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Want to find out what the weather's like at the beach? Check the temperature and see the current view up Cowell Beach from the West Coast Santa Cruz Hotel page. Is it a good day to hit the waves? Call the Santa Cruz City Beach Lifeguards (831) 429-3460 for the current weather and surf report. They report daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day and on weekends in the spring and fall. We've got 29 miles of sunny beaches waiting for you!
Capitola Beach
The Esplanade, Capitola
(831) 475-7300
Located in Capitola Village along the famous Esplanade which is lined with shops and restaurants. Walk along the beach to the Capitola Wharf. Open sunrise to sunset.
Davenport Beach
Davenport Landing, Davenport
(831) 462-8333
The original site of Davenport, once a thriving whaling town. Strictly a day-use beach, it is generally less crowded than many of the north-coast beaches and is a favorite for windsurfers. Open sunrise to sunset.
East Cliff Coastal Access Points
12th Ave. to 41st Ave., Live Oak
(831) 462-8333
The County has 13 coastal access points throughout the East Cliff area for ease in reaching beaches. Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
Main Beach/Cowell Beach
Beach St., Santa Cruz
(831) 429-3747 or (831) 429-3777
Santa Cruz invites sun worshippers to play volleyball or stroll along miles of sandy beach. Beachgoing wheelchair available in summer at Cowell Beach on first-come basis. Open sunrise to sunset.
Manresa Uplands State Beach
205 Manresa Rd., La Selva Beach
(831) 761-1795
Enjoy the surf, sand and sun. Fire rings on the beach. Picnic tables available. Day-use fee. Tent camping only; no RVs permitted. Open sunrise to sunset.
Moran Lake Park
East Cliff Dr. and Lake Ave., Live Oak
(831) 462-8333
Park with coastal access and family picnic area. Open sunrise to sunset.
Natural Bridges State Beach
2531 West Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz
(831) 423-4609
This 65-acre park hosts an overwintering population of Monarch butterflies. The beach has tidepools and a natural arch which gives the park its name. Open 8am to sunset.
New Brighton State Beach
1500 State Park Dr., Capitola
(831) 464-6330
Towering cypress and pine provide a sense of isolation and privacy between campsites. Surf fishing, clamming. Camping, no RV hookups. Reservations required. Day-use fee. Open sunrise to sunset.
Pleasure Point Beach
East Cliff Dr. and Pleasure Point Dr., Santa Cruz
(831) 462-8333
This coastal access point is a popular Santa Cruz surf spot. Open sunrise to sunset.
Red, White and Blue Beach
5021 Coast Rd., Santa Cruz
(831) 423-6332
Clothing-optional beach featuring day-use facilities and overnight camping. Open 10am-4pm winter, 10am-6pm summer.
Rio Del Mar Beach
Rio Del Mar Blvd., Aptos
(831) 429-2850
A wide strip of clean sand and a jetty. Nearby shopping and restaurants. Dogs allowed on leashes. Lifeguards in the summer. Open sunrise to sunset.
Santa Cruz Harbor Beach
5th Ave. at East Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz
(831) 475-6161
Adjacent to Santa Cruz Harbor. Restaurants. Full service marina. Charter boats. Catamaran beach storage May-October. Beach volleyball. Harbor office open 8:30am-5pm daily.
Seabright/Castle Beach
East Cliff Dr. at Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz
(831) 429-2850
A long sandy beach between the Boardwalk and the Santa Cruz Harbor. Fire rings available. Dogs permitted on leashes. No alcohol. Open sunrise to sunset.
Seacliff State Beach
State Park Dr., Aptos
(831) 685-6500
View the "Palo Alto" at this sunny beach. Visitor center tells story of cement-ship-turned-fishing-pier. RV hookups. Reservations required. Day-use fee. Open sunrise to sunset.
Sunset State Beach
201 Sunset Beach Rd., Watsonville
(831) 763-7063
A secluded stretch of coastland surrounded by farms. Camping reservations required in the summer. Day-use fee. No RV hookups. Open sunrise to sunset.
Twin Lakes State Beach
East Cliff Dr. at 7th Ave., Santa Cruz
(831) 429-2850
One of the area's warmest beaches, due to its location at the opening of Schwann Lagoon. Fire-rings, outdoor showers and restrooms are available. Open sunrise to sunset.
Waddell State Beach
Hwy. 1, Davenport
(831) 425-1218
Windy beaches preclude sunbathing much of the year, but attract hang gliders, windsurfers and tidepool explorers. Open sunrise to sunset.