Santa Cruz is not just another California beach town. It is one of the best. With epic surf breaks, hidden coves, and stunning ocean views, this place has everything. But with so many beaches to choose from, finding the right one isn’t always easy. Some are packed with tourists while others are underrated gems. To help you decide, here is a list of the 19 best beaches in and around Santa Cruz.
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Planning your trip to Santa Cruz? Here are the best tours, hotels, and car rentals:
📸 Best Tours In Santa Cruz:
- Mermaid Experience & Photoshoot (choose from over 50 swimmable tails!)
- Wildlife Encounters on Monterey Bay Tour (private and semi-private)
- Beginner Surf Lesson in Santa Cruz (learn from a pro!)
😴 Best Hotels Near Santa Cruz:
- Fern River Resort (💲) (stay in a forest cabin!)
- Beach Street Inn and Suites (💲💲) (Monterey Bay views)
- West Cliff Inn (💲💲💲) (7-min walk to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk)
🚘 Best Car Rental: DiscoverCars (save up to 70%)
1. Natural Bridges State Beach
Natural Bridges State Beach is a unique and scenic spot known for its natural mudstone arch, one of the best beaches in Santa Cruz. Originally, there were three arches formed from a large cliff, but only the central one remains today. This 65-acre sandy beach offers hiking, tide pools, and opportunities to see monarch butterflies, birds, and other wildlife.
Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Parking
- Picnic Area
- Accessible features available
2. Santa Cruz Main Beach
Santa Cruz Main Beach is a large, popular beach best known for the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, an amusement park with over 40 attractions, including rides, games, and mini-golf. It’s a great spot for a full day of fun, with historic landmarks like the 1924 Giant Dipper roller coaster and the 1911 Looff Carousel. Located near downtown Santa Cruz, this beach offers plenty of space for swimming, walking, and picnicking, with views of the Santa Cruz Wharf.
Amenities:
- Parking (Lots adjacent to Boardwalk and street parking available)
- Restrooms
- Shops
- Restaurants
- Gift Shops
- Amusement Park
3. Lighthouse Field State Beach
Lighthouse Field State Beach is famous for its 1967 lighthouse, which houses the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, California’s first surfing museum. The museum showcases over 100 years of surfing history with cool items like surfboards and photographs, and you can grab unique surfing souvenirs from the gift shop. Also known as Point Santa Cruz, this beach is home to Steamer Lane, a popular spot to watch both beginner and pro surfers catch waves.
Amenities:
- Parking
- Restrooms
- Outdoor Showers
- Picnic Area
4. Cowell Beach
Cowell Beach, just minutes north of Steamer Lane, is a favorite spot for locals to enjoy hot days with views of the Santa Cruz Wharf. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the Wharf, where you’ll find seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and scenic viewpoints. Popular activities at Cowell Beach include volleyball, swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, making it a great place for beginners to catch some waves.
Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Parking (Street parking or on the pier available)
- Wharf pier
5. Seabright State Beach
Seabright State Beach is a quieter and calmer spot compared to other Santa Cruz beaches, with its sandy shores and fewer crowds. At the east end, you’ll find the 40-foot Walton Lighthouse, reminiscent of East Coast lighthouses. Located between the San Lorenzo River and Santa Cruz Harbor, it’s a great place to relax and boat watch, and it’s just a 5-minute walk from the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History.
Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Outdoor showers
- Limited parking
- Museum
6. Capitola Beach
Capitola Beach is the best beach near Santa Cruz for its colorful buildings, pier, and the charming town of Capitola. The bright and colorful architecture of the Capitola Venetian Hotel, reflecting beautifully on Soquel Creek, makes this beach incredibly picturesque. With a fishing pier, mellow waves for beginner surfers, and nearby dining and shopping options, Capitola Beach is perfect for a full day of exploring and making new memories.
Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Metered street parking
- Showers
- Pier
- Restaurants
- Shops
7. Shark Fin Cove
Shark Fin Cove gets its name from the shark fin-shaped rock in the center of the beach. Located off HWY 1, it’s a great stop with a steep hike down to the beach, where you can explore a sea cave. Just remember to bring a flashlight if you’re staying until sunset. The area has old railroad tracks perfect for vintage photos, but be aware that there are no amenities, and dogs are not allowed due to the steep and potentially unsafe trail.
