Wilder Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park

Wilder Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park is a natural reserve that is unfortunately off-limits to public visitation. Snowy Plover birds have made Wilder Beach a preferred nesting spot so the state park keeps us humans out. If you want to see this stunning beach knowing that you can’t climb down to touch the sand, there is an overlook viewing area along the Old Cove Landing Trail which starts from the park visitor center. Luckily the park has several other beaches to visit  including Four Mile, Three Mile, Strawberry, Sand Plant, and the Fern Grotto. The latter is nearby and worth the walk. To see these beaches, continue on the trail which turns west and becomes the Ohlone Bluff Trail. Four Mile Beach has it’s own parking area on Highway 1 at the west end of the Ohlone Trail. More hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails await exploration across the highway from the coastal portion of the park. The restored ranch buildings including a barn, workshops, and a Victorian house are near the visitor center and are worth seeing if you have time on your visit to Wilder Ranch State Park.

Address

1401 Old Coast Rd
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Park Name

Wilder Ranch State Park, Wilder Beach Natural Preserve

Owner

State Park

Pet Details

No dogs allowed in the park

Fees

Fee for parking

Activities

Hiking, Mountain Biking, Birdwatching, Equestrian Use, Walking, Surfing

Amenities

Trails, Restrooms, Beach Viewing Platform, Historic Ranch, Gift Shop, Accessible Features

Links

Surfing Info & Web Cams
Water Temps
Tide Chart