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One of the most exciting reasons to visit Santa Cruz County is to see wildlife. Wildlife watching in Santa Cruz County is rich with opportunities to view elephant seals, wintering monarch butterflies, and go whale watching or bird watching. Watsonville's wetlands and nearby Elkhorn Slough support hundreds of birds that pass through or find permanent refuge there. The annual Monterey Bay Birding Festival in Watsonville is a great way to view a variety of birds and other animals which call this area home. Spotting dolphins, sea otters and other marine life can also be enjoyed year-round. Read more...
To request a Birding and Wildlife Guide for Santa Cruz County, click here.
Parks, Bird Watching
Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
Visitor center & five miles of trails through oak woodlands, grasslands, fresh & saltwater marshes, seasonal wildlife.
Watsonville, CA | 831.728.2822 | visit web site | more info
Parks, Bird Watching
Neary Lagoon
Abundant wildlife, trails, small play area, tennis courts & interpretive signage. No dogs allowed in wildlife refuge area.
Santa Cruz, CA | 831.420.5270 | visit web site | more info
Museums, Bird Watching
Wetlands of Watsonville Nature Center
Offers exhibits on wetlands animals & history, family activities, bird watching, and more. Exploration walks Sundays at 1:30.
Watsonville, CA | 831.768.1622 | visit web site | more info
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