Explore and find your favorite place

With more than 130 miles of shoreline from Davenport to Big Sur, the Monterey Bay area offers wide sandy beaches to rocky cliffs. Enjoy a beach walk, swimming, board sports, sunsets, and tide pools.

Our beaches need to be respected and protected. Too many visitors leave waste, damage plant and animal life and forget the precious nature of our beaches and shoreline. But it’s simple: Don’t let dogs chase the birds, don’t leave dog poop on the beach, don’t bring trash. Take nothing and leave only footprints.

Beaches are listed north to south, beginning at Waddell Creek and running down to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur.

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North coast beaches face the open ocean and are often windy with strong ocean currents.

Big Creek Beach AKA Las Trancas
3564 Highway 1, Davenport
Best for: Surfing, tide pools, beach walks
Facilities: None
Access:
Parking: The bluff area is private property, park at Waddell and walk south
Dogs: No dogs

Davenport Beach @ Coast Dairies State Park
xxxx Highway 1, Davenport
Best for: A series of undeveloped “pocket” beaches, linked by the California Coastal Trail include Sharktooth, Bonny Doon, Yellow Bank, Laguna Creek and Panther.
Facilities:
Access: Easy path from parking lot
Parking: Lot
Dogs: No dogs

Waddell Creek State Beach
3600 Cabrillo/Highway 1 at Waddell Creek, Davenport
Best for: Wind and kite surfing, sunset views
Facilities: Restrooms
Access: Easy path from parking lot
Parking: Lot
Dogs: No dogs

Greyhound Rock County Beach, marine conservation area
1551 Cabrillo/Highway 1, North of Scott Creek (831) 454-7938
Best for: Low-tide beach walks all the way to Waddell Creek. High-tide can close off return access. Fishing, beach walks, tide pools, surfers can find left hand breaks.
Facilities: Restrooms, picnic tables
Access: Steep, paved trail to beach; view platform is disable accessible
Parking: Free, large lot
Dogs: On leash OK

Davenport Landing County Beach
446 Cabrillo/Highway 1, North of Davenport
Best for:
Facilities: Restrooms
Access: Disabled accessible ramp to beach
Parking: Shoulder parking
Dogs:

Shark Fin Cove
Highway 1

Bonny Doon State Beach
Highway 1 where Bonny Doon Rd ends
Best for:
Facilities: None
Access:
Parking: Limited parking, bus stop
Dogs:

Panther Beach (AKA Yellow Bank Beach)
Highway 1, 10 miles north of Santa Cruz (~1 mile South of Bonny Doon Road)
Best for: Sunbathing, scenery, shoreline walks, caves, exploring; low-tide access to Hole-in-The-Wall beach. Clothing optional. Picturesque, great sand. Swimming can be dangerous because of rip currents and sneaker waves.
Facilities: None
Access: Steep trail
Parking: Free
Dogs: No

Four Mile Beach @ Wilder Ranch State Park
3810 Coast Road, Santa Cruz
Best for: Hiking, bird watching, wetlands, mile-long stretch of white sand a popular destination for surfers.
Facilities: Restrooms
Access: Steep trail
Parking: Fee
Dogs: No

Three Mile Beach (Wilder)
Nature preserve, great hiking and wildlife watching.

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Santa Cruz westside beaches

Natural Bridges Beach
2531 West Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz
Best for: Exploration, Monarch butterfly preserve (Oct-Jan), walk on the beach, explore the tide pools.
Facilities: Restrooms, picnic tables, Summer lifeguard
Access: Steep trail
Parking: For fee
Dogs: No

Mitchell’s Cove
West Cliff @ David
Best for: Exploration, walking, dog play
Facilities: Toilets, path
Access: Stairs
Parking: Free
Dogs: OK on leash; off leash before 10am and after 4pm

Its Beach (Dog Beach) Lighthouse State Beach
701 West Cliff

Best for: Known for lots of loose dogs, local nudists, exploration, walking, bird watching, surfing
Facilities: Surf museum, paths, benches, restrooms
Access: Stairs, trail
Parking: Free
Dogs: OK on leash, off leash before 10am and after 4pm

Steamer Lane
West Cliff @ Pelton

Best for: Watching surfers and the swell, not really a beach but a surf spot near Point Santa Cruz
Facilities: Surf museum, paths, benches, restrooms
Access: —
Parking: Free
Dogs: On leash

Cowell Beach (Cowell’s)
Pacific Avenue @ Beach St

Best for: Here’s where to go if you want to learn to surf! (Check water quality before you swim), sunbathing, people watching
Facilities: Wharf, summer lifeguard, restrooms, restaurants
Access: Easy
Parking: For fee parking lots
Dogs: No dogs

Main Beach

399 Beach St

Best for: Long, sandy beach at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk stretches from the wharf to the San Lorenzo river. Volleyball, Summer beach concerts, people watching, swimming
Facilities: Restrooms, restaurants, summer lifeguard
Access: Easy
Parking: For fee parking lots
Dogs: No dogs

