The beach has got some pretty cool rock formations, tide pools, and hidden coves that youll eventually find if you search look enough. Do visit Capitola Beach at, Capitola Beach Company NavigateRestaurantsMapsAbout UsContactPrivacy PolicyTerms of Use, 8 Hidden Gems You Need To Experience Near Santa Cruz, California, 10 Must-See Places Youll Want To Experience On Pacific Coast Highway, Take The Wheel And Enjoy A Scenic California Coast Drive. Got those too. Privates Beach, a relatively unknown,gated beach is open to the publicwith $100yearlypass, andis popular with local surfers. Know What Side to Be on Or Risk Getting a hard to Pronounce Ailment. But make sure the tides arent dangerous on the day you plan to swim. Pets are allowed as long as they stay on a leash, Water quality is generally good at Seacliff Beach, but in case you're concerned, you can. Sign up below to get new posts, just like this one, delivered straight to your inbox. If you're planning to go to one of these beaches, you should know that one stretch of Santa Cruz sand can go by two or three names. Continue with Recommended Cookies, A liberal community, rich with tourist-friendly attractions and natural beauty, Several nearby areas make up this community of clean beaches and stunning views, Trendy shops and restaurants make up this popular tourist town, Best known for its sensational beaches sandwiched between high cliffs and bluffs, Ethnically diverse farm community known for its mild, year-round temperatures. Lighthouse Field is also a place for taking a scenic walk. Santa Cruz County Beaches. If you don't know how to navigate using call box numbers and mile markers, here's how. Westside Beaches Very cool! Ahh, dog lovers rejoice! Rio Del Mar Beach has some unique clams, shells, and rocks. Be sure to hit the nearby Santa Cruz Surfing Museum before you head home. Plus most of the beaches are walking distance to shops, restaurants and other nearby attractions. Parks & Recreation-About Parks & Recreation + What is There to Do at Waddell Creek Beach? The beach is clean and with its flat surface, its great for kids to run around and find sand dollars, crabs, and more. 1. The beach has soft, light-colored sand that is kept very clean and it's a family friendly place. Go to the western side of the beach for the tide pools. It goes without saying that the scenery is amazing too. Legendary Steamer Lane is best viewed from the overlook near the surfer status. It can sometimes be hard to determine which ones are the closest, especially if youre stopping by for just a day. Once youve had your fill of sun and sand, head to the town for a little shopping or sustenance. Theres a $10 park fee per car, though you can park outside and walk if youd like to save your greenbacks for a chilly beverage or two. It's also a fun place to watch all the action, with the waves breaking close to shore. Watch beginners and pro surfers ride the waves. SANTA CRUZ MAIN BEACH Bleachers Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk . You'll find theSno WhiteDrive In up the road just a few blocks from the entrance and a grocery store just on the other side of CA Hwy 1. Theres so many things to do! Santa Cruz Main Beach is the best beach in Santa Cruz. Natural Bridges is a gem at the North end of Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz County is home to some of the best beaches on the West Coast. The park is 16 miles south of Santa Cruz off Highway One. If youre learning how to surf or intimidated with surfing with the pros on Steamer Lane, check out the waves here. (800) 347-6363. To find the tide pools, look for the rugged coast around the beach. Scott Creek is one of Santa Cruzs nude beaches. Water quality is generally good in Capitola, but in case you're concerned, you can check the latest water quality warnings at the Santa Cruz County Health Services website. Main Beach: The boardwalk is nearby and lifeguards on duty during the busiest times. Why We Recommend It: If you are seeking an epiphany out on the water or just a mind-clearing walk onshore, this may be your lucky charm. 2531 W Cliff Dr. Santa Cruz, CA 95060. For more safety tips, please visit parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips. Source: Sundry Photography / shutterstock, Source: Mariusz S. Jurgielewicz / shutterstock, Source: Emily C. McCormick / shutterstock, 15 Best Things to Do in Corpus Christi (Texas), 15 Best Things to Do in Chtellerault (France), 15 Best Things to Do in Greenfield (Indiana), 15 Best Things to Do in Tondela (Portugal). A 5-minute walk away from Seabright State Beach is the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. In addition to the views, the beach is a great place to whale watch and get a glimpse of the Monarch butterflies which migrate here in the fall and winter. Tourists pack the city waterfront where they enjoy an amusement park, arcades, a boardwalk, a fishing pier, and a wide sandy beach. Budget-Friendly Option near Santa Cruz Boardwalk. This beach area is also known as Point Santa Cruz. Seabright State Beach is a mile long beach located between the Boardwalk and the Santa Cruz Harbor. