With its pristine natural areas and the open coast just steps away, Pajaro Dunes -- with “pajaro” coming from the Spanish for “bird” -- is a fitting coastal name to describe this waterside neighborhood. The Pajaro River lies to the east while the Monterey Bay is to the west, making it no wonder why Vista Properties Managing Broker Nicole Mhyrstad calls Pajaro Dunes “a one hundred percent beach community.” Myhrstad has sold numerous homes in the Central Coast area. “It’s a very isolated spot right on the sand. There are no restaurants or no grocery stores,” she says. From its parks and waterfront views to its elegant shoreside homes, Pajaro Dunes offers true beach tranquility.
Wood-slatted trails welcome locals to their beach getaway in Pajaro Dunes.
Uncrowded pristine beaches await at Pajaro Dunes.
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Beachside and riverside relaxation
Situated between a river and a bay, there are plenty of water-based activities to enjoy in Pajaro Dunes. Residents have their pick of several beaches to explore. Palm Beach State Park has many pine trees and sand dunes, offering spots for both whale watching and bird watching. Windsurfing and fishing are popular activities down at Sunset State Beach, a campground with stunning Monterey Bay views. Down by the Pajaro River, there are places to hold picnics or take a kayak ride out on the water.
Surfers enjoy the shorebreak at Pajaro Dunes.
Enjoy a refreshing stroll on the beautiful Pajaro Creek Trail near Pajaro Dunes.
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Homes in the sand
Pajaro Dunes homes primarily consist of one- and two-story condos with some contemporary homes in the mix. Many of these properties have views of the Monterey Bay and the dunes, and because some are also conveniently located right on the beach, residents can walk down to the sand anytime. “There are houses in the sand. A lot of the beachfront homes are priced up to millions of dollars each, and there are some huge condo complexes, too” Myhrstad says. Prices range between $200,000 to $3 million, and homes typically remain on the market for about 37 days.
A shingle-style contemporary home adds character to Pajaro Dunes.
Contemporary houses are common in the scenic neighborhood of Pajaro Dunes.
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Shopping and dining in nearby Watsonville
Because Pajaro Dunes has no restaurants or shops, residents will need to drive to Watsonville for the nearest dining and shopping options. At the Beach Street Café, a charming restaurant that resembles a cross between a beach shack and a diner, offers a cozy wood-paneled interior where diners can enjoy hot breakfasts and lunches. Jalisco serves Mexican cuisine in an elegant dining space and patio. Adding ambience, the restaurant’s live mariachi band creates a true South-of-the-Border atmosphere. For stocking up on everyday food staples, Target and Nob Hill Foods are available.
Downtown Watsonville meets shopping and grocery needs for Pajaro Dunes residents.
Jalisco Restaurant in Watsonville offers nearby dining for Pajaro Dunes residents.
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Pajaro Dunes students
The neighborhood is served by the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. Students can attend Landmark Elementary School and Pajaro Middle School, which were both given a C-minus from Niche. Watsonville High School, rated B-minus, gives courses in Career Technical Education like environmental horticulture and automotive services.
Pajaro Middle School promotes student success through dedicated staff and resources.
Thriving is the norm at Watsonville High School, where learning and growth intersect.
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Routes 1 and 152
Major roads around Pajaro Dunes include State Routes 1 and 152. 1 is also known as Cabrillo Highway in this area and is a north/ south highway that spans much of the Pacific coastline. 152 extends from Watsonville to Chowchilla, reaching nearly the exact middle of California. Pajaro Dunes is less than five miles southwest of Watsonville, as well as 50 miles south of major city San Jose. Two airports are available nearby: Watsonville Muni Airport (seven miles) and Monterey Regional Airport (28 miles.)
Photography Contributed By
Eli Tye
Video By
Bill Jennings
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Linda Baker,
an experienced agent in this area.
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Are you searching for an Oceanview condo with no stairs? This two bedroom, two bath unit on the second floor offers exactly that, and so much more. As soon as you enter you are drawn straight to the ocean view, with endless sights of sea and birds. This unit comes complete with a newly updated electric fireplace, stackable washer and dryer, a primary bedroom with ensuite bath, and sliding doors
Secure, Private, and quiet is what comes to mind when I think of the waterfront living experience at Pajaro Dunes, unless of course you dont like being close enough to the beach to hear the waves land on the shore! Located right on the sand just steps from the beach and the water sits this beautifully updated and furnished 2 bedroom, 1 and a half bathrooms single level end unit condo which is
Welcome to your Charming Coastal Retreat in Pajaro Dunes! Nestled between the stunning shores of Santa Cruz and Monterey, this lovingly maintained single-level beach home in the gated community of Pajaro Dunes offers the perfect blend of coastal charm and serene privacy. Featuring 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, this home has been treasured by the same family for decades and never used as a rental, a
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Most people daydream about waking up at the beach. You're about to make it your reality at ground level. Tucked between Santa Cruz and Monterey, this gated beachfront community is known for pristine sand, dramatic coastline, and the kind of setting that makes regular life feel slightly overrated. This renovated condo sits directly on the beach, which means your morning coffee is just minutes from
PICTURE THIS: LAYING IN BED OR RELAXING IN A COUCH IN THE LIVING ROOM AND LOOKING AT WAVES, THE BEACH, SUNSET ALL FROM YOUR HOME - ALL DAY AND ALL NIGHT LONG!! Stunning ocean views from the living room and the front bedroom. Step on to the deck outside the living room and master bedroom -- spectacular views of the ocean and beach, you can see occasional dolphins, jumping in the water closer to
****ATTENTION BEACH LOVERS***** 25% Fractional Deeded Ownership***** Enjoy year around use of this beautiful 2 bedroom/2 bath fully furnished Shorebird Condominium on Monterey Bay. Less than 50 steps to miles of sandy unspoiled beach. Enjoy the beach, tennis, biking, fishing or just relaxing. Share the use and all expenses with 3 other beach loving partners. Private setting, remodeled kitchen
NEW PRICE! ~ BEACH FRONT CONDO with PANORAMIC WHITE WATER VIEWS! Third Level 1BR/1BA , Ramp Accessible Pelican Point Condo at Pajaro Dunes on Monterey Bay. Great Ocean and River Views. High Ceiling in the Living Room. South Facing with Abundant Natural Light, Bright and Very Inviting. Updated Kitchen and Bathroom. Living Room with Wood Burning Fireplace. Private Deck for Outdoor Fun. In-Unit
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