Sumner & Dolphin Beach (Beer Can Beach) in Aptos, CA

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About Sumner & Dolphin Beach (Beer Can Beach) in Aptos, California

Sumner and Dolphin Beach Access (or “Beer Can Beach” as the locals affectionally call it) is a neighborhood beach access in the Rio Del Mar neighborhood of Aptos, California. It’s a quiet place that is frequented by families who want to play at the water’s edge. Sunbathing and beach walking are excellent here as there are many miles of beach to explore.

This is a wide sandy beach below a bluff with homes and resorts built on top. North of the beach access some of the homes are built at beach level with protective barriers for storm waves. Seascape Beach Resort and Seascape Park are above the beach just to the south.

Dogs are a common sight here as they are allowed on the beach on a leash (but are commonly roaming around off leash and hopefully under voice control).

The access for which the beach is named is near the intersection of Sumner Avenue and Dolphin Drive, but parking is a problem there. From that access, a trail leads under a train trestle and continues downhill to the bottom of a gulch behind the beach using a long set of stairs for the final descent. From the gulch it’s a short walk out to the beach for total distance of almost a quarter-mile from the trailhead. Parking on the streets near the Sumner/Dolphin is not allowed, however there is a bus stop at the intersection if that is your mode of transportation.

The shortest access to Beer Can Beach is down a long set of stairs at 1094 Via Palo Alto where you’ll find some street parking. This access is in a neighborhood so be careful where you park and don’t block any driveways, hydrants, etc.

Address: Sumner Ave & Dolphin Dr
Aptos, CA 95003
Phone: 831-454-7901
Park Name: Dolphin Drive at Sumner Avenue Coastal Access (County Beach)
Other Names: Dolphin and Sumner Beach, Palo Alto Beach Access, Bush Gulch
Owner: County
Pet Details: Dogs allowed on leash
Fees: Free parking
Activities: Sunbathing, Beach Walking, Surfing
Amenities: Train Trestle, Trail, No Facilities
Links: Water Quality
Water Temps
Tide Chart
Surf Report