Local Area Attractions Near Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday

Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday in Watsonville, California is just minutes away from Monterey Bay and a short walk to Manresa State Beach. Explore the many local area attractions! 

Monterey Bay Is the hub of many activities and fun places to visit! The Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday is based in the center, making it a perfect base camp for your vacation!

Here are some of the best local attractions to do and see during your visit:

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park

Located in Santa Cruz, 15 minutes north of the campground, 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.

400 Beach Street

Santa Cruz, CA 95060

831-423-5590

Website

Monterey Bay Aquarium

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 a short 30 minute drive 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.

886 Cannery Row

Monterey, CA 93940

Website

Capitola Village

Capitola Village

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

716 Capitola Avenue

Capitola, CA 95010

831-475-6522

Website

Roaring Camp Railroads

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.

5401 Graham Hill Road

Felton, CA 95018

831-335-4484

Website

Santa Cruz Beaches/Manresa State Beach

Santa Cruz Beaches/Manresa State Beach

We are located just under 1 mile from Manresa State Beach. Miles of sand, park lands and bike paths extend the length of Santa Cruz County. A short drive leads you to a relaxing day of fresh crab, kite flying and walking on the beach. Let your cares fade away as the waves hit the shore. Watch the fishing boats bring in the daily catch and enjoy fresh crab and San Francisco Sourdough. Enjoy some BBQ'd oysters, a local's favorite! Waterfront restaurants and souvenir shopping are available up and down the coast. There are 28 beaches to seek out in Santa Cruz. Click on the website to find your perfect beach!

1445 San Andreas Road

Watsonvile, CA 95076

831-724-3750

Website

Local Area Recreation Near Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday

Learn to Surf!

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 area's top surfers.

Website

Scenic 17-Mile Drive

Scenic 17-Mile Drive

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

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Santa Cruz County Conference & Vistors Council

Santa Cruz County Conference & Vistors Council

The beaches are just the beginning! Explore majestic redwood forests in Santa Cruz County's 14 state parks. Taste fresh cuisine and fine wines. Experience rich history and acclaimed arts. Santa Cruz's Traveler's Guide will help you discover all that Santa Cruz has to offer. Online visitor information keeps you up-to-date on Santa Cruz's year-round events for everyone. Find out about the latest news for visitors, or check out what's happening this week. Many things to see and do in Santa Cruz County are absolutely free.

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Downtown Santa Cruz Antique Street Faire

Downtown Santa Cruz Antique Street Faire

"Original" Downtown Antique Faire is on the 2nd Sunday of the month. Vendors offer an eclectic blend of antiques and unique items. Weather permitting. Year round.

Lincoln Street (between Pacific and Cedar)

Santa Cruz,, CA 95060

Website

Boardwalk Holiday Ice

Boardwalk Holiday Ice

Start a new holiday tradition, ice skating at the Boardwalk! The Boardwalk's Main Plaza sparkles with all the fun of a winter wonderland with ice skating and festive foods plus rides, games and more! Each 1-hour session includes ice skate rental for only $14.95 + tax.

Santa Cruz Boardwalk 400 Beach Street

Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Website