Santa Cruz Area Beaches
Our Beaches are Just the Beginning . . .
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. Open sunrise to sunset.
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. Open sunrise to sunset.
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. Pet Friendly.
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. Beachgoing wheelchair available in summer at Cowell Beach on first-come 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.
2531 West Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz
(831) 423-4609
This 65-acre park hosts an overwintering population of Monarch butterflies. The beach has tidepools and a natural arch which gives the park its name. Open 8am 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.
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. Pet Friendly.
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.
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 8:30am-5pm daily.
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.
State Park Dr., Aptos
(831) 685-6500
View the "Palo Alto" at this sunny beach. Visitor center tells story of 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.
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, windsurfers and tidepool explorers. Open sunrise to sunset.
Surf Rules
A Network of Friends in Santa Cruz California with 70+ Family-Loved Beach, Mountain & Ski Homes available as Vacation Rentals for you to enjoy!
For Information Call 1-888-457-5322
7am - 7pm PST, 7-days a week
7am - 7pm PST, 7-days a week
To find a certain home:
1 - Type the name
2 - Hit Search
Click on the
Blue underlined
Beach names for link to a website with lot of large photos of that area and the beaches
