Wilder Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park
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About Wilder Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park in Santa Cruz, California
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


Nearby Beaches
Fern Grotto Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park
0.4 miles away
Fern Grotto Beach is definitely worth the hike from the Wilder Ranch State Park visitor center. The grotto is...
Younger Lagoon Beach
0.6 miles away
The beach at Younger Lagoon Reserve in Santa Cruz is off-limits to the general public, but can be visited...
Sand Plant Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park
0.6 miles away
Sand Plant Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park is at the base of a gulch that connects to a...
Nearby Attractions
Santa Cruz Monarch Butterfly Grove
1.1 miles away
The Santa Cruz Monarch Butterfly Grove is located on the western edge of town in the park at Natural...
Nearby Lodging
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