Things to do in Watsonville

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Watsonville
Watsonville
Photo by Athena Pond
Photo by Athena Pond
Photo by Ashlie Thornburg Freeberg
Photo by Ashlie Thornburg Freeberg
Photo by Laury Kelly
Photo by Laury Kelly

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Most popular activities in Watsonville

Tours & day trips

See all 14 activities
Capitola Private 2-Hour Walking Tour

Capitola Private 2-Hour Walking Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥4,417 per adult
Capitola Private 2-Hour Walking TourOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 4 activities
Capitola Friday Night Food Tour

Capitola Friday Night Food Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥18,998 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 3 activities
Santa Cruz 2Hour Guided eBike Tour for Small E-Bike Groups

Santa Cruz 2Hour Guided eBike Tour for Small E-Bike Groups

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥16,200 per adult
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What to do in Watsonville

Discover the most popular places to visit in Watsonville

La Selva Beach

La Selva Beach

4/5(19 reviews)

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at La Selva Beach during your travels in Watsonville? Attend a sporting event while you're in the area, or simply enjoy its restaurants.

La Selva Beach
Great hiking around the slough. Saw lots of sea birds and otters, crabs, lizards and even 3 different snakes. Trails are easy hiking and they also do kayak trips into the slough. Fun place to see nature.

Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve

Explore the great outdoors at Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, a lovely green space in Elkhorn. Wander the marina and beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.

Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve

Mount Madonna Center

4/5(5 reviews)

Learn about the events happening at Mount Madonna Center during your trip to Watsonville. Wander the beautiful beaches and picturesque gardens in this family-friendly area.

Mount Madonna Center

Sunset State Beach

5/5(1 review)

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Sunset State Beach during your travels in Watsonville? Attend a sporting event while you're in the area, or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Sunset State Beach

Manresa State Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Manresa State Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Watsonville. Attend a sporting event while you're in the area, or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Manresa State Beach

Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds

Enjoy an outing to Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds during your stay in Interlaken. Wander the beautiful beaches and picturesque gardens in the area.

Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds

Watsonville Square Shopping Center

You can enjoy retail therapy at Watsonville Square Shopping Center during your stay in Watsonville. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

Watsonville Square Shopping Center

Pinto Lake Park

Explore the great outdoors at Pinto Lake Park, a lovely green space in Watsonville. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Pinto Lake Park

Pajaro Valley Historical Association

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Pajaro Valley Historical Association during your travels in Watsonville. Wander the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.

Pajaro Valley Historical Association

Popular day trips from Watsonville

Aptos

Aptos

Photo by Mary Díaz

Gilroy

Los Gatos

Los Gatos

Photo by Lingling ❤️

Morgan Hill

National Steinbeck Center which includes interior views

Salinas

Photo by Sara Crotts

Moss Landing

Photo by Timothy Howard

Soquel

Frequently asked questions

Is Watsonville worth visiting?
Watsonville has an interesting mix of attractions, local charm and culture. Whether you're into nature, history or local culinary flavors, there's plenty you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Watsonville?
La Selva Beach and Seacliff State Beach are two good places to begin your adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and shopping options in Watsonville while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Watsonville?
Don't go home without visiting La Selva Beach, ranked the top tourist attraction in Watsonville.
Is three days enough to stay in Watsonville?
Three days will give you plenty of time to tick off the leading city sights, such as Sunset State Beach, Manresa State Beach and Sunset Wetland Nature Preserve. The average stay in Watsonville is three days. If you have the urge to extend your break, San Jose isn't far away.
What are some activities to do in Watsonville with kids?
Deciding what to do in Watsonville with kids has never been easier. Whether you're vacationing with little ones or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly tours and activities to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Watsonville for adults?
Nicholson Vineyards and Windy Oaks Estate are just a couple of the things to do in Watsonville. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Watsonville?
From visiting parks to strolling around hip neighborhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Watsonville. If you need new ideas, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Manresa State Beach is a top spot for anyone planning to save on their traveling adventures.