Amenities:
- Parking at the parking lot or on the road
- Cave
8. Black’s Beach
Black’s Beach, also known as Lincoln Beach or 14th Ave Beach, is a quiet local spot in the Live Oak area of Santa Cruz, just southeast of Twin Lakes State Beach. Less crowded than other beaches, it’s perfect for sunbathing, surfing, and picnicking. Weekend parking requires a permit from April through Labor Day, but you can park at Twin Lakes State Beach on 9th Ave and walk over. Access points are at the end of 12th, 13th, and 14th Avenues.
Amenities:
- Lifeguards
- Restrooms
- Benches
9. Rio Del Mar Beach
Rio Del Mar Beach is a less crowded spot where you can see wildlife like whales and dolphins and enjoy activities like paddle boarding. The beach has fire pits for bonfires (check if permitted) and unique clams and shells to collect. Nearby, there are shops, restaurants, and impressive beach houses on cliffs.
Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Parking
- Showers
- Picnic areas
10. Pleasure Point
Pleasure Point is perfect for surfing, especially on weekdays when it’s less crowded. You can learn to surf here, and the hike down from the bluff with your board gives you a true surfer vibe. Even if you don’t surf, it’s a great spot to relax and watch others ride the waves.
Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Picnic Area
- Limited Parking
11. Manresa Main State Beach
Manresa Main State Beach is a great spot for expert surfers seeking bigger waves, with beautiful views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Though the beach has rip currents and sharks, there are calmer areas for beginners, and it’s less crowded and cleaner than others nearby. You can enjoy wildlife like crabs and sand dollars, making it a perfect place to surf and explore nature.
Amenities:
- Parking – $10 vehicle day-use fee
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Picnic Area
- Campground
12. Sunset State Beach
Sunset State Beach is perfect for kids, with fewer tourists and plenty of space to play in the soft white sand. The beach has 200-foot high sand dunes and is great for finding sand dollars and crabs. You can camp out and enjoy a sunset over Monterey Bay, and during summer or fall, you might even see bottlenose dolphins.
Amenities:
- Parking – $10 vehicle day-use fee
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Campground
- Picnic Area
13. Sunny’s Cove
Sunny Cove Beach is a sandy, secluded cove in eastern Santa Cruz, framed by low sandstone bluffs. Access paths lead down from 16th Avenue, Johans Beach Drive, and Sunny Cove Drive. The Live Oak area requires a parking permit on weekends, so plan ahead to avoid a ticket. While it is a great spot for sunbathing, bodyboarding, and skim-boarding, be cautious – strong rip currents can make swimming dangerous. Dogs are allowed on a leash, but there are no facilities at this beach.
14. Twin Lakes State Beach
Twin Lakes State Beach, near the Walton Lighthouse, is great for watching sailboats and ships close to Santa Cruz Harbor. It’s a small beach, but there’s plenty to do, like having bonfires at the fire pits. You can also hike around Schwan Lagoon to watch birds, and nearby restaurants and coffee shops are perfect for a quick snack.
Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Parking (free during off-season)
- Shops
- Restaurants
15. Seacliff State Beach
Seacliff State Beach features the historic SS Palo Alto, a World War I concrete ship known as “The Cement Boat.” You can learn about the ship’s history, watch the sunset, and camp overnight at the beach. The visitor center offers educational info, and the park store has fun souvenirs related to the ship.
Amenities:
- Parking – $10 vehicle day-use fee
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Pier
- Campground
- Picnic Area
- Old Ship
16. Santa Maria Beach
Santa Maria Beach is a small, less crowded spot with great waves and cool tide pools where you can find starfish, fish, and even octopi. It’s perfect for picnics or bonfires, and you might even see dolphins at sunset. The western side of the beach is the best place to explore the tide pools, and it’s next to the Corcoran Lagoon for walking or biking.
Amenities:
- Limited Parking (Permit required on the weekends)
17. Two-Six Beach (26th Avenue)
Two-Six Beach is a small, secluded beach between Moran Lake and Corcoran Lagoon on the east side of Santa Cruz. Lined with boulder piles to protect nearby homes from erosion, this quiet spot is great for sunbathing, beach walks, and surfing. A county stairwell provides access from the tiny three-car parking lot at the end of 26th Avenue, but if spaces are full, parking at Moran Lake Park and walking over is an option. Some refer to it as 26th Street Beach, despite being on 26th Avenue. Dogs are allowed on a leash, but there are no facilities.
