Best Beaches in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz has some of the best beaches in the golden state. With so many to choose from (see all 34 beaches), it can be overwhelming. Knowing what activities, sports, and amenities that beaches have really helps. Each beach is different and rules vary too. We will try to help you find the best Santa Cruz beach for your next vacation.
Below are our suggested beaches in Santa Cruz.
The view at Natural Bridges State Beach
Most Popular Beaches
- Santa Cruz Main Beach
- Seabright Beach
- Santa Cruz Harbor Beach
- Capitola Beach
- Natural Bridges State Beach
Best Beaches Worth The Drive
Kid Friendly and Family Beaches
Main Beach is by far the standout beach for kids and families. It has an amusement park, a scenic train, and so much more. Harbor Beach is fun for kids as well as it is protected by the jetty at Walton Lighthouse most of the time.
Best Tide Pools
Natural Bridges State Beach and Big Creek Beach north of Davenport have excellent tide pools that are exposed at low tides.
Best Surf Spots
Surfing is huge in Santa Cruz. They even have a museum dedicated to surfing. Head to Steamer Lane to watch locals show off up close. The Hook and other beaches along East Cliff Drive including Pleasure Point usually have a good right hand break. Cowells is the best place for beginners.
Surfing at Steamer Lane
Beaches for Boogie Boarding
Sunny Cove and Cowell Beach are best for body boards.
Best Beaches for Dogs
Its Beach, Mitchell’s Cove Beach, and New Brighton State Beach in Capitola all allow dogs on their beaches. All three are open to dogs on-leash anytime, but Mitchell’s and Its Beach are off-leash beaches before 10am and after 4pm.
Birdwatching Spots
Laguna Creek Beach, 4 Mile Beach, Twin Lakes, Moran Lake Beach, and Corcoran Lagoon Beach all have wetlands where birds hang out.
Hiking to Beaches
Wilder Ranch State Park has trails galore including some excellent bluff trails that lead to a hidden beach. The park at Lighthouse Field State Beach has trails for walking near the Santa Cruz waterfront.
Clothing Optional Beaches
See our list of the best clothing-optional beaches near Santa Cruz.
Sunrise behind Walton Lighthouse at Seabright Beach
There are more great Santa Cruz Area beaches to the north in Davenport and to the south in Capitola and Aptos.