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk; Surfing Museum; University of California, Santa Cruz; Visit Santa Cruz; Civic Auditorium. You can also see wildlife here including deer and coyotes. Why We Recommend It: Surf with the locals at the Pleasure Point Beach. Lighthouse Field State Beach is on West Cliff Drive, on the north side of Santa Cruz. Looking for the best Santa Cruz beaches closest to you? When youve absorbed as much sun and sea air as you can stand, check out the pier, cruise the towns streets, stop for a sandwich or cappuccino, or check out some of the local artists work. The beach in front of us is usually very safe, fun surf to swim, boogie board or surf in. 1. If youre visiting Santa Cruz, add a beach day to your itinerary. The project will be completed in 4 phases to minimize any impact on visitors. South County Beaches. Some people say it's a better place to learn than in Santa Cruz because the waves are gentler. If you're facing the pier and the ocean, Cowell Beach is on the right and Main Beach on the left. Map showing all the significant beaches with links to each. You can also see the Santa Cruz Wharf from this sandy beach. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. mmm hmmm. These are all things you can do at Harbor Beach. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-californiabeaches_com-medrectangle-3-0-asloaded{max-width:320px!important;max-height:50px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'californiabeaches_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-californiabeaches_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Behind the beach youll find roller coasters and other amusement park rides, an arcade, mini golf, swimming pool, bowling alley, and many restaurant options. Manresa State Beach is a beautiful expanse of coastline that is great for walking, running, surfing, fishing, and general recreation. Additionally, those who ride METRO to the park do not need to pay a parking or entrance fee. Don't miss out on the Sky Glider, which boasts fantastic aerial views, or the exhilarating Fireball, which swings riders to dizzying heights. 20,000 of our readers voted in a poll to find out their favorite Santa Cruz County beaches. While there are tons of beaches in Santa Cruz for surfing, drive farther out to explore other amazing beaches on Californias coast. Below you will find all the best Santa Cruz beaches. If you want to try that, you should check out these tips first. So what's in Santa Cruz, that will get your heart pumping while breaking a sweat. Santa Cruz Harbor Beach - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. At high tide, the beach may completely disappear. Is Shark Fin Cove dog friendly? The bluffs above the beach where the campgrounds are located provide dramatic views for miles in either direction. At low tide, lots of interesting things wash up on shore, making it a great place to take a long walk especially if youre a shell junky or an inquisitive beachcomber. These southern Santa Cruz County beaches are in state parks such as Sunset SB, Manresa SB, Seacliff SB, and New Brighton State Beach. Why We Recommend It: An expert surfer or looking for bigger waves? If you're like me and prefer to stay firmly on dry land, you may just want to stand and watch the expert windsurfers. Like nearly all of Santa Cruz beaches, the scenery is magnificent, as are the sunrises and sunsets. With spectacular views of the crashing waves on the cliffs, this beach is perfect for watching the sunset and enjoying the coastal beauty of the Santa Cruz area. Dogs are allowed off-leash before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. Seals, dolphins, and whales are not uncommon occurrences either. The shops and attractions along Beach Street and the Santa Cruz Boardwalk are a must to explore if visiting for the first time. If you want to go surfing, check the surf report here. Here's how to rent one. Restrooms are near the parking lot across the street and there are outdoor showers. With its multiple camping facilities, camp out here with the kids and watch the sunset. Santa Cruz has several beaches where dogs are allowed as long as they are well-behaved. No pets are allowed on Capitola Beach, but they're welcome around town. This beautiful slice of California coast is located down a hillside, so bring walking shoes. Subscribe to California State Parks News via e-mail at
