Strawberry Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park

Strawberry Beach is a remote sandy beach in Wilder Ranch State Park north of Santa Cruz, CA. It’s probably the least visited beach in the park and is a great reward for hikers willing to seek it out.

Look for a parking spot at the 4 Mile Beach parking area along Highway 1 (a four mile drive from western Santa Cruz). Then start hiking the Ohlone Bluffs Trail toward the ocean. You’ll pass by 4 Mile Beach and 3 Mile Beach on the way to this secluded spot. Walk the trail around the beach until you find the access path behind the beach.

There is room for a few cars outside the 3 Mile Beach gate across from the address 3050 Coast Road on California Highway 1. This parking spot is more direct, but the spots are sometimes already taken. If you park here do not to block the gate.

Like the other secluded beaches in the area this one sometimes has clothing-optional visitors so be prepared for that, but state parks is giving citations for nudity now.

Address

3050 Coast Rd
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Park Name

Wilder Ranch State Park

Owner

State

Pet Details

No dogs allowed on the beach

Fees

Free parking

Activities

Hiking, Mountain Biking, Birdwatching

Amenities

Trails

Links

Surfing Info & Web Cams
Water Temps
Tide Chart