Discover 17 parks for beachcombing within driving distance of Santa Cruz
"Santa Cruz is a vibrant coastal city known for its boardwalk, surf culture, and lively downtown. Locals and tourists enjoy easy access to Lighthouse Field SB for beach outings and scenic walks."
A picturesque coastal park in Santa Cruz featuring a historic lighthouse and oceanfront recreation.
"Santa Cruz is a vibrant coastal city known for its boardwalk, surf culture, and scenic beaches—making it a convenient base for day trips to Natural Bridges State Beach."
A scenic beach park famous for its natural rock bridge and monarch butterfly preserve.
"Santa Cruz residents enjoy quick access to New Brighton’s beaches and camping, making it a popular spot for day trips and weekend getaways."
A scenic blufftop park with sandy beaches, camping, and ocean views near Capitola.
"Santa Cruz residents enjoy quick access to Seacliff’s sandy beaches and unique attractions, making it a popular spot for day trips and family outings."
Seacliff State Beach is a popular coastal park featuring sandy beaches, a historic ship, and family-friendly amenities.
"Santa Cruz residents visit for a quieter beach experience and to enjoy surf fishing or picnicking away from the city’s busier waterfront."
A tranquil beach park on Monterey Bay known for fishing, picnicking, and scenic views.
"Santa Cruz is known for its vibrant boardwalk, surf culture, and coastal attractions. Visitors often come for a day at the beach or to camp by the ocean."
A scenic beach park with dunes, camping, and ocean views on Monterey Bay.
"Santa Cruz locals appreciate Bean Hollow's unique pebble beaches and quiet atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing coastal outing."
A picturesque coastal park with tide pools, pebble beaches, and ocean vistas.
"Santa Cruz is famous for its boardwalk, surf culture, and redwood forests. Visitors often travel south to Moss Landing State Beach for wildlife viewing and quieter beaches."
A coastal park with sandy beaches, dunes, and abundant wildlife viewing near Monterey Bay.
"Santa Cruz locals and tourists alike visit Zmudowski for its pristine sands and less-crowded beach experience."
A tranquil beach park known for fishing, birdwatching, and scenic coastal views.
"Santa Cruz locals and tourists enjoy exploring the dunes and bird habitats, making it a favorite for day trips and nature outings."
A serene beach park known for dunes, birdwatching, and fishing along Monterey Bay.
"Santa Cruz visitors come for a change of scenery, exploring new beaches and the unique marsh habitats at Pescadero."
A scenic beach with sandy shores, tide pools, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
"Santa Cruz is a lively beach town with a famous boardwalk and surfing culture. Its residents and visitors often travel to Marina State Beach for quieter beaches and unique dune landscapes."
A scenic coastal park known for sandy dunes, ocean views, and hang gliding.
"Santa Cruz is famous for its boardwalk and surf culture. Visitors from Santa Cruz enjoy day trips to Monterey State Beach for its calm waters and scenic beauty."
A scenic beach park on Monterey Bay, ideal for recreation and relaxation.
"Santa Cruz is famous for its boardwalk and surf culture. Beachgoers and nature lovers from Santa Cruz visit Carmel River State Beach for a change of scenery and birdwatching."
A picturesque coastal park known for its lagoon, wildlife, and scenic beach.
"Santa Cruz is famous for its beaches and boardwalk. Locals and tourists alike enjoy day trips to Asilomar for its tranquil setting and tide pools."
A picturesque coastal park with sandy beaches, dunes, and rocky shores in Pacific Grove.
"Santa Cruz visitors often explore San Gregorio for a change of scenery and to experience the unique bluffs and lagoon."
A picturesque coastal park with sandy beaches, bluffs, and a creekside lagoon.
By Pacific Southwest Region USFWS from Sacramento, US, Public domain
"Santa Cruz is a lively beach town known for its boardwalk and surf culture. Its proximity to Big Sur makes Andrew Molera State Park a popular destination for hiking and nature getaways."
A scenic Big Sur park featuring coastal trails, beaches, and redwood groves.