[email protected]. This picturesque beach is another one Santa Cruzs nude beaches and features some of the best sand in the area. The beach is wide and the surf isnt too menacing, making it great for families with kids. Seacliff's location is beautiful, especially on a clear day. You can rent kayaks and boats on the nearby pier. Right next to the Davenport Landing Beach is American Abalone Farms, a farm famous for California Red Abalone, reddish-brown snails. With a love for California that runs deep, Rasika and her husband explore the Golden State every chance they get, from the beaches in Santa Cruz to the hiking trails of Yosemite. There's a charge for parking on the pier and on most of the nearby streets. Exit CA 1 at State Park Drive and go a short distance toward the water to the park entrance kiosk. Yet I'm there almost every day, and I love the place. The beaches are at the foot of Bay Street. Plus theres a swing on the nearest pier arch. For more information on Santa Cruz METRO's Route 35 bus service, please visit scmetro.org. Lifeguard service is provided during the busiest times. This state park. With some mellow waves, this beach can be your starting point for surfing. The most notable feature at Seacliff State Beach is old cement ship that sits at the end of the wharf. Theres something about its picturesque, grass-covered dunes and the view of the lighthouse which juts out into the sea on its boulder jetty that make it an irresistible draw to many. Map, Parks, Parks Map. Steamer Lane is one of the areas where California surf culture began and Jack O'Neill's surf shop was nearby for many years. However, the arches on either end broke down leaving only the arch in the center. It. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is welcoming back Movies on the Beach in front of the Colonnade near Neptune's Kingdom. Choose Mitchells Cove Beach to walk your dog along the coastline. The area around the beach is nice with little shops and restaurants within walking distance. You'll find restrooms at the beach and picnic tables nearby (although some are across the road from the sand). Through her blog, Rasika hopes to inspire readers to fall in love with California just like she did. There's a lifeguard on duty during the busy season. View Beach Seascape Park Beach About 20 miles from Santa Cruz in Big Basin State Park, Waddell Beach doesnt get the foot traffic thats so typical of many of Santa Cruz municipal beaches. If you want to go surfing,check the surf report here. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Elizabeth Coleman is an attorney-turned-writer born and raised in the Santa Cruz mountains. Currently there are four miles of hiking trails and 18 miles of fire roads available for hiking and biking. And youll also find many crabs and sand dollars. We were there at low tide, so we could walk up to the lighthouse without getting drenched by breaking waves. There are usually some folks playing volleyball and others just enjoying the sun. These northern Santa Cruz beaches include Wilder Ranch SP, Bonney Doon SP, and Big Basin Redwoods State Park. The sound of the waves crashing along the seashore, the perfectly blue skies mirroring the blue of the majestic Pacific, the smell of salt in the air as your breath is taken away by the sight of the cliffs in the distanceaah Santa Cruz, I dare think myself bewitched by thy indulgence. Like declaring a best potato in Idaho, choosing one beach thats head and shoulders above all others in Santa Cruz is an exercise in futility. The hike to the Davenport Pier is HARD to get to so use extreme caution if you plan to climb down to the beach level. 131 Monterey Ave. If youre not put off by those two hindrances, however, your rewards for descending the steep and narrow trail will be great. What hotels are near Santa Cruz Harbor Beach? Other Names. Main Beach and Cowell Beach are like bookends for the Santa Cruz Municipal Pier, near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Santa Cruz City beaches are the heart of Santa Cruz coastline. So, if youre California dreamin, and only sun, sand, and surf will cure what ails you, head to Santa Cruz you wont be disappointed. It is located on the northern edge of the Monterey Bay, about 72 mi (115 km) south of San Francisco. Exactly four miles north of the junction of Highway 1 and Mission Street in Santa Cruz lays Four-Mile Beach, a mile long stretch of white sand along the coast. Creatures include starfish, fish, and even octopi. You'll find restrooms at the beach. It has a ton of beaches, but it can be hard to find the perfect beach that youre looking for. You can camp at Sunset Beach - all the details are in theSunset Beach Camping Guide. One of three cement ships built in Oakland during World War I, brought here in 1929 to become an amusement center. Large beach with views of the namesake natural bridge rock structures, access to extensive tide pools to explore the local ocean life from urchins to star fish, anemones, and other coastal creatures.