Santa Cruz eastside beaches

Seabright Beach, part of Twin Lakes State Beach

Best for: This half-mile long beach is located between the San Lorenzo River and the Santa Cruz Harbor.Surfing, sunbathing, swimming
Facilities: Restrooms, summer lifeguard
Access: —
Parking: —
Dogs: On leash

Santa Cruz Harbor Beach, part of Twin Lakes State Beach
East Cliff @ 5th Ave

Best for: A great sandy beach when you’re looking for lots to do.Beach volleyball, surf and SUP rentals, restaurants, sunbathing
Facilities: Rentals, restaurants, summer lifeguard
Access: Easy
Parking: For fee parking lot, limited street parking
Dogs: On leash

Twin Lakes State Beach
East Cliff @ 9th Ave

Best for: Swimming, summer fun, sunset views, bonfires, bird watching at Schwan’s Lake.Swimming, summer fun, sunset views, bird watching at Schwan Lake, geocaching
Facilities: Restrooms, summer lifeguard
Access: Easy
Parking: Park & walk
Dogs: —

Coastal Stairways
East Cliff @ 12th Ave
East Cliff @ 13th Ave

14th Ave./Black’s Beach
East Cliff @ 14th Ave

Best for: Wide, sandy beach, low tide access to Twin Lakes BeachSunbathing, picnics, swimming, walking
Facilities: Restrooms, benches, summer lifeguard
Access: Easy, stairways at 12th & 13th Ave
Parking: Limited, park at Twin Lakes and walk
Dogs: On leash

Sunny Cove Beach
East Cliff @ Sunny Cove Dr (16th Ave)

Best for: Follow a narrow path and steps to access a small and little known beach popular for body-boarding. Sunbathing, body boarding, swimming but watch for rip currents
Facilities: None
Access: Trail
Parking: Limited
Dogs: On leash

19th Avenue/Santa Maria Beach
Perfect for a long walk on the shoreline.

Coastal Stairways
East Cliff @ 20th Ave
East Cliff @ 21-23rd Ave

26th Ave Beach/Moran Lake County Park
East Cliff @ 26th Ave

Best for: Beach offers protected coves and a sandy beachSunbathing, walks, surfing
Facilities: None
Access: Easy
Parking: Limited, park at Moran Lake lot and walk
Dogs: On leash

Pleasure Point Beach “The Hook”
Not really a beach, but a lookout to watch surfers and walk your dog. Small parking lot, restrooms.

Coastal Stairways
East Cliff @ 35th Ave
East Cliff @ 38th Ave

Privates Beach
Surfing, nudists, Frisbee, sun-bathing. Requires pass.

Mid-bay beaches

Capitola City Beach, Capitola village

Best for: Go where the river meets the bay (check water quality before you swim).Sunbathing, board sports, swimming, walking, people watching, pier
Facilities: Restrooms, benches, restaurants, shopping, museum
Access: Easy
Parking: Metered, for fee lots with summer shuttle
Dogs: No dogs

New Brighton State Beach
McGregor and Park Ave, Aptos

Best for: Camping, eucalyptus and pine tree groves, views and walking paths—this beach has it all.Camping, swimming, beach walks
Facilities: Restrooms, campsites, Nature Center
Access: Trails to beach
Parking: Fee
Dogs: OK on leash

Pot Belly Beach
Take a shoreline walk between New Brighton and Seacliff Beach lined with private beachfront homes.

Seacliff State Beach
State Park Drive, Aptos

Best for: Walk on the pier, see the concrete ship, go fishing,Pier and cement boat, sunbathing, boogie boarding, swimming, walking, people watching
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, picnic areas, paved walking path, Nature Center, summer lifeguard
Access: Easy, except from upper parking level
Parking: Fee, beach level and upper level parking with long stairs
Dogs: OK on leash

Rio Del Mar State Beach
Go where Aptos Creek meets the bay (check water quality before you swim), Mid-point between Platform beach and New Brighten with a 3-mile paved path.
Rio del Mar at Beach Dr., Aptos

Best for: Sunbathing, boogie boarding, swimming, walking
Facilities: Restaurants, market nearby; restrooms, showers
Access: Easy walk, wheelchair accessible
Parking: Free but limited; fee at Platforms; free but very limited in front of homes
Dogs: OK on leash

Hidden Beach & County Park
A bit hard to find (hidden) but worth the effort. On the way to the beach is a playground for the kids, benches, and a paved walking path to the beach.
End of Cliff Drive, Aptos
Best for: Sunbathing, boogie boarding, swimming, walking
Facilities: Playground, water fountain
Access: Paved path is steep just before sand; trail from Dolphin @ Sumner
Parking: Free but very limited
Dogs: OK on leash

Beer Can Beach
1094 Via Palo Alto, Seascape Aptos
Best for: This neighborhood beach is great for sunbathing and beach walks, boogie boarding, swimming, walking
Facilities: None
Access: Long stairway
Parking: Neighborhood, best not to bring a car
Dogs: OK on leash

SOUTH SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
La Selva Beach, aka Trestles
Known for rip currents, know how to swim safely, and good sun-bathing.

