3 Mile Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park

3 Mile Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park is a secluded sandy beach west of Santa Cruz. It requires quite a hike along the Ohlone Bluffs Trail from the Four Mile Beach parking lot to get here. When you reach 3 Mile Beach, if you don’t find an easy way down from the bluff to the beach keep walking around the double-track trail to the railroad tracks and continue until you find another trail just a little further south.

The Ohlone Bluffs Trail continues farther south to another beach called Strawberry Beach. Because this beach is so tucked way, it is considered clothing-optional by some visitors but it’s illegal and the state park is giving citations now.

If they are not taken, there is room for a couple cars outside the officially signed 3 Mile Beach trailhead across from the address 3050 Coast Road on California Highway 1 (a three mile drive from western Santa Cruz). This parking spot is more direct, but be sure not to block the gate.

Address

3050 Coast Rd
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Park Name

Wilder Ranch State Park

Other Names

Three Mile Beach

Owner

State Park

Pet Details

No dogs allowed on the beach

Fees

Free parking

Activities

Hiking, Mountain Biking, Birdwatching

Amenities

Trails, Wetlands

Links

Surfing Info & Web Cams
Water Temps
Tide Chart