Find the best beaches in Santa Cruz, California
Capitola Beach ... Lighthouse Field Beach ... New Brighton Beach ... Pleasure Point Beach
Rio Del Mar ... Seabright ... Twin Lakes Beach
Capitola Beach
Capitola Village, Santa Cruz County
Located in the quaint Village of Capitola. California's oldest seaside resort
is a charming coastal town. The beach is enclosed between two bluffs,
on one side is the older ocean side village section and reminds
visitors of a Mediterranean resort town. Capitola Beach
is bordered along the famous Esplanade, lined
with shops, restaurants & galleries. It
it is a people watchers paradise
and bustling activity and
entertainment during
summer months.
Personally Recommended lodging
Capitola Suites
in the very heart of the Capitola Village
A lovingly restored historic village complex in the heart of the village. Four luxury apartment suites
steps to the all the fine restaurants, shops, art galleries, live entertainment and famous
Capitola Beach. An easy stroll to the famous surfing spot, know as 'the hook'
at Pleasure Point. Said to be "among the finest accommodations in
the village. Rent a private apartment suite for your
honeymoon or getaway, or rent all four for
larger groups. Available monthly
October thru May.
Inn At Depot Hill
A luxurious Bed and Breakfast Inn a stones throw
from the quaint village and wonderful Capitola Beach and strand
________________
Rio Del Mar Beach
A long sandy beach in the community known as Aptos, california, in Santa Cruz County.
Fire rings, barbecue and picnic area. A popular summer beach
Home to the 'cement boat' a long ago stranded
freighter stands as a landmark!
Complete list of all Santa Cruz County Hotels
_________________
Seabright Beach
in Santa Cruz, between yacht Harbor entrance & River mouth
Seabright Beach (at the foot of Seabright Avenue) is Part of 'Twin Lakes State Beach'.
A popular locals beach (not easily found by tourists). Located between the
San Lorenzo River mouth and the entrance to the Santa Cruz Harbor.
A long sandy beach, good for body surfing, swimming and
skim boarding. Volleyball, evening bonfires and
drum circles are favorite locals pastimes.
It is a top rated a five star beach.
Complete list of all hotels in Santa Cruz County
__________________
Pleasure Point Beach
Santa Cruz County, California
One of the most famous surfing spots in Northern California. Home to Jack O'Neill the
inventor of the wet suit. He still maintains and lives in a house in the
neighborhood. An extremely casual, friendly and beautiful
beach where surfing etiquette got its name!
Easy walk to the village of Capitola
with restaurants & shops.
Complete list of all hotels in Santa Cruz County
_________________
Lighthouse Field Beach
aka Steamers Lane, the famous surfing Mecca!
Located in the town of Santa Cruz, on scenic West Cliff Drive
Also called Point Santa Cruz. A northern boundary of Monterey Bay. A famous surfing
region, and home to California's first surfing museum. It overlooks the
internationally renowned surfing hot spot know as "Steamers Lane".
The beach is on West Cliff Drive in downtown Santa Cruz.
A rare headlands where Sea Lions populate the
offshore rocks. A splendid place to
watch the surfers and sea life!
Complete list of all hotels in Santa Cruz County
_________________
New Brighton Beach ~ Capitola, California
(Santa Cruz County)
One of California most visited beaches. A large 92 acre park noted for spectacular
views of the Monterey Bay with towering bluffs high above the beach, with
Monterey Cypress, pine, oak & eucalyptus trees. Once the site of
a Chinese fishing village. The beach is the largest beach
in the town of Capitola, a town south of Santa Cruz.
Picnicking, hiking and biking trails. Note the
weather varies from cool misty morning
to hot summer afternoons.
Camping on New Brighton State Beach
Facilities are run by the California State Parks Assn.
Reservations are recommended from mid-March through October;
phone Ca state park at 1-831-464-6329 or 1-831-429-2850.
There are 112 sites for tents or RVs up to 31 feet long. Piped water,
fire grills/picnic tables are provided. Sanitary toilets,
coin-operated showers, propane gas, groceries, and
laundry facilities are available. Pets are
permitted in the campground but not
on the beach. Reservations,
fees: 444-PARK/7275.
Complete list of all hotels in Santa Cruz County.
Twin Lakes Beach
Has a mile of sandy shoreline, popular for swimming and picnicking. A state park beach,
Twin Lakes encompasses what locals call Seabright 'Castle' Beach; Harbor Beach;
and Schwan Lake Beach (all local names). The park’s adjacent Schwan's
lake is a good location for bird watching. The small craft
harbor in Santa Cruz is approximately in the middle
of Twin Lakes State Beach, which extends for
a distance parallel to East Cliff Dr.
Fishing, hiking trails, wildlife
tours and outdoor cafe's
on 'Harbor Beach'
Complete list of all hotels in Santa Cruz County
Beaches Menu ... Santa Cruz Menu ... Honeymoon Menu ... Main Menu