How Much Do You Know About Watsonville?

Watsonville is a place like no other. And whether you grew up here, recently moved to the area or you’re just an occasional visitor, you know that Watsonville has its own special traditions and history that make it so unique.

A few things to know:

• Watsonville was once a major apple-growing region in California and is still home to some of the best apple orchards in the state. You can visit Gizdich Ranch and enjoy apple picking and homemade pies.
• The city has a rich history of agriculture and farming, which is celebrated each year with the Watsonville Strawberry Festival. The festival is a popular event that features live music, carnival rides and of course, delicious strawberry treats.
• The Pajaro Valley Historical Association Museum is a hidden gem in Watsonville that offers visitors a glimpse into the Pajaro Valley’s past. The museum features exhibits on the history of agriculture, transportation and everyday life in the area.
• Watsonville is has a vibrant arts and culture scene. The Henry J. Mello Center for the Performing Arts hosts a variety of shows and concerts throughout the year, while the Pajaro Valley Arts features rotating exhibits and workshops by local artists.
• Watsonville Buddhist Temple is one of Pajaro Valley’s oldest institutions. The temple was established in 1906 and has been serving the area for both religious worship and community service.
• Watsonville is surrounded by fertile agricultural land and locals take pride in the many locally grown crops. You can sample some of these fresh fruits and vegetables at the Watsonville Certified Farmers' Market, which is held every Friday.
• If you're a fan of hiking and outdoor adventure, the Watsonville area has plenty to offer. Trails include Watsonville’s own Mount Madonna County Park and Forest of Nisene Marks State Park nearby.
• The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, located in Watsonville, is home to the annual Santa Cruz County Fair, which features carnival rides, live music, livestock shows,and a variety of other activities.
• Watsonville is home to the historic Fox Theatre, which was built in 1923. Now closed, the theater boasts an impressive résumé with 3,000 tickets sold during its opening week of Harry Potter translated in Spanish. It was also the only theater in the northern part of the state to show “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” in Spanish when it came out in 2002.
• The city of Watsonville is situated in close proximity to the epicenter of the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake, which was a seismic event of great magnitude. The earthquake caused widespread destruction throughout the region, including significant damage to numerous buildings in downtown Watsonville.
• The nearby town of Moss Landing, just a few miles south of Watsonville, is a popular destination for whale-watching tours. You can see humpback whales, gray whales and other marine life up close on guided boat tours.
• Watsonville is home to several beautiful parks, including Ramsay Park, which features a large playground, picnic areas and a pump track. The park is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors with friends and family.

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