Its Beach

Its Beach is the name of the south-facing beach below the bluff on the west side of Point Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz, CA. Lighthouse Field State Beach manages the land at the point and the open space park across West Cliff Drive from the beach.

At low tide you can explore a rock arch at the north end of the beach. When conditions are right you’ll see surfers at Its Beach and the area on the other side of the point called Steamer Lane. On the point there’s a lighthouse with the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum inside.

There are several parking lots along W Cliff Drive that have access to the beach via a paved path along the bluff. Just walk toward the center of the beach where there is a long stairwell that takes you down to the sand.

Both Its Beach and the interior park are open to dogs so you’ll probably see many. After 4pm dogs are allowed off leash on the beach, but with a leash they can be on the beach anytime.

Address

701 W Cliff Dr
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Park Name

Lighthouse Field State Beach

Other Names

Dog Beach

Owner

City

Pet Details

Dogs allowed off leash before 10am and after 4pm. OK on leash anytime.

Fees

Free parking

Activities

Walking, Beach Exploration, Dog Walking, Birdwatching, Surfing

Amenities

Lighthouse, Surfing Museum, Grass Park, Trails, Walking Path, Benches, Restrooms, Rock Arch, Bodyboarding

Links

Water Quality
Surfing Info & Web Cams
Water Temps
Tide Chart