Manresa State Beach, San Andreas Road, La Selva Beach
Best for: Enjoy a beautiful expansive coastline, great for shoreline walking, running, surfing, fishing, and camping, summer fog. Check for rip currents before you swim.Sunbathing, boogie boarding, swimming, walking, can get windy
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, camping, picnic areas, summer lifeguard, fire pits
Access: Stairs and ramp
Parking: Fee
Dogs: OK on leash

Sunset State Beach/Palm Beach
San Andreas Road, Watsonville

Best for: This state park is known for pine trees, sand dunes and ocean side picnics. Bordered by agriculture fields.Sunbathing, boogie boarding, swimming, walking, can get windy
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, camping, picnic areas, summer lifeguard, fire pits
Access: Wheelchair accessible
Parking: Fee
Dogs: No dogs

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North Monterey County beaches

Zmudowski State Beach
Struve Road at Gilberson Road, Moss Landing

Best for: A long, sandy beach great for fishing, horseback riding, and birding.Fishing, birdwatching, beach walking, exploring dunes
Facilities: Restrooms
Access: Easy
Parking: Free
Dogs: No dogs

Moss Landing State Beach
Cabrillo Highway and Jetty Road, Moss Landing

Best for: Enjoy windsurfing, kayaking, horseback riding, and surf fishing.Kayaking, fishing, surfing, SUP, horseback riding, hiking
Facilities: Restrooms, boat launch, picnic tables
Access: Easy
Parking: Free
Dogs: No dogs

Salinas River State Beach
National Wildlife Refuge.

Best for: Sandy coastline between the Salinas River and Moss Landing, Salinas River Beach walks, horse riding, fishing
Facilities: Restrooms
Access: Sandy trails, entrances at Monterey Dunes, Potrero and Moss Landing
Parking: Free
Dogs: No dogs

Marina State Beach
1 Reservation Road, Marina

Best for: Sandy beach that sits below the rugged dunes.Hang gliding, surfing, wildlife watching, picnics
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, trails
Access: 1/3 mile sandy trail
Parking:
Dogs: No dogs

Fort Ord Dunes State Beach
Beach Range Rd and 8th St, Marina

Best for: Go here for a four mile stretch of sandy beach.Hiking, beach walks
Facilities: Ocean overlook, bike paths, restrooms, picnic tables
Access:
Parking:
Dogs: No dogs

Monterey peninsula beaches

Monterey State Beach
2600 Sand Dunes Dr, Monterey

Best for: Monterey’s largest beach of soft sand is the perfect spot for family fun. Swimming can be dangerous due to rip currents.Beach walks, diving, surfing, tidepools, body boarding
Facilities: Restrooms, bike paths
Access: Easy
Parking: Free
Dogs: On leash OK south of the resort hotel

Del Monte City Beach
132 Tide Ave, Monterey

Best for: Hidden behind a coastal housing communityBeach walks, surfing, sunbathing, picnics
Facilities: Restrooms, picnic tables, benches, boardwalk paths
Access: Boardwalk trail
Parking: Free on street
Dogs: On leash OK

San Carlos City Beach Park
Reeside and Cannery Row, Monterey

Best for: Walking, diving, picnics
Facilities: Picnic tables, restrooms, bike path, lawn
Access:
Parking: Metered street parking
Dogs: No dogs

McAbee City Beach
600 Cannery Row, Monterey

Best for: Located at the Cannery Row, not much sand but a good spot to enjoy the view.Kayaking, diving, scenery
Facilities:
Access:
Parking: Metered street parking
Dogs: No dogs

Lover’s Point Park Beach
Ocean View Blvd and 17th St, Pacific Grove

Best for: Small recreation area and lovely spot at sunset.Walking, fishing, diving, swimming, surfing, windsurfing, volleyball
Facilities: Seasonal lifeguard, restrooms, lawns, bike paths, volleyball courts, kids pool, picnic tables, benches
Access: Easy
Parking: Free
Dogs: On leash OK

Asilomar State Beach
Sunset Dr and Pico Ave, Pacific Grove

Best for: Enjoy beautiful nature walks, paths for persons with limited mobility.Hiking, walking, tide-pooling, bird watching, biking
Facilities: Conference grounds
Access: Trails
Parking: Free
Dogs: On leash OK

Spanish Bay Beach
1955 Sunset Dr, Pacific Grove

Best for: Located at the south end of Asilmar beach, cold water and rip currentsSurfing, walking, sunbathing
Facilities: None
Access: Trails
Parking: Free street parking
Dogs: No dogs

Pebble Beach

This beach is famous for its incredible scenery, 17-mile drive, Lone Cypress, golf course, Stillwater Cove and diving.

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Carmel City Beach

Carmel River State Beach
Great beach for diving and kayaking. Rip currents make it unsafe for swimming.

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Monastery Beach

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Pt. Lobos

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Garrapata State Beach

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Andrew Molera State Beach

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Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

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Surfline Surf Forecasts

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Image: “Beautiful Santa Cruz Weekend” by Kel Noguchi, Creative Commons

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Find your perfect beach

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