THE 10 BEST Santa Cruz Beaches
Beaches in Santa Cruz
Category types
13 places sorted by traveler favorites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
What travelers are saying
- CarovegavPanama City, Panama134 contributionsIs a perfect place to relax and enjoy the nice weather in Santa Cruz. Is easy to get there and has parking available. The views are beautiful.Written November 14, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- sonofdragonSan Jose, CA428 contributionsLived in the bay area for years but never take Santa Cruz seriously. Some good things surely come during this pandemic madness. Discovery of Pleasure Point was a blessing for us since we're having pandemic fatigue. Walking the public path while enjoying the breeze/waves was cooling/calming to the mind. Watching the surfers ride the waves was so exciting. Seeing people jogging/running/walking/biking is very inspiring. And the sea birds flying close just above the waves and diving for a catch was a sure wow moment to watch. Words cant say more. Stop the worry and make life livable again!Written January 15, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- K VCologne, Germany51 contributionsGreat, vibrant place, even though I can’t get used to the American going out scene. I realised this only here. Most people can’t afford to go out, so they go out early, get the Happy Hour and then go home.
Still, we enjoyed this place, cruised the broad walk and had some nice walks around the town, visiting sone of the more sleazy establishments.
Highly recommended for a short trip, before you hit SF.Written November 5, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Michelle GPrien am Chiemsee, Germany22 contributionsArea around the lighthouse is very nice and clean. We were there at low tide, so we could walk up to the lighthouse without getting drenched by breaking waves. Very cool!Written January 21, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- miniFremont, CA201,272 contributionsWe did a return visit to Waddell State Beach. This is an awesome beach to watch the wind surfers. Part of Big Basin Redwood State Park is across the way.Written December 10, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- tikitodd408San Jose, CA160 contributionsOne of my favorite beaches. Plenty of room so it’s not crowded. Clean, bathrooms, showers. Great views and a lighthouse and wharf. Parking is available but first come, first serve.Written March 7, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- miniFremont, CA201,272 contributionsWe enjoyed going to Twin Lakes State Beach in Santa Cruz. Its close to the main harbor area. We liked the views. We took a nice walk by the Pacific Ocean.Written July 13, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- John MSanta Cruz, CA4,477 contributionsThe surfing scene is unique for most visitors from out of the area who find that it is always interesting to watch both the surfers in the water, and the other people watching the surfers.Written January 18, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Balasubramanian RChennai (Madras), India806 contributionsName is derived from the fact that the beach is near by Light house and it is just situated northern side of the lighthouse. In this beach dogs are allowed and tourists enjoyed with the pet one. Western side Pacific ocean.Written September 15, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Gerald ROakland, CA700 contributionsWhen I go to the beach at Half Moon Bay I go boogie boarding to relax. Last summer my cousin introduced me to this beach as it is his getaway to relax. This is not a place to boogie board or surf due to the rip tides and the steep steps walking down to this beach. That doesn't mean you cannot have a great time here. In fact I like going to beaches that are different from each other.
I came here with that same cousin on Friday July 3. Due to the pandemic we practiced social distancing. There were people but the beach wasn't packed. However I knew if we had come to this beach on Saturday July 4 this beach would've been crowded.
What makes this beach unique is the serenity. Walking down the steep steps the cliff acts as a barrier to prevent the sounds of traffic. Even though the beach isn't big due to the rugged terrain behind the beach the the area on the beach makes it spacious. With the depth of the area you can throw a football, fling a frisbee, and kick a soccer ball without feeling cramped.
I'll admit Northern California doesn't have the glamourous beaches like Southern California. That doesn't mean you can't relax and have "fun in the sun" at certain beaches in Northern California. If you don't want to go the congestion at the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz I recommend coming to free-flowing atmosphere at Panther Beach.Written August 23, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - bcneusSanta Cruz, CA26 contributionsThis is a nice little beach away from the crowds. Its quiet, and peaceful. Great views of the Monterey bay. The winter tends to wash the beach away so you may find the beach gone.Written October 30, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- miniFremont, CA201,272 contributionsWe went to Coast Daires State Park, which is north of the main area of Santa Cruz. Parking is on highway one. Its very popular. There are nice views of the Pacific Ocean. Its a great place for a walk. Its not as well known though as other parks there as there is very little signage for the park.Written June 14, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Theresa A28 contributionsVisited this state beach in March with a group and it was excellent. Very interesting to see the tide pools and learn more about the local marine ecosystem. Staff were knowledgeable and passionate about their work. I posted a review then with five stars and highly recommended it. In May, I returned to the area and took my eldest son (age 26). The parking lot is now overgrown with weeds and had sketchy people smoking marijuana there. We didn't feel comfortable stopping even though it was still daylight. It looked kind of abandoned which was odd since I'd just been there. The listing has disappeared from Trip Advisor although the California parks website still shows it as open. The fee booth was closed when we went, but covered with signs that said there was nothing to steal and to please not break in. I'm not sure how to rate this now between excellent in March and "nope not stopping" in May. I'd recommend parking outside the park in the lot closest to the ocean. It's time limited though. The lot by the visitors center allows more time, but felt very unsafe.Written May 22, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
