Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA

Learn to Surf

Learn with the best! Richard Schmidt Surf School is Santa Cruz's original surf school since 1978. Enjoy the beautiful waves of Santa Cruz under the instruction of some of the areas top surfers.

Santa Cruz Beaches

Miles of sand, park lands and bike paths extend the length of Santa Cruz County. The following is a small sampling of what the Santa Cruz coastline has to offer: Bonny Doon Beach; Capitola City Beach; Cowell Beach; Davenport Landing; Greyhound Rock; Lighthouse Field State Beach; Lincoln Beach; Manresa State Beach; Moss Landing State Beach; Natural Bridges State Beach; Pleasure Point Beach, Red, White and Blue Beach; San Lorenzo Point; Scotts Creek Beach; Seabright/Castle Beach; Seacliff State Beach; Sunset State Beach; Twin Lakes State Beach; Waddell Creek Beach; and Zmudowski State Beach.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park

Located in Santa Cruz, 45 minutes north of the Monterey Peninsula, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers carnival rides, including the 1924 "Giant Dipper" - one of the few wooden roller coasters still in existence, as well as games, shops, miniature golf and more. As the only remaining seaside amusement park in the country, the Boardwalk is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

Historic Monterey - Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf

Once the heart of Monterey’s canning industry, Cannery Row is now a bustling shopping area. There are more than 150 stores located along the six-block stretch of Cannery Row between Reeside and David Avenue. The variety of distinctive specialty items makes for an interesting and fun place to shop! Fisherman’s Wharf is lined with seafood restaurants, fish markets, art galleries, specialty shops, candy stores, a theater and fishing, diving, sight-seeing and whale-watching charter and tour companies.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Be one of the nearly two million visitors to the Monterey Bay Aquarium this year. Home to more than 550 marine species from penguins to jellies to coral, the aquarium is only 40 minutes from the campground. Open 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. daily; 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. summer weekdays and holidays; 9:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. summer weekends. Admission is charged. Wheelchair accessible.

Capitola Village

Capitola Village is dotted with unique boutiques and gift shops as well as dozens of intimate dining hideaways and ocean view restaurants.

Monterey Peninsula Visitors & Convention Bureau

http://www.monterey.com

Roaring Camp Railroads

A quick (25 minute) car ride gets you to the train station in Felton for a trip back in time. Board the Roaring Camp Railroad's steam train and embark on a 90-minute journey through redwood groves to the top of Bear Mountain. The Beach Train takes riders on three-hour tours of redwood forests, across a century-old steel bridge, and through an 1875 tunnel.

Santa Cruz County Conference and Visitors Council

For more information on local area attractions, get a FREE Travel guide, courtesy of the Santa Cruz County Conference and Visitors Council!

Elkhorn Slough Safari

http://www.elkhornslough.com One of California's largest wetlands and part of a National Estuarine Reserve located in central Monterey Bay, California, just a short trip from the Santa Cruz area and the Monterey Peninsula. The wildlife rich reserve winds inland seven miles and provides an important feeding and resting place for a fantastic variety of wildlife such as playful sea otters, curious harbor seals and hundreds of species of waterfowl and migratory shorebirds. Each season is unique and you may be greeted in nature's dynamic playground by nesting birds, feeding sharks, giant slugs and endangered animals. Elkhorn Slough Safari is an exciting way to visit this natural, calm water habitat and will provide excellent opportunities to view and photograph wildlife close at hand. These two hour boat cruises include an in-depth look at various aspects of slough ecology, fascinating history, and birding in the company of a naturalist guide. You can relax and enjoy a roomy, stable ride and refreshments on our coast guard certified 27-foot pontoon boat the Safari, departing from Moss Landing, California. The boat tour is ideal for couples, families, groups, business retreats, private photography shoots, weddings and singles. There are special activities provided for children. Moss Landing is a short day trip from the San Jose/San Francisco Bay region.

Premium Outlet Shopping

You will find just the right gift at one of the fantastic outlet stores. From premium designers such as Liz Claiborne, Coach, Brooks Brothers to home décor and Gourmet kitchen necessities, it's all here at the Premium Outlet Mall.

World Class Golf

Sonoma and Napa Valley are a golfers paradise. Bring your clubs and enjoy Siverado Country Club, The Chardonney Club, Rooster Run and Fox Tail Golf course just to name a few. Golf Courses range from PGA to Municipal courses. A driving range is located 2 blocks from the campground entrance!

Infineon Raceway

Infineon Raceway is located 30 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and serves as the gateway to the beautiful Sonoma Wine Country. The track hosts several nationally televised events, including NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) drag racing, the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) Superbike tour, and the IRL IndyCar Series. Infineon Raceway is a year-round motorsports complex with events scheduled 340 days and 50 weekends a year.

Wine Tasting

Sonoma and Napa Valley are the heart of the California Wine Country. Napa Valley is the home of such wine legends as Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Stags Leap Wine Cellars, Beringer and Sutter Home. Spend a fabulous day touring the wine country and tasting fabulous wines.

Beaches

A peaceful drive leads to some of the most beautiful coastline California has to offer. Enjoy Fishing, or buy some fresh cracked crab straight off the boat. Spend the day with your toes in the sand then have a scrumptious dinner at one of the many waterfront restaurants!

Six Flags Marine World Africa USA

Six Flags Marine World brings together interactive animal attractions and the best family rides and roller coasters in Northern California. This premier destination offers something for everyone with fast and furious coasters, family rides, sensational shows and more than 3000 animals.

