Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
We are located 11 miles South of Santa Cruz.
From Hwy 1 use Exit #432 for San Andreas Rd.
At the end of the exit ramp, go WEST on San Andreas Rd. for 3.2 miles.
We will be on your left. Look for the Yellow KOA Sign!
**If you are traveling on Hwy 1 North: DO NOT TAKE BUENA VISTA EXIT.
And despite what GPS, Google maps or other services may inform you, DO NOT TURN ON PEACEFUL VALLEY DR.**
Santa Cruz is a bustling winter destination for more than just people. Creatures from miles away migrate to the region for a warm winter breeding ground. Local animals often become more active during the season, too. If you plan to visit Santa Cruz, here is a glimpse of some Santa Cruz wildlife you might spot in the area.
These striking orange and black butterflies are one of the Santa Cruz winter wildlife species you will likely be able to see. They spend their winters in southern areas after traveling thousands of miles from cooler regions. If you want to find them during your next trip, search Natural Bridges State Beach. You can find a butterfly preserve where thousands of monarchs form groups in eucalyptus trees.
You can find this impressive creature at Año Nuevo State Park, the main breeding colony for the species. They are known for their large size. The males also have elephant-like noses, making them unique among other seal populations. During breeding season from December to March, these animals are most active on land, and you can find them during a guided park tour.
During their annual migration, thousands of gray whales pass through Monterey Bay, seeking warmer waters where they can spend the winter. Many whales travel 10,000 to 14,000 miles round trip every year. Given the large population of migrating whales, you will almost certainly see them during whale-watching tours.
These cute, fun sea creatures are the smallest marine mammal. They keep warm using fur rather than blubber, which contributes to their small size. Their peak mating season is during the winter, so they are a common sight in Santa Cruz along Santa Cruz Wharf. About 3,000 southern sea otters live today, mostly in Southern California.
If you love birding, Santa Cruz County's diverse habitat attracts more than 400 resident and migrant bird species. You can find them in many local state parks.
During the winter, more rain causes forest fauna to become more active. You can spot deer, rabbits, squirrels, salamanders and frogs in places like Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park or Wilder Ranch State Park.
Low tides during the winter make more tide pools accessible on beaches near Santa Cruz. In these tide pools, you can find many small sea creatures like anemones and sea stars.
If you love seeing exciting local wildlife, come to Santa Cruz during winter. You can see many animals while exploring the local area. Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday gives you convenient access to many local parks where you can search for wildlife in California. Book your stay today!
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
