How ‘bout them apples? That’s a good place to begin a conversation in this city known for it’s apple orchards. Just about anywhere you look there are reminders about how important this sweet tree fruit is to the community. Local business, S. Martinelli & Co., has been making apple juice products since the 1800s and has its facilities here. Gizdich Ranch, a pick-it-yourself apple and berry farm, has been here for more than 70 years. There is a series of apple crate murals, replicas of box and crate labels from the 1900s, scattered throughout the downtown area, highlighting this part of the area’s history.

The City is certainly more than its apple heritage. Located in the Pajaro Valley, which is Spanish for bird, the Wetlands of Watsonville, a large freshwater marshland, bring birders from around the world to try and spot migrating and illusive species that fly in. Every year the Monterey Bay Birding Festival is held here, celebrating this great natural resource.

In recent years, berries have thrived in the cool climate here. The Strawberry Festival, held annually in downtown, showcases fresh local strawberries from the Pajaro Valley. So much to do … how do you like them apples!