Santa Cruz County’s 29 miles of sun-splashed, fun-filled beaches offer something for everyone. From dramatic windswept cliffs to the wide expanses of sand and sea, you’re sure to find your sweet spot on the sand. Here are a few recommendations to help find the perfect beach for any activity:
CAMPFIRES:
Twin Lakes State Beach, Santa Cruz
Seabright/Castle State Beach, Santa Cruz
New Brighton State Beach, Capitola
Rio del Mar State Beach, Aptos
Sunset State Beach, Watsonville
Manresa State Beach, Watsonville
CAMPING:
Sunset State Beach, Watsonville
New Brighton State Beach, Capitola
Seacliff State Beach, Aptos (RV camping only)
DOGS (ON LEASH):
Its Beach, Santa Cruz (before 10am and after 4pm)
Seacliff State Beach, Aptos
Rio del Mar State Beach, Aptos
New Brighton State Beach, Capitola
Manresa State Beach, Watsonville
Palm State Beach, Watsonville
Seabright State Beach, Santa Cruz
Twin Lakes State Beach, Santa Cruz
FISHING:
Seacliff State Beach, Aptos
Grey Hound Rock County Beach, Davenport
FAMILIES:
Main Beach, Santa Cruz
Capitola Beach, Capitola
Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz
Seacliff State Beach, Aptos
KAYAKING:
Capitola Beach, Capitola
KITEBOARDING:
Waddell Beach, Davenport
LEARNING TO SURF:
Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz
PEOPLE WATCHING:
Main Beach, Santa Cruz
PICNICKING:
Seacliff State Beach, Aptos
ROMANTIC SUNSETS:
Bluffs above Seacliff Beach, Aptos
West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
Sunset State Beach, Watsonville
SCENIC DRIVES:
West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
SURFING:
Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz
Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz
Steamer Lane, Santa Cruz
SWIMMING:
Twin Lakes State Beach, Santa Cruz
VOLLEYBALL:
Main Beach, Santa Cruz
Capitola Beach, Capitola
WALKING/RUNNING:
Any of the beaches in Aptos or Watsonville
West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
WHALE WATCHING:
Davenport Beach (bluffs), Davenport
WINDSURFING:
Waddell Beach, Davenport