Published in cooperation between 99bitcoins and the Pajaronian
Watsonville, California, attracts thousands of visitors each year because of its proximity to Santa Cruz without all the tourists, as well as its natural areas offering hikes, vineyards and the beach.
Although there are many must-sees in the city, including Elkorn Slough Reserve and Tuttle Mansion, there are also several hidden gems that only the locals know about.
With so many incredible parks and reserves in the area, many give Mount Madonna a skip. However, this area is not only beautiful and offers many trails to explore, but it also carries spiritual significance. Mount Madonna County Park is home to a Hanuman Temple, also called the Sri Ram Ashram.
This sacred sanctuary has been created to worship the Hindu deity Hanuman, who is worshiped for his strength and devotion. The center allows meditation, devotion and spiritual gatherings. Visitors to the temple must make a reservation in advance, and visiting days are Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Apart from the temple, the park has facilities for hiking, camping, horseback riding, birdwatching, running and cycling.
Palm Beach State Park may not be a hidden gem, but it is an area loved by locals as it is one of the few beaches where free roadside parking is available. This gorgeous beach is rarely crowded, in part due to the large stretch of white sand. What makes this area feel hidden is that it is backed by the Pajaro Dunes, giving it a sense of isolation.
There are picnic tables, restrooms, showers and barbecue facilities at the beach, making it the ideal day out for fishermen or those simply looking to sunbathe for a few hours. The Pajaro Dunes Resort is within walking distance, so if the weather sours, you can head to the restaurant and entertain yourself by playing games on online Bitcoin poker sites on the WiFi until the sun comes out again.
One of the best-kept local secrets is the Watsonville Farmers Market on Friday afternoons. It is hosted at the City Plaza, with stalls selling produce grown on the surrounding farms. There are also fresh cut flowers, prepared foods and affordable prices. The Mexican street food on offer is a must, so make sure to arrive hungry. There are also seasonal events at the market, like the Strawberry Festival or Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) celebrations.
Even those who have lived in the Watsonville area may have not paid a visit to Bryne-Milliron Forest. This gorgeous area is tucked just beneath the Santa Cruz Mountains, near Corralitos. The preserve spans over 402 acres of woodland comprising redwood and hardwood forests. There are over 10 miles of trails to explore in the preserve, and it offers scenic views of the Pajaro Valley. The forest is home to Great White, a 1,000-year-old redwood that stands over 230 feet tall. It remains a working forest to this day, with ongoing timber harvesting that funds the maintenance of the property.
Roses of Yesterday and Today was established in 1930 by Francis E. Lester and has changed hands quite a few times since then, with the Wiley family currently running the nursery. This unique nursery is home to over 230 rare, unusual, old and modern rose varieties. The gardens are open to visitors who want to marvel at the unique flowers, and potted roses are available for sale every day between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The drive to Roses of Yesterday and Today is also a trip in itself, taking you along winding country roads with views over Monterey Bay.
