevard

Aptos
12 Miles

Phone: (831) 662-9799
American Bistro. Fine dining, casual dress. Full bar.

Bittersweet Express
787 Rio Del Mar Boulevard

Aptos
12 miles

Phone: (831) 662-9899
"Good Eats on the Go." Bakery/rotisserie. Breakfast burritos, panini sandwiches, salads, soups, lunch & nightly dinner to-go specials. Indoor and outdoor seating. Casual dress. Beer/wine.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
720 Cannery Row

Monterey
29 Miles

Phone: (831) 373-1884
Seafood/American. Family dining, casual dress. Full bar.

Cafe Sparrow
8042 Soquel Drive

Aptos
13 Miles

Phone: (831) 688-6238
Continental. Fine dining, casual dress. Beer/wine.

Casa Blanca
101 Main Street

Santa Cruz
22 Miles

Phone: (831) 426-9063
Continental. Fine dining, casual dress. Beer/wine.

Casanova Restaurant
5th Street between Mission and San Carlos

Carmel
32 Miles

Phone: (831) 625-0501
Continental. Fine dining, casual dress. Full bar.

Central Texan BBQ
10749 Merritt Street

Castroville
13 Miles

Phone: (831) 633-2285
Texas-style barbecue. Family dining, casual dress. Beer/wine.

Cilantro's
1934 Main Street

Watsonville
5 Miles

Phone: (831) 761-2161
Mexican. Family dining, casual dress. Full bar.

Clouds Downtown
110 Church Street

Santa Cruz
21 Miles

Phone: (831) 429-2000
New-American. Fine dining, casual dress. Full bar.

Crow's Nest
2218 East Cliff Drive

Santa Cruz
21 Miles

Phone: (831) 476-4560
Seafood. Fine dining, casual dress. Full bar.

El Anteno

323 Main Street

Watsonville
5 Miles

Phone: (831) 768-9876
Mexican. Family dining, casual dress. Beer/wine.

Erik's DeliCafé
Orchard Supply Center

Watsonville

5 Miles

Phone: (831) 724-7575;
Rancho Del Mar Center

Aptos

10 Miles

Phone: (831) 688-5656;
King's Plaza Center

Capitola

17 Miles

Phone: (831) 475-4646
Sandwiches, soups, salads, daily specials. Indoor family dining or to-go, casual dress. Beer/wine.

Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria
504 Bay Avenue

Capitola
16 Miles

Phone: (831) 462-1200
Bakery/rotisserie. Mostly to-go. Limited seating.

Golden Buddha
4610 Soquel Drive

Soquel
16 Miles

Phone: (831) 479-0788
Chinese. Family dining, casual dress. Beer/wine.

Golden Rickshaw
115 Freedom Boulevard

Watsonville
5 Miles

Phone: (831) 724-4050
Chinese. Family dining, casual dress. Beer/wine.

Green Valley Grill
40 Penny Lane

Watsonville
6 Miles

Phone: (831) 728-0644
American. Fine dining, casual dress. Full bar.

Hungerford's Finest BBQ Ribs
1036 East Lake Avenue

Watsonville
6 Miles

Phone: (831) 722-7427
Barbecue. Award-winning BBQ ribs and chicken. Family dining, casual dress. Beer/wine.

Imura
1994-C Main Street

Watsonville
5 Miles

Phone: (831) 761-8799
Japanese/Korean. Family dining, casual dress. Beer/wine.

Jalisco
618 Main Street

Watsonville
5 Miles

Phone: (831) 728-9080
Mexican. Family dining, casual dress. Full bar.

Las Olitas Cantina & Grill
Municipal Wharf #49B

Santa Cruz
22 Miles

Phone: (831) 458-9393
Mexican/Seafood. Family dining, casual dress. Full bar.

Lemon Grass Seafood Bar and Grill

413 Moss Landing Road

Moss Landing

Phone: (831) 633-0700

Thai Cuisine

Ma Maison
9051 Soquel Drive
Aptos

11 Miles

Phone: (831) 688-5566
French Cuisine prepared with a California attitude. Fine dining, casual dress. Full bar.

Manuel's
261 Center Street

Aptos
14 Miles

Phone: (831) 688-4848
Mexican. Family dining, casual dress. Full bar.

Miyuki's
452 East Lake Avenue

Watsonville
6 Miles

Phone: (831) 728-1620
Japanese. Family dining, casual dress. Beer/wine.

Nepenthe
Highway 1
28 miles south of Carmel

Big Sur
60 Miles

Phone: (831) 667-2345
American. Family dining, casual dress. Full bar.

Palapas Restaurant y Cantina
21 Seascape Village

Aptos
9 Miles

Phone: (831) 662-9000
Mexican-Seafood. Fine dining, casual dress. Full bar.

Phil's Fish Market
7600 Sandholdt Road

Moss Landing
10 Miles

Phone: (831) 633-2152
Seafood. Family dining, casual dress. Full bar.

Red Restaurant and Bar
200 Locust Street

Santa Cruz
20 Miles

Phone: (831) 425-1913
American and Mediterranean Cuisine. Fine dining, casual dress. Full bar.

Ristorante Italiano
555 Soquel Avenue

Santa Cruz
20 Miles

Phone: (831) 458-2321
Italian. Family dining, casual dress. Full bar.

Rocky Point Restaurant
Highway 1
12 miles south of Carmel

Carmel
44 Miles

Phone: (831) 624-2933
Seafood/American. Fine dining, casual dress. Full bar.