This pleasant beach rarely gets busy and is right off the scenic West Cliff Drive. They're crowded in summer, but an enjoyable place to rest, play and take a break from the amusement park rides. Thats because it is hard to get to and considered one of the hardest beaches to get to in the state of California. In the museum, youll find engaging exhibits about the first peoples of California, fossils, animal specimens, and more. Each beach is unique in its own way; whether its the scenery, the amenities, the palm trees or the nearby attractions. Like all California beaches, Waddell Creek is prone to be foggy from May through June, sometimes all day long. This one-mile-long beach is also a nice place to surf. San Luis Obispo County Beaches. Sunny Cove Beach is a small, little-known beach in the Live Oak area. Why We Recommend It: The Santa Cruz Main Beach is an expansive beach but is mostly known for its Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, an amusement park. Visit during the summer or fall to spot some bottlenose dolphins. Since the beach gets some low tides, you can easily spot some sea creatures in the tide pools including urchins, shellfish, starfish, and crabs. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Use our map to find all the 19 best beaches in Santa Cruz and surrounding areas. Natural Bridges State Beach is named so because of three arches that were naturally formed from a large cliff that protruded out to the ocean. From the beach and the rises behind it, youll be able to see the scenic Walton Lighthouse. Santa Cruz County is home to 29 miles of beautiful beaches along the Monterey Bay, as well as more than 50 County and California State Parks. Known for the dramatic views from the high bluffs behind the beach, Mitchells Cove is a favorite of sunrise and sunset aficionados and local artists looking to capture its splendor. From picturesque secluded shorelines to wide open coastlines, you wont be disappointed when visiting these beaches. Santa Cruz Harbor Beach Webcam
The beach is not that big, but it has a good view of Walton Lighthouse across the Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor on the west side. Famous for its 200-foot high sand dunes that are the highest in the US, the beach is great for kids to play around in the fine white sand. The Boardwalk has more than 40 attractions including rides, games, arcades, bowling, laser tag, and mini-golf. A handful of restaurants and shops, including the popular Crows Nest Restaurant, make this beach a great one for watching passing sailboats while enjoying a cool drink out on the deck. You wont come across as an under-prepared tourist because we got your back with this checklist of beach must haves! Manage Settings Visit Parking: Amenities Public bathrooms Public transit nearby Lifeguards Santa Cruz Main Beach. A pleeasant beach with a good view of an interesting lighthouse. The beach also offers field trips for elementary school-aged kids. You can also play on the beach, or check out theVisitor Center's displays on wildlife and the history of the area, and their touching pool that's popular with kids. Beaches on this map New Brighton State Beach New Brighton State Beach is a wide sandy beach at the north end of Monterey Bay. Youll spot some interesting creatures in the tide pool. 831-462-5222. Several seafood restaurant options are on the wharf and many others are nearby on Beach Street. Not a surfer? The login page will open in a new tab. Why We Recommend It: A two-mile-long beach, the Seacliff State Beach is the most unique one out of them all its got a historic ship! If you're thinking of surfing,check the surf forecast. You can also rent fishing boats at the pier. To make finding the perfect place foryour day at a Santa Cruz beach easier, here's a list of the best Santa Cruz beaches by type and interest. More Tourist Maps Full Size Map. Riders from Santa Cruz and Watsonville can catch the Route 35 regular service bus at the Metro Center on Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz and transfer to the Big Basin Route 35 Bus at the Scotts Valley Transit Center. Named for the dramatic, natural, rock bridge protruding from the sea just offshore, this beach is a favorite of nature lovers. If you're using GPS or maps app, use740 West Cliff Drive as the address. You can spend a whole day relaxing at one of these beaches, then walking around the area for a nice lunch or dinner: Why We Recommend It: The Natural Bridges State Beach is one of the most unique beaches youll ever see. Check dates for the migrating Monarch Butterflies. Below is information on how Route 35 will be supporting transportation to Big Basin Redwoods State Park: For those visiting Big Basin for cycling opportunities on the parks fire roads, buses are equipped with bike racks, eliminating the need for bikers to commute in their own vehicle. Another favorite surf spot for locals, Pleasure Point Beach is located between 41st Avenue County Park and Pleasure Point Beach County Park. This beach is situated on HWY 1 so its a great stop or spend some more time hiking down to the beach. