Caution
High Hazard
Extreme
Active/Upcoming Event
Santa Cruz
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Offering the best of the Golden State, Santa Cruz is the quintessential California beach town. After all, it's where three vacationing Hawaiian princes first surfed the USA in 1885 and the place Jack O’Neill invented the wetsuit in the 1950s. Santa Cruz’s history is cemented in this iconic California sport. Surfers tote their boards to the beach, where families relax on the sand as children splash and play in the water.
Where else can you ride a vintage wooden roller coaster but at the renowned Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk; walk out a half-mile into the waters of the Monterey Bay on the century-old Santa Cruz Wharf; or visit a surfing museum housed inside a lighthouse overlooking Steamer Lane, one of the best places in the United States to surf?
For beginners, surf instructors provide wetsuits and surfboards and get you up on the waves. Once you’re ready, grab your big stick and head to one of Santa Cruz County’s mellow beaches and experience what “Surf City” is all about.
amenities
Bus Stop
Metered Parking
Restaurants Nearby
Restrooms
Showers
Gear Rental
ADA Parking
Accessibility Mat
activities
Biking
Electric Scooter
Fishing
Skateboarding
Soccer
Spear Fishing
Surfing
Swimming
Volleyball
prohibitions
No Alcohol
No Camping
No Cars on Sand
No Cliff Jumping
No Climbing
No Diving
No Dogs
No Firearms
No Fireworks
No Hole Digging
No Motorized Crafts
No Smoking
No Vending
hazards
Swim at your Own Risk
Beaches and oceans are dynamic natural environments. Crowd conditions, currents, waves, wild animals, and other water and beach conditions can rapidly change. The risks and conditions shown on this site are informational only and not always real-time. Actual conditions may differ. Lifeguards are not always on duty or available. Always remain aware of your surroundings and exercise due care for your own safety and the safety of others around you.
Always check for water warnings or check with a lifeguard before you swim.