What to do in Watsonville, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Watsonville

Types of activities

Watsonville travel guide

Mama you didn’t tell me that that’s what artichokes look like

This view will never get old! It’s not busy and very peaceful.

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.

Great area to view the sunset without the congestion of Santa Cruz area. Manresa Beach!

Watsonville Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Watsonville has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Watsonville, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Watsonville with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Watsonville

Watsonville is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Watsonville, and make it a breeze to explore Watsonville and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Watsonville to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Watsonville, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Watsonville.

Watsonville attractions

Watsonville has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Watsonville to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Watsonville.

Looking for things to do in Watsonville can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Watsonville or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Watsonville attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Recommended things to do in Watsonville

Number of things to do	18
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia	Missing Gem Quest Experience in Morgan Hill: £7
Top 5 things to do	Wildlife Safari Boat Tour in Scenic Monterey Bay Wetland Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa Cruz Monterey Bay Whale Watching Santa Cruz, California Scavenger Hunt
Half-day tours	Wildlife Safari Boat Tour in Scenic Monterey Bay Wetland Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour Monterey Bay Whale Watching Santa Cruz, California Scavenger Hunt Santa Cruz Scavenger Hunt Walking Activity
With kids	Wildlife Safari Boat Tour in Scenic Monterey Bay Wetland Monterey Bay Whale Watching Capitola Friday Night Food Tour Redwoods Forest Swimming Monterey County Salinas Valley Farm Tour

What to do in Watsonville

Popular places to visit

La Selva Beach

Why not spend a care-free 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.

Sunset Time View at Crystal Cove State Beach Shoreline with Ocean Waves, Newport Beach City, California

Sunset State Beach

Why not spend a care-free 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.

Manresa State Beach

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

Mount Madonna Center

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

Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve

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

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.

Watsonville Square Shopping Center

You can do some window-shopping at Watsonville Square Shopping Center during your trip to Watsonville. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

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.

Pajaro Valley Historical Association

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

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

Day trip destinations from Watsonville

Aptos

Gilroy

Los Gatos

Salinas

Castroville

Pajaro Dunes

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 flavours, 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 holidaying 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 neighbourhoods, 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 travelling adventures.