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. It is on Steamer Lane is really just a surfing spot for experienced surfers near Point Santa Cruz. View all 19 images About Santa Cruz Main Beach in Santa Cruz, California Santa Cruz Main Beach is known as Boardwalk Beach because of the popular boardwalk and amusement park at the beach on the Santa Cruz waterfront. While at the beach, make sure to check out the sea cave as well. You don't have to lug all your stuff to Capitola Beach to have fun. This beach also has a fishing pier, Capitola Wharf. Otherwise, visitors are encouraged to make a day-use parking reservation online in advance to guarantee a spot. It has beautiful views of the Monterey Bay and sailboats moored offshore, and a string of colorfully-painted cottages and shops along the water add a festive touch. Our travel recommendations are based on our personal experiences and research, written by locals and travel experts with deep familiarity with the destination. Another beach prone to crowding due to its amenities and beauty, Seacliff State Beach does have a lot to offer. 831-423-4609. This Brighton beach also has a variety of trees surrounding the beach including oak, Monterey cypress, eucalyptus trees. Here the top three places to stay in Santa Cruz: Now that you know that Santa Cruz has got the best beaches in the state, you might have some questions before planning out your beach day. The beach is next to the Corcoran Lagoon where you can walk or bike around. You can add me to your circles in Google if you like. They're not allowed on the beach. Located north of Its Beach on West Cliff Dr., Mitchells Cove is a leashing optional frenzy of doggy debauchery. Located in the picturesque town of Pescadero, the beach is most known for its protected colony of elephant seals that migrate specifically to this spot each year. Santa Cruz Harbor EntranceWebcam
Many Santa Cruz beaches are famous for their surfing, and Twin Lakes State Beach is no exception. Whether you're looking for an active day at the beach or in a park or just a relaxing day in the outdoors, you'll find it in Santa Cruz. Here are the 19 best beaches near Santa Cruz. They may just know it by a different name. Come here during the winter for the best sunset shots. Since Santa Maria Beach is also less crowded than the others, its perfect for picnicking during the day or lighting up a bonfire at night. But with so many hotels to choose from, its hard to narrow down your choice. I don't play volleyball, I don't sail, I don't swim, I don't surf, and I don't fish. You don't need a fishing license, butDept. Santa Cruz is one of the most beautiful towns in California. The walk will give you a good chance to get a feel for the town, and theres a wharf and boardwalk with shops and restaurants nearby too. 1. Guide to the Best Santa Cruz Beaches - Includes Santa Cruz Beaches Map Guide to the Best Santa Cruz Beaches By Elizabeth Coleman Santa Cruz County is home to some of the best beaches on the West Coast. Not to mention the plethora of different waves it has to offer you could visit every weekend and still find a new break that suits your preference. Be sure you get a permit though or you will be cited. Its also a great place to watch some talented surfers; if you can find out where they eat, chances are youll get a substantial and tasty meal for a reasonable price. The beach is near many restaurants and shops, perfect for taking a stroll or grabbing a bite. New Brighton State Beach Capitola One of the most popular beaches in town, New Brighton anchors the northernmost end of a long stretch of beach that extends some 15 miles down the coast, forming a thin crescent limning the Monterey Bay. The small town of Davenport is the only city along the northern Santa Cruz County coast. Bonny Doon Beach is much beloved by skinny-dippers as it is located in a wind-protected cove. Living in the San Francisco Bay Area, Rasika is the founder of Bae Area and Beyond, a California blog with over 45,000 monthly readers and featured in more than 25 sites. At low tide, you may find a few tidepoolsnear the south side to explore, too. Santa Cruz Harbor Main Channel Webcam
As we live about 300 yards from this beach we are there almost every day and enjoy it as much as first time users. From Highway 1 north of downtown Santa Cruz, start by following the signs toward Natural Bridges State Park. Beaches View a map of Santa Cruz County Beaches Twin Lakes State Beach is small but you and the kids will have plenty to do including bonfires with the beachs fire pits.
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