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/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:
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
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
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
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
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
Elkhorn Slough Safari is 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. 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. The 27-foot pontoon boat the Safari, departs from Moss Landing, California.
7881 Sandholdt Road
Moss Landing, CA 95039
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.
681 Leavesley Rd
Gilroy, CA 95020-3657
Sonoma and Napa Valley are a golfer's paradise. Bring your clubs and enjoy Silverado Country Club, The Chardonnay 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!
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.
California's 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! The park is located in Santa Clara, California.
4701 Great America Pkwy
Santa Clara, CA 95054
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!
750 Hearst Castle Road
San Simeon, CA 93452
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.
1718 Brommer
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Visit Napa Valley Wine Train Gourmet Dining Excursions online for information.
1275 McKinstry Street
Napa, CA 94559
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.
Your entire family will find something to enjoy at the Gilroy 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.
3050 Hecker Pass Hwy
Gilroy, CA 95020
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. The Center is located on the west side of Santa Cruz.
100 McAllister Way
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
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.
525 S Winchester Blvd
San Jose, CA 95128
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 online for more information.
8071 Moss Landing
Moss Landing, CA 95039
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.
465 Mystery Spot Road
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
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. The Speedway is located at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, off State Route 152.
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds
2601 E Lake Ave
Watsonville, CA 95076
It's "always kid season" at Gizdich Ranch. You can pick your own berries and apples, shop in the antique and gift shop and enjoy lunch in the 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. The Ranch is located in Watsonville, 15 miles east of Santa Cruz.
55 Peckham Road
Watsonville, CA 95076
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.
