Capitola
Beach
The Esplanade, Capitola
(831) 475-7300
Located in Capitola Village along the famous Esplanade,
which is lined with shops and restaurants. Walk along the
beach to the Capitola Wharf. Swimming. Open sunrise to sunset.
Davenport
Beach
Davenport Landing, Davenport
(831) 462-8333
The original site of Davenport, once a thriving whaling
town. Strictly a day-use beach, it is generally less crowded
than many of the north-coast beaches and is a favorite for
windsurfers. Whale watching. Open sunrise to sunset.
East Cliff Coastal Access Points
12th Ave. to 41st Ave., Live Oak
(831) 462-8333
The County has 13 coastal access points throughout the
East Cliff area for ease in reaching beaches. Open daily,
sunrise to sunset.
Lighthouse
Field State Beach
701 West Cliff Drive
(831) 420-5270
The beach features an open, grassy field across from
Lighthouse Point. The area is popular for picnics and family
get-togethers.
Main Beach/Cowell Beach
Beach St., Santa Cruz
(831) 429-3747 or (831) 429-3777
Santa Cruz invites sun worshippers to play volleyball
or stroll along miles of sandy beach. Beach-going wheelchairs
are available during summer at Cowell Surfing (on the beach)
on a first-come, first-served basis. Open sunrise to sunset.
Manresa
Uplands State Beach
205 Manresa Rd., La Selva Beach
(831) 761-1795
Enjoy the surf, sand, and sun. Fire rings on the beach.
Picnic tables available. Day-use fee. Tent camping only;
no RVs permitted. Open sunrise to sunset.
Moran
Lake Park
East Cliff Dr. and Lake Ave., Live Oak
(831) 462-8333
Park with coastal access and family picnic area. Open sunrise
to sunset.
Natural
Bridges State Beach
2531 West Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz
(831) 423-4609 This 65-acre park hosts an over-wintering
population of Monarch butterflies. The beach has tide pools
and a natural arch, which gives the park its name. Open
8 am to sunset.
New
Brighton State Beach
1500 State Park Dr., Capitola
(831) 464-6330
Towering cypress and pine provide a sense of isolation
and privacy between campsites. Surf fishing, clamming. Camping,
no RV hookups. Reservations required. Day-use fee. Open
sunrise to sunset.
Pleasure Point Beach
East Cliff Dr. and Pleasure Point Dr., Santa Cruz
(831) 462-8333
This coastal access point is a popular Santa Cruz surf
spot. Open sunrise to sunset.
Red,
White and Blue Beach
5021 Coast Rd., Santa Cruz
(831) 423-6332
Clothing-optional beach featuring day-use facilities
and overnight camping. Open 10 am-4 pm winter, 10 am-6 pm
summer.
Rio
Del Mar Beach
Rio Del Mar Blvd., Aptos
(831) 429-2850
A wide strip of clean sand and a jetty. Nearby shopping
and restaurants. Dogs allowed on leashes. Lifeguards in
the summer. Open sunrise to sunset.
Santa
Cruz Harbor Beach
5th Ave. at East Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz
(831) 475-6161
Adjacent to Santa Cruz Harbor. Restaurants. Full service
marina. Charter boats. Catamaran beach storage May-October.
Beach volleyball. Harbor office open 8:30 am-5 pm daily.
Seabright/Castle
Beach
East Cliff Dr. at Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz
(831) 429-2850
A long sandy beach between the Boardwalk and the Santa
Cruz Harbor. Fire rings available. Dogs permitted on leashes.
No alcohol. Open sunrise to sunset.
Seacliff
State Beach
State Park Dr., Aptos
(831) 685-6500
Visitor center at this sunny beach tells the storyof
the “Palo Alto”, a cement-ship-turned-fishing-pier.
RV hookups. Reservations required. Day-use fee. Open sunrise
to sunset.
Sunset
State Beach
201 Sunset Beach Rd., Watsonville
(831) 763-7063
A secluded stretch of coastland surrounded by farms.
Camping reservations required in the summer. Day-use fee.
No RV hookups. Open sunrise to sunset.
Twin
Lakes State Beach
East Cliff Dr. at 7th Ave., Santa Cruz
(831) 429-2850
One of the area's warmest beaches, due to its location
at the opening of Schwann Lagoon. Fire-rings, outdoor showers
and restrooms are available. Open sunrise to sunset.
Waddell
State Beach
Hwy. 1, Davenport
(831) 425-1218
Windy beaches preclude sunbathing much of the year but
attract hang gliders and tide pool explorers. Open sunrise
to sunset.
