If your trip to Pajaro Dunes is all sorted out but your itinerary is looking a bit empty, we can give you a few hints and tips.The wider region is known for some great paragliding and sky diving. So why not hop in your car, get some fresh air and spend some time in nature?

Once you’ve explored the best of Pajaro Dunes, head over to Watsonville. This neighborhood has tons of things to keep you occupied. Just 4 miles away, it won’t take long to get there.

There’s nothing nicer than dropping the car window and feeling the cool, salty air on your skin while you’re cruising by the seaside. Pack some yummy sandwiches and spend a few hours checking out one of the beautiful beaches near Pajaro Dunes. Popular options include:

• Sunset State Beach (2 miles away).
• Manresa State Beach (4 miles away).
• Moss Landing State Beach (5 miles away).

Socialize with some of the locals while you’re in Pajaro Dunes by cruising off to an event at one of the popular convention centers. There are a few awesome things on, so take a look at the schedule and set aside a day. Recommended places include:

• Mount Madonna Center (11 miles away).
• Cocoanut Grove (12 miles away).

Around 6 miles from downtown Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley, Pajaro Dunes is a terrific base to explore this charming city. If all you’re looking for is a fuel-efficient vehicle to get you around the local neighborhoods, an economy or a compact car ought to do the job. Families might prefer the extra storage and decent legroom that a four-wheel drive or a full-size offers. Want to splash out? Our premium category is full of cars that are super fun to drive and will make your vacation that little more special.

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to rental cars in Pajaro Dunes. From spacious SUVs with plenty of trunk space to zippy little compacts that make parking a breeze, you’ll find it all here. Choosing your perfect match depends on how much you’d like to spend and what activities you’ve got planned. Some road trips are just begging you to splurge on your dream ride, whereas others require no more than an engine and four wheels.

No one wants to see the flash of red and blue lights behind them on a driving vacation. Learn about the road rules in Pajaro Dunes (and stay on the right side of the law!) with these tips:

In Pajaro Dunes, you’ll have to stick to the right-hand side. When exploring a new place, it’s always a smart idea to go for a vehicle with automatic transmission. That way, you can focus on the road ahead and not stress about gear changes.

The beauty of visiting a smaller city like Santa Cruz is less traffic — and you won’t find much of it in the neighborhood of Pajaro Dunes. That being said, you may still encounter busier conditions during standard peak-hour times.

It can be. Driving around the block looking for a place to park is common in Pajaro Dunes. Getting near top attractions is easier if you research your options ahead of time.

Like the wider Santa Cruz area, the neighborhood of Pajaro Dunes has speed limits ranging from 15mph to 70mph. In residential areas, you usually won’t be able to drive faster than 25mph.

Most of the time, your chosen rental car company will bill the amount detailed on the fine to your credit card, including local taxes and surcharges. Or they may supply your contact details to the relevant local law enforcement agency, who’ll then issue a fine directly to you.

Seat belts should always be fastened in Watsonville. However, the rules may differ for some vehicles, like those used by public transportation networks.

As with many places, standard cell phone usage is prohibited while cruising around Pajaro Dunes. However, an exception applies for hands-free or Bluetooth capabilities. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road.

When behind the wheel in Pajaro Dunes, it’s an offence to have a BAC (blood alcohol content) above 0.08%. Planning to have a couple of drinks over lunch or dinner? Consider taking a taxi or using a ride-sharing service.

Traffic laws in Pajaro Dunes permit drivers at a red light to turn into the lane nearer to them, without having to wait for it to turn green. Before making the maneuver, the car must fully stop and the driver must ensure the lane is clear before proceeding.