Santa Cruz County

Stranden in Santa Cruz County

Beaches and Coastal Gems

The Santa Cruz coastline offers a diverse range of maritime environments, from the family-oriented Main Beach and historic Boardwalk to the rugged, remote bluffs of the North Coast. This collection includes state parks featuring unique geological formations like the natural sandstone arch at Natural Bridges and the shark-fin-shaped monolith at Davenport. Visitors will find expansive dune systems at Sunset State Beach, secluded clothing-optional coves, and the fern-draped sea caves of Wilder Ranch State Park.

Beaches and Coastal Gems — Kaart

Brocken Inaglory / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Natural Bridges State Beach

Natural Bridges State Beach is a 65-acre California state park in Santa Cruz, California, in the United States.

Eugene Zelenko / GFDL

B

Hole-in-the-Wall Beach

A hidden natural treasure! This beach is an ideal destination for those seeking peace.

Don Graham / CC BY-SA 2.0

C

Laguna Creek Beach

You don't have to wear a swimming dress in this beautiful wide sandy beach. Take a bath in the warm water!

D

Shark Fin Cove

Features a prominent vertical rock formation resembling a shark's fin. The cove is surrounded by steep cliffs and includes a small sea cave accessible at low tide.

E

Scott Creek Beach

A beautiful beach that offers gorgeous views and pleasant bathing experience. Popular with nudists.

Dipsey / Public domain

F

Lighthouse Field State Beach

Lighthouse Field State Beach is a protected beach in the state park system of California, United States.

G

Cowell Beach

Located west of the Santa Cruz Wharf, this beach is known for its gentle, long-rolling waves, making it a primary location for beginner surfing lessons.

H

Mitchell's Cove

A perfect place for all dog owners! Come to this popular beach and let your furry friend play in the ocean waves!

I

Sunset State Beach

Features expansive sand dunes reaching up to 200 feet high and a coastal pine forest. It provides views across Monterey Bay and includes designated camping areas.

J

Capitola Bluffs

Coastal cliffs overlooking Capitola Village and the Monterey Bay, providing views of the historic colorful 'Venetian' houses and the Capitola Wharf.

K

Greyhound Rock Beach

Dominated by a massive sandstone rock accessible at low tide. This site is used for shore fishing and observing marine life during migration seasons.

L

Santa Cruz Main Beach

Situated adjacent to the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It features public beach volleyball courts and is the site of the municipal wharf.

M

Fern Grotto Beach

Located within Wilder Ranch State Park, this beach features a shallow cave at the back of the cove draped with native ferns.

N

Cal Poly Bluffs

High coastal cliffs situated on the Swanton Pacific Ranch property, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Davenport coastline.

O

Davenport Beach

A wide sandy cove located across from the town of Davenport, characterized by dramatic cliffs and the remnants of old pier pilings.

P

Bonny Doon Beach

A secluded beach bordered by high wind-sculpted dunes and cliffs. It is a well-known clothing-optional spot with no developed facilities.

Q

Davenport Landing Beach

The site of a former 19th-century shipping port. It features tide pools, a wheelchair-accessible ramp, and is a location for windsurfing.

R

Three Mile Beach

A remote beach within Wilder Ranch State Park, accessible via a two-mile hike or bike ride along the coastal bluff trails.

S

Swift Beach

A small pocket beach located at the end of Swift Street on the Westside of Santa Cruz, surrounded by residential bluffs.