Rosa's Rosticeria
493B Lake Avenue

Santa Cruz (at the Yacht Harbor)
20 Miles

Phone: (831) 479-3536
Mexican. Family dining, casual dress. Beer/wine.

Sardine Factory
701 Wave Street

Monterey
29 Miles

Phone: (831) 373-3775
Seafood/continental. Fine dining, casual dress. Full bar.

Shadowbrook
1750 Wharf Road

Capitola
17 Miles

Phone: (831) 475-1511
Continental. Fine dining, casual dress. Full bar.

Star of Siam
3005 Porter Street

Soquel
16 Miles

Phone: (831) 479-0366
Thai & Sushi Bar. Family dining, casual dress. Beer/wine.

Stoke's Adobe
500 Hartnell

Monterey
28 Miles

Phone: (831) 373-1110
American. Fine dining, casual dress. Full bar.

Tampico Restaurant and Lounge
820-822 Pacific Avenue

Santa Cruz
20 Miles

Phone: (831) 458-2821
Mexican. Family dining, casual dress. Full bar.

Tarpy's Roadhouse
2999 Highway 68

Monterey
28 Miles

Phone: (831) 647-1444
American. Fine dining, casual dress. Full bar.

Thai Bistro
159 Central Avenue

Pacific Grove
30 Miles

Phone: (831) 372-8700
Thai. Fine dining, casual dress. Beer/wine.

Tinnery At The Beach
631 Ocean View Boulevard

Pacific Grove
30 Miles

Phone: (831) 646-1040
Continental. Fine dining, casual dress. Full bar.

The Whole Enchilada
Highway 1 and Sandholt Road

Moss Landing
10 Miles

Phone: (831) 633-3038
Mexican. Family dining, casual dress. Full bar.

Zuniga's
100 Aviation Way

Watsonville
7 Miles

Phone: (831) 724-5788
Mexican. Family dining, casual dress. Full bar.

Golf Courses

Aptos Seascape Golf Course
610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos
Phone: (831) 688-3213
18-hole, 5,813-yard par 71 golf course open year-round. Semi-Private. Driving range, restaurant, full bar.

Boulder Creek Golf & Country Club
16901 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek
Phone: (831) 338-2121
18-hole, 4,396-yard par 65 golf course open year-round. Resort, open to public. Restaurant, full bar.

Bayonet/Black Horse Golf Courses
One McClure Way, Seaside
Phone: (831) 899-2351
Bayonet — 18-hole, 6,496-yard par 72, Blackhorse — 18-hole, 6,175-yard par 72. Golf courses open year-round to the general public. Driving range, grill, full bar.

De Laveaga Golf Course
401 Upper Park Road, Santa Cruz
Phone: (831) 423-7212
18-hole, 6,010-yard par 72 golf course open year-round to the general public. Driving range, restaurant, full bar.

Del Monte Golf Course
1300 Sylvan Road, Monterey
Phone: (831) 373-2700
18-hole, 6,069-yard par 72 golf course open year-round. Resort, open to public. Grill, full bar.

Eagle Ridge Golf Club
2951 Club Drive, Gilroy
Phone: (408) 846-4531
18-hole, 6,290-yard par 72 golf course open year-round to the general public. Driving range, restaurant, full bar.

Golf Links at Pebble Beach
1700 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach
Phone: (831) 625-8518
18-hole, 6,357-yard par 72 golf course open year-round. Resort, open to public. Driving range, restaurant, full bar.

Laguna Seca Golf Club
10520 York Road, Monterey
Phone: (831) 724-3851
18-hole, 5,726-yard par 71 golf course open year-round to the general public. Restaurant, full bar.

The Links at Spanish Bay
2700 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach
Phone: (831) 647-7495
18-hole, 6,078-yard par 72 golf course open year-round. Resort, open to public. Grill, full bar.

Pacific Grove Municipal Golf Course
77 Asilomar Boulevard, Pacific Grove
Phone: (831) 648-3177
18-hole, 5,571-yard par 70 golf course open year-round to the general public. Driving range, restaurant, beer/wine.

Pajaro Valley Golf Club
967 Salinas Road, Royal Oaks
Phone: (831) 724-3851
18-hole, 6,234-yard par 72 golf course open year-round to the general public. Driving range, restaurant, full bar.

Pasatiempo Golf Course
18 Clubhouse Road, Santa Cruz
Phone: (831) 459-9155
18-hole, 6,128-yard par 70 golf course. Semi-Private. Driving range, restaurant, full bar.

Poppy Hills Golf Course
3200 Lopez Road, Pebble Beach
Phone: (831) 625-2154
18-hole, 6,249-yard par 72 golf course. Open year-round to the general public. Driving range, restaurant, full bar.

Rancho Cañada Golf Club
4860 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel
Phone: (831) 624-0111
West — 18-hole, 6,116-yard par 71, East — 5,832-yard par 71. Golf courses open year-round to the general public. Driving range, restaurant, full bar.

Spring Hills Golf Course
501 Spring Hills Drive, Watsonville
Phone: (831) 724-1404
18-hole, 5,883-yard par 71 golf course open year-round to the general public. Driving range, snack bar, beer/wine.

Spyglass Hill Golf Course
Spyglass Hill Road & Stevenson Drive, Pebble Beach
Phone: (831) 625-8563
18-hole, 6,347-yard par 72 golf course. Resort, open to public. Driving range, self-service restaurant/bar.

Wineries

Ahlgren Vineyard

20320 Highway 9

Boulder Creek

40 miles

Phone: (831) 338-6071

Tasting Room

Alexander Cellars

427 Swift Avenue

Santa Cruz

23 miles

Phone: (831) 471-9090