The Crater Beach

“The Crater” and its adjacent beach are known as a clothing-optional area, but they should be known for the sandy playground that they comprise. The Crater is a huge depression in the dunes that has sand rising up around it on all sides. Some slopes are gentle while others are downright steep. Kids and adults can find a comfortable grade to climb and then jump or slide down. The beach there is wide, sandy and feels remote.

To find The Crater, visitors can park at the north end of the Sand City Shopping Center parking lot and walk along California Avenue to where it goes under the Highway 1 bridges. Look for a gate next to the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail. Signs on the gate say private property, but most ignore them and climb right over it. The Crater is immediately on the left. If you don’t walk down the paved road beyond The Crater you are unlikely to have any trespassing issues. However, if you have problems with ignoring signs like these, you can get here by walking north on the beach from Sand City Beach.

Address

California Ave and Cabrillo Hwy
Sand City, CA 93955

Owner

City

Pet Details

Dogs allowed on leash

Fees

Free parking at the mall

Activities

Beachcombing, Sunbathing

Amenities

Paved Bike Path, Dunes, No Facilities

Links

Surfing Info & Web Cams
Water Temps
Tide Chart