Best Disability Beaches in Santa Cruz

Located near the Westside area of the city of Santa Cruz, Natural Bridges State Beach is actually the name of a 65-acre state park managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The state park contains a beach area in its southern part. The area is known as ‘Natural Bridges State Beach’ as it used to have natural bridge-like arches in the water near the beach, which were formed out of mudstone cliffs being naturally eroded away into arches by the water. Earlier there used to be three such arches, however, only one remains which is a popular perching spot for birds now. The beach has light brown sand. The Moore Creek flows into the ocean through the beach area, often forming a lagoon on the southern end of the beach. The state park area also has a monarch butterfly sanctuary, coastal scrub, grasslands, and wetlands, which are present around the beach area. Although the beach has a lifeguard tower, an on-duty lifeguard is often not available. 

Located near the Santa Cruz Harbor entrance, Santa Cruz Harbor Beach is a small beach that is situated between Santa Cruz Harbor Breakwater and Twin Lakes State Beach. The beach area has light brown sand and provides a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean and of Walton Lighthouse present on the adjoining Seabright Beach. People often consider this beach area to be a part of the larger Twin Lakes State Beach, which is situated right next to the Santa Cruz Harbor Beach area. 

Located near the city of Watsonville, Sunset State Beach is a large state-protected beach with light brown sand. This beach is situated below oceanfront vegetation-covered bluffs. The beach and the area above it have many amenities including lifeguards, picnic tables, barbecue spots, restrooms, and a remote-controlled glider port. Dogs are not allowed on this beach. The state beach offers access to people with disabilities.  

Located in the city of Capitola, New Brighton State Beach is a half-a-mile long and wide beach that is a part of the New Brighton State Beach park. Also known as China Beach, New Brighton State Beach is situated east of Soquel Cove making it a perfect destination for families because of its calm and shallow waters. 

Located in the city of Aptos, Seacliff State Beach is one-and-a-half-miles long and is a well-known swimming and beach walking spot.