Pleasure Point Park Beach(30th & East Cliff Beach)

Located at the eastern end of Santa Cruz county, Pleasure Point Park is a county park situated on a bluff overlooking Monterey Bay. The park has a set of stairs that provide access to a narrow strip of beach area present below the bluff. The beach area gets almost completely submerged during high tide and barely has any dry sand. The beach is popular among surfers, along with other beaches in the Pleasure Point neighborhood (in which the park is situated) as the waters here produce ideal surfing conditions. 

Although the beach has no lifeguards, the park and the beach offer a number of facilities to visitors including showers, restrooms, toilets, picnic areas, and benches, while also allowing pets on a leash. 

The park and the beach offer a variety of activities to visitors such as surfing, kiteboarding, hiking, biking, tide-pooling, beach walking, wildlife watching, picnicking, and beachcombing. The waters here have large and consistent waves, which are perfect for surfers looking for an exciting time. You can comb the beach for shells and check out the tidepools in the beach area during low tide. It is recommended that you get a pair of binoculars to get a sight of dolphins, seals, sea lions, otters, and migrating whales in the water from the park. The park area also hosts a walking trail which visitors can use to explore the local wildlife and landmarks of the Pleasure Point neighborhood, which was also home to the surfing legend Jack O’Neill. Another attraction that is situated nearby is Moran Lake Park, which is a great picnicking spot and also offers opportunities for fishing.

The park and the beach are easily accessible - the park is situated at the intersection of East Cliff Drive and Pleasure Point Drive, close to 30th Avenue. You can avail of free street parking at Pleasure Point Drive, although you might require a paid city parking permit on weekends.

The park and the beach offer a variety of activities to visitors such as surfing, kiteboarding, hiking, biking, tide-pooling, beach walking, wildlife watching, picnicking, and beachcombing. The waters here have large and consistent waves, which are perfect for surfers looking for an exciting time. You can comb the beach for shells and check out the tidepools in the beach area during low tide. It is recommended that you get a pair of binoculars to get a sight of dolphins, seals, sea lions, otters, and migrating whales in the water from the park. The park area also hosts a walking trail which visitors can use to explore the local wildlife and landmarks of the Pleasure Point neighborhood, which was also home to the surfing legend Jack O’Neill. Another attraction that is situated nearby is Moran Lake Park, which is a great picnicking spot and also offers opportunities for fishing.

If you're looking for a restaurant, Lago De Como Restaurant and Pizzeria is a high-end Italian fine dining restaurant and is famous for its squid ink pasta and finger-licking ravioli. Another option is the economically priced and family-friendly Guang Zho which offers great Chinese dishes. Another option is Taqueria Vallarta which is a Mexican restaurant offering excellent tacos and burritos.

If you are looking for a hotel near Pleasure Point Park Beach, there are many great options nearby. Hotel Paradox - Autograph Collection offers deluxe suites and features an in-house restaurant, an onsite pool, and a bowling alley. Another, more affordable option is the 2-Star Seaway Inn which is located conveniently close to some of the best beaches, restaurants, and shops in Santa Cruz. The 2-Star Hitching Post Studios Inn is also a good affordable option.