Pajaro Dunes, CA

Travel Guide

A sandy beach with footprints, a dune, and a row of beach chairs.
A sunset over a beach with a grassy foreground and distant mountains.
A sandy beach with waves and grassy dunes.
A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, ocean waves, and distant mountains.
A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, ocean waves, and a wooden fence.

Stay in Pajaro Dunes to enjoy coastal trails, local history, and beachside neighborhoods that reveal the area's natural charm.

Pajaro Dunes is an ideal destination for outdoor and scenery travelers. You can explore nearby attractions like Sunset State Beach and the Sunset Wetland Nature Preserve, both known for their natural landscapes. For a glimpse into the local history, visit the Pajaro Valley Historical Association. Additionally, there are plenty of activities to engage in, such as shopping at Watsonville Square Shopping Center, playing a round of golf at Seascape Golf Club, or enjoying recreational activities at Pinto Lake Park. The area also features beautiful natural paths, including the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail.

Spend some time exploring the nearby neighborhoods of Pajaro Dunes. Moss Landing and Watsonville are both known for outdoor scenery experiences. Moss Landing features The Shakespeare Society of America and Island Beach, while Watsonville has Manresa State Beach and the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Aptos, another nearby area, is recognized for its beach experiences, with spots like Rio Del Mar Beach and Potbelly Beach, as well as the Aptos History Museum to delve into local history.

The best time to visit Pajaro Dunes is from June to October, when the weather is mild and mostly dry, with temperatures ranging from 62 to 65°F. Demand for accommodations remains steady throughout the year, but it tends to be a bit busier during June to July and September. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in October to December, when the crowds diminish.

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

4 out of 5
Two Portola Plaza Monterey CA
$183 nightly
The price is $218 total per night from Nov 29 to Nov 30
$218 total
Nov 29 - Nov 30
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa resort in Monterey. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,758 reviews)
"Paid 5.99 for water + 29 for parking where's as its free in most of the places..."

Reviewed on Nov 11, 2026

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa

4.5 out of 5
1 Old Golf Course Rd Monterey CA
$210 nightly
The price is $244 total per night from Nov 22 to Nov 23
$244 total
Nov 22 - Nov 23
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury resort in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,781 reviews)
"Diego at the front desk is the nicest ever. I am a Monterey guy, visiting for my mother’s funeral, and he was incredibly kind and supportive."

Reviewed on Nov 11, 2026

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

4.5 out of 5
400 Cannery Row Monterey CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$359 nightly
The price is $414 total per night from Dec 3 to Dec 4
$414 total
Dec 3 - Dec 4
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury resort in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
GREAT OCEAN VIEWS, LAST MINUTE DEAL!! BOOK NOW -BEAUTIFUL BEACH HOME!!

GREAT OCEAN VIEWS, LAST MINUTE DEAL!! BOOK NOW -BEAUTIFUL BEACH HOME!!

Watsonville CA
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Watsonville. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Pajaro River Mouth Nature ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (192 reviews)
"Pajaro Dunes was home for a week. The home had plenty of space for all of us. The kitchen was stocked with everything we might need. TVs in every room, beds were comfy and the view is amazing! Started every day out on the deck just watching the ocean waves and whales, dolphins, seals and even a little ..."

Reviewed on Nov 4, 2026

GREAT OCEAN VIEWS, LAST MINUTE DEAL!! BOOK NOW -BEAUTIFUL BEACH HOME!!
Top Floor Full Ocean View Pajaro Dunes Shorebirds Beach Condo-Watsonville, CA

Top Floor Full Ocean View Pajaro Dunes Shorebirds Beach Condo-Watsonville, CA

Watsonville CA
Book a stay at this beach condo in Watsonville. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Sunset Wetland Nature Preserve and Pajaro ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (138 reviews)
"Great place with a great view and easy access to the shore.It was very clean and had everything we needed for our stay."

Reviewed on Nov 6, 2026

Top Floor Full Ocean View Pajaro Dunes Shorebirds Beach Condo-Watsonville, CA
Gorgeous Ocean Views and just steps to the beach! Book Now!

Gorgeous Ocean Views and just steps to the beach! Book Now!

Watsonville CA
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Watsonville. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sunset Wetland Nature Preserve ...
10/10 Exceptional! (257 reviews)
"A very spacious and quiet beach house that was perfect for a family vacation."

Reviewed on Nov 9, 2026

Gorgeous Ocean Views and just steps to the beach! Book Now!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do

Cities near Pajaro Dunes

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