Mrs. Grossmans Sticker Factory

One of Americas favorite sticker companies is located right here in Petaluma, CA. Take a tour of the sticker factory and get ideas for your next scrapbooking project

Cinnabar Performing Arts & Theater

Enjoy live theater, musicals and operas at the Cinnebar Performing Arts & Theater.

Paramount's Great America Theme Park

The Great America Theme Park has the most hair-raising rides, the wettest water park, the most sizzling stage shows, and tons of other cool stuff everyone in the whole family can enjoy! Located in Santa Clara, California.

The Glass Gallery

The Glass Gallery in Santa Cruz is one of the Bay Area's best kept secrets. They offer the widest range of contemporary glass and paperweights from internationally-famous masters such as Dale Chihuly, to local studio glass and the work of emerging artists.

17 Mile Drive Scenic Tour

Experience this magnificent 17-mile drive on foot or by car as it hugs the dramatic Pacific coastline and delves into the lush Del Monte Forest.

Sonoma Train Town Railroad

At Train Town you will lose your sense of direction as the steam trains guide you back in time, through 10 acres of landscaped park. Filled with thousands of trees, animals, bridges, tunnels, waterfalls and historic replica structures, Train Town is a unique experience. 45 minutes North of San Francisco.

Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle was originally built as the private estate of art collector and publisher W.R. Hearst. Today it is a California State Park. Discover the Castle's inspiration, design, construction and history!

Sport Fishing, Whale & Dolphin Watching, Scenic Bay Cruises, Sunset Cruises

Santa Cruz Wharf, Santa Cruz Harbor

Stagnaro Charter Boats has been a staple in Santa Cruz for more than a century. This family-owned and operated business leads the pack while leading tourists and locals on sea adventures like fishing trips, scenic bay cruises, whale and dolphin watching and private parties.

Napa Valley Wine Train Gourmet Dining Excursions

Visit Napa Valley Wine Train Gourmet Dining Excursions online for information.

Monterey Wine Country - Where Great Taste Begins!

The Santa Cruz Mountains are home to over 60 wineries, each with its own character and award-winning vintages. This area has been known as a premium wine-producing region since the 1800’s. Enjoy tours, tastings and special events. Visit Monterey Wine Country online for information.

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History exists to foster relationships between people and nature and to inspire stewardship of the natural world. Established in 1904, the museum has collected and preserved Santa Cruz's unique history for over 100 years.

Santa Cruz Wharf

Visit the wharf and watch the sea lions play as you take in the beautiful ocean views. This 2,701 foot long wharf is home to music, art and food events throughout the year. Enjoy boating, fishing, surfing, shopping and more. Open seven days a week, 5:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m. Free Admission. Wheelchair accessible. Located in downtown Santa Cruz.

Bonfante Gardens Family Theme Park

Your entire family will find something to enjoy at the Bonfante Gardens which is a nonprofit horticultural theme park only an hour from the campground. Marvel at the latticework of the park's world-famous geometric topiary conifer gardens, circle the park by monorail or get wet in the splash garden.

Seymour Marine Discovery Center

At Seymour Marine Discovery Center, open your eyes to a world of science! Exhibits, aquaria, touch tank, family programs, tours, Ocean Discovery Shop. Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.; Sunday, 12:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m.; closed Mondays. Admission is charged. Located on the west side of Santa Cruz.

Winchester Mystery House

Only an hours drive from the campground sits sunny San Jose, home to the Winchester Mystery House. In 1884, a wealthy widow named Sarah L. Winchester began a construction project of such magnitude that it was to occupy the lives of carpenters and craftsmen until her death thirty eight years later. The Victorian mansion, designed and built by the Winchester Rifle heiress, is filled with so many unexplained oddities, that it has come to be known as the Winchester Mystery House.

Moss Landing

Visit this quaint historic fishing village and discover why it is considered a hidden treasure. Enjoy shopping, restaurants and art galleries. Go bird watching, boating, surfing, whale watching and more. Only a short distance from Santa Cruz. Visit the Chamber of Commerce online for more information.

Mystery Spot

Go to the Mystery Spot where the laws of physics cease to exist. Experience strange variations in perspective, gravity and height – watch a ball roll uphill! The Mystery Spot is located in the redwood forest just outside Santa Cruz. Open daily, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. from Memorial Day - Labor Day. Admission is charged.

Arboretum at UCSC

See “one of the great gardens of the world” on the University of California Santa Cruz campus. Wander through gardens filled with the native plants of Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and California. Smell the Aroma Garden and be awed by the cacti and succulents. The Arboretum is open daily, 9:00 am - 5:00 p.m. Free Admission.

Ocean Speedway in Watsonville

For some fun and exciting family entertainment, you can’t beat a trip to the speedway! This quarter-mile semi-banked clay oval track is home to a variety of races, including American Stock, Super Stock and Destruction Derby. Races are held March - October, call 831-476-9466 for schedules. Admission is charged. Located at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, off State Route 152.

Gizdich Ranch

It’s “always kid season” at Gizdich Ranch. This fourth generation family ranch has “Pik-Yor-Sef” berries and apples, a Farm Park , antique and gift shop and picnic areas. Enjoy the fresh country air as you take a walking tour. Open daily, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Free Admission. Located in Watsonville, 15 miles east of Santa Cruz.