18. Moran Lake Beach
Moran Lake Beach, tucked in the Live Oak area of Santa Cruz, sits across from Moran Lake Park, which offers parking, restrooms, and a scenic trail. A short walk across Cliff Drive leads to a small pocket beach surrounded by oceanfront homes. At low tide, you can walk north along rocky barriers to Corcoran Lagoon Beach. Avoid swimming when the lagoon flows into the ocean. Popular for surfing, fishing, sunbathing, and birdwatching, this spot also welcomes leashed dogs.
19. New Brighton State Beach
New Brighton State Beach is a dog-friendly spot where dogs must be on a leash at all times, offering beautiful views of Monterey Bay. The beach is warmer than others, thanks to the coastal sandstone bluffs that block the wind, and it’s surrounded by trees like oak and eucalyptus. You can also visit the Pacific Migrations Visitor Center nearby to learn about the history of people and wildlife in the Pacific Rim.
Amenities:
- Parking – $10 vehicle day-use fee.
- Restrooms
- Picnic Area
- Showers
- Campground
Where to Stay Near Santa Cruz
If you’re looking to enjoy the beaches in Santa Cruz, booking somewhere near the beach is a great idea. But with so many hotels to choose from, it’s hard to narrow down your choice. B&Bs are a great option when staying on the Central Coast. We recommend these 3 options:
Budget-Friendly Option: Fern River Resort
Mid-Priced Option: Beach Street Inn and Suites
Lux Option: West Cliff Inn
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should You Pack For Santa Cruz?
So, you’re venturing out to Santa Cruz for a day at the beach and don’t have a clue what to bring? That’s okay. You won’t come across as an under-prepared tourist because we got your back with this checklist of beach must haves!
If you’re planning to spend a full day at the beach, grab your cooler to keep your drinks cold under the sun.
How Many Beaches Does Santa Cruz Have?
There are 34 beaches in Santa Cruz. Each beach is unique in its own way; whether its the scenery, the amenities, the palm trees or the nearby attractions.
Does Santa Cruz Have Nice Beaches?
Very easy answer: Yes, it does with plenty to choose from! And there’s so much to see and do – if you’re looking for rides, try the Main Beach or if you’re looking for a beach with an ancient ship, check out the Seacliff State Beach.
If you’re looking for a beach with arches, visit the Natural Bridges State Beach. Looking to photograph or paint a lighthouse? Head to Twin Lakes State Beach, Seabright State Beach or Lighthouse Field State Beach.
Plus most of the beaches are walking distance to shops, restaurants and other nearby attractions. What you need to be careful of is the sight and smell of seaweed on the beach. And parking may be tricky at certain beaches and during peak season.
Are There Any Private Beaches In Santa Cruz?
Yes, there are private beaches in Santa Cruz. One of them is the Privates Beach located at 4524 Opal Cliff Drive. Its a popular surfing beach for the locals. To access this beach, you need a key. Ask at the Freeline Surf Shop for access to the gated beach.
Also, a heads up, this is a beach where clothing isn’t required. Dogs are only allowed during the weekdays. Some resorts also allow private beach access. Fern River Resort and Seascape Beach Resort allow private access to their beaches.
Can You Swim In Santa Cruz Beaches?
Yes you can swim in the beaches in and around Santa Cruz. But make sure the tides aren’t dangerous on the day you plan to swim.
The beaches I recommend to swim at are the Santa Cruz Main Beach and the Cowell Beach. They are close to the wharf with tons of restaurants so you can grab a bit after your swim. You’ll definitely be hungry then.
If the tides are low, you can swim below the arch at the Natural Bridges State Beach.
What’s The Least Windy Beach In Santa Cruz?
The Bay Area is known for its wind and fog so the weather in any of the beaches can be unpredictable. But look for beaches with coves or coastal bluffs that could protect you from the wind. Try the New Brighton State Beach for nice warm day without much wind.
Why is Santa Cruz warmer than Monterey?
Santa Cruz tends to be warmer due to the Northwest winds being trapped by the Santa Cruz mountains.
Final Thoughts
Santa Cruz is packed with incredible beaches, each offering its own slice of Pacific Coast paradise. The long stretches of sand, rugged cliffs, and powerful waves create a landscape that never gets old. Every visit brings something new, from epic surf sessions to quiet moments on hidden shores. Some beaches are lively and full of energy while others feel completely untouched. This list of the 19 best Santa Cruz beaches will make sure you experience the very best of this coastal gem.
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