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
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Shorebird 304 is a 25% Shared Ownership offering. Unbelievable view of the beach, ocean and bay. Enjoy 2 weeks at a time in the beautiful 3rd level 2 bedroom 2 bath. Completely remodeled and furnished, ready for summer fun! Share this expense and time with 3 other beach loving partners
Welcome to your beachside retreat in the gated community of Pajaro Dunes! This charming ground-level, 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom Pelican condo is designed for those who are looking for easy beach access, comfort and coastal living. Step right off the deck and onto the sand! Inside the unit youll find a cozy fireplace and views of the dunes through floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room, with
Welcome to your coastal paradise with breathtaking ocean views and direct beach access! This home is in impeccable move-in condition, featuring over 40 windows that capture the panoramic views from every angle. The main level showcases an open floor plan with ocean views, an inviting living room, a spacious dining area, and a large kitchen. A large protected back deck off the kitchen provides
Light, bright, and charming ground level, 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo on the sand in the gated community of Pajaro Dunes. Pride of ownership shines throughout this condo which has been loved and cared for by the same family for 50 years. Positioned perfectly within the privacy of the dunes, natural light fills this home even on cloudy days. With direct beach access right from your patio, it offers
Shorebird 304 is a 25% Shared Ownership offering. Unbelievable view of the beach, ocean and bay. Enjoy 2 weeks at a time in the beautiful 3rd level 2 bedroom 2 bath. Completely remodeled and furnished, ready for summer fun! Share this expense and time with 3 other beach loving partners
A Perfect Beach Vacation Home ! Overlooking the Pajaro River and Bay stretching all the way to Monterey. Privacy and enchanting views await the lucky new owner of this single level, 2-bedroom, 2 bath. The master bedroom has private views of the river and ocean beyond. Large deck to enjoy the morning sunrise and just steps to the beach path. Enjoy tennis, pickleball and miles of sandy beach.
GREAT NEW PRICE! ~ BEACH FRONT CONDO with PANORAMIC WHITE WATER VIEWS! Third Floor 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.
Enjoy a 1/5th Fractional Interest in a lovely maintained ground level, corner-end unit with views of the ocean on the Monterey Bay and the Pajaro River. Located in the gated beach community of Pajaro Dunes, this is toes in the sand living with a private path to the oceans edge. Spacious and open floorplan, it comes fully furnished and is not a vacation rental. Enjoy 10 weeks a year of beach
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