Top Beaches in Santa Cruz

Our expertly curated list unveils the top beaches in Santa Cruz County that embody the coastal charm and natural beauty of this stunning California destination. Dive into the postcard-perfect shores, from the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk's bustling sandy expanse to the secluded and serene Capitola Beach. Immerse yourself in the azure waters, perfect for swimming, surfing, or simply unwinding under the sun. Whether you seek thrilling adventures or peaceful relaxation, we've compiled the must-visit beaches that capture the essence of Santa Cruz County's coastal magic. Plan your beach escape and let the California dream unfold.

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Natural Bridges State Beach

• SURFING:  Generally not ideal for beginner surfers. Natural Bridges is a right reef-point that breaks along a big rock shelf, so it can be dangerous if not careful. For the more experienced surfers, it’s typically known to be a winter spot, best conditions with bigger swells and lower tides. 

• DOGS: Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the main beach. Dogs on leash are only allowed in the parking lot and picnic area. 

• PARKING:  Parking is $10 if you park your car in the main parking lot inside the park. If you want to enter for free, we suggest you come early and try to find free street parking along W. Cliff Drive or Delaware Avenue. 

• WHAT'S NEARBY? If you like good food and alcohol this is definitely a good area of Santa Cruz to be in with lots of options. Some local favorites would definitely be Humble Sea Brewing Co, Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen, Companion Bakeshop, and Cat & Cloud Coffee. 

• OTHER: Natural Bridges offers restroom facilities as well as a nice picnic area located off the main parking lot in a eucalyptus and pine trees grove. You can find tables, barbecues and water faucets here. The park also includes a large area of coastal scrub and grasslands where native wildflowers bloom in spring. In addition, Natural Bridges also has a wonderful visitor center which is not to be missed if you want to know more about the marine life conservation along the central coast, whale migration as well as the Monarch Butterfly migration and conservation. 

Lighthouse Field State Beach

• SURFING: World-class surf break known Steamer Lane consists of multiple reefs and a point break setup that can handle just about any swell size the Pacific throws its way. Blocked from prevailing winds by sandstone bluffs, conditions typically remain optimal here when other waves are blown out. Not a beginner spot.

• DOGS: Dogs are allowed on leash only.

• PARKING: Designated parking areas near the beach access points. Parking is Free.

• WHAT'S NEARBY? Nearby places include Jack O’Neill Restaurant & Lounge, Streamer Lane Supply, Shrine Coffee, The Picnic Basket, etc

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• OTHER:  Lighthouse Field is a great place to spot butterflies, the stands of eucalyptus provide overwintering habitat for monarch butterflies. Also a great place to spot sea lions on the off-shore rocks.

Twin Lakes State Beach

• SURFING: Twin Lakes is popular for all kinds of water activities from surfing and boogie boarding to stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking. The relatively warm waters along the beach make it popular for swimming and playing in the surf, but it is not generally a go-to surf spot. 

• DOGS: Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach on the east side of the harbor.

• PARKING: There are a few parking spots for the main part of the beach on 9th Ave, but they fill up quickly. Street parking spots in the area are permitted only on weekends.

• WHAT'S NEARBY? Nearby places include The Crow’s Nest, Cafe El Palomar, lago Di Como, Harbor Cafe, etc.

• OTHER: This beach offers a perfect place to enjoy fun activities like bodysurfing, kiteboarding, skimboard, beach combing, paddle boarding, etc.

Seabright State Beach

• SURFING: The waves here can be large and care should be taken, generally not ideal for surfing.

• DOGS: Dogs are permitted on leash. 

• PARKING: Parking is available at the west end of East Cliff Drive near Alhambra Avenue, Mott Avenue and at the end of 3rd Avenue.

• WHAT'S NEARBY? Nearby places include  Aloha Island Grille, Casa Rosita’s, Linda’s Seabreeze Cafe, etc.

• OTHER: Perfect vantage point for Wednesday night sailboat races. 

Pleasure Point

• SURFING: There are two iconic surf spots that encompass Pleasure point. Pleasure Point Park, which is closest to 32nd Avenue. The wave itself isn't generally considered heavy, but because of the large crowds we would say it is best for intermediate to experienced surfers. The Hook is closer to 41st Avenue, and is much more popular for beginner to intermediate surfers.

• DOGS: Leashed dogs are welcome at Pleasure Point.

• PARKING: There is parking available along the residential streets within the beach community. There is also a small parking lot with free parking at the end of East Cliff Drive and 41st Avenue. 

• WHAT'S NEARBY? Start the day with a jolt from one of the neighborhood’s many coffee shops: Verve Coffee Roasters, Cat & Cloud, Coffetopia & Companion Bakeshop. Or head over to Point Market to grab yourself a breakfast burrito before heading out to the beach. Ask for extra sauce! 

• OTHER: Beautiful place to join locals and visitors with a picnic on the bluff and you’re likely to spot world-class surfers catching big breaks in the water or sea otters cracking big crabs on the rocks!

New Brighton State Beach

• SURFING: Light waves make New Brighton a great place to play in the surf, to skimboard, swim, and kayak.

• DOGS: Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach, but must be attended at all times

• PARKING: Parking is $10 and supports the park. Annual State Park passes also are available to purchase at the entrance kiosk.

• WHAT'S NEARBY? Nearby places include Cafe Cruz, Rosticceria & Bar, Capitola Bar & Grill, Suda, etc.

• OTHER: Best place to camp on a bluff overlooking Monterey Bay

Capitola Beach

• SURFING: Capitola Beach is a great surf spot in Santa Cruz for absolute beginners learning to stand up on a board for the first time. Average wave heights of 0-1 ft and set waves in the 1-2 ft range

• DOGS: Dogs must remain on a leash and be accompanied by their owner at all times. 

• PARKING: Parking costs for the beach is $0.50 an hour and you can pay up to 12 hours.

• WHAT'S NEARBY? Nearby places include, The Craft Gallery, Bay Bar & Grill, Zelda’s on the Beach, Capitola Wine Bar & Merchants, etc.

• OTHER: Paddling is a great tourist attraction here to get up close to marine wildlife like seals, sea lions, and otters.