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Home >  United States  >  California  >  Capitola  >  

Privates Beach

Privates Beach(Key Beach)

United States, California, Capitola 

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Privates Beach

United States, California, Capitola 

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Sandee Privates Beach

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Located in the Opal Cliffs neighborhood of Santa Cruz County, Privates Beach is a narrow strip of beach area situated below a bluff-top park called the Opal Cliffs Park. The beach has light brown sand, which rarely stays dry due to constant contact with water during advancing tides. The bluff side shoreline has been fixed with boulder embankments to prevent erosion. A portion of the beach allows clothing optional visitors, which is how the beach got its name. For a long time the beach was the subject of a legal battle between the local resident’s association Opal Cliffs Recreation District and the California Coastal Commission – the local resident’s association Opal Cliffs Recreation District closed public access to the beach and demanded a whopping $100 entry fees. The beach is currently open to all during the daytime, while it is closed off during the night to ensure the safety of local residents. The beach area is accessible from the park via a flight of wooden stairs present near the park area. The beach and the adjoining park have no lifeguard or any other amenities except some sitting areas. The beach allows pets on leash, although they are forbidden on weekends and national holidays.

If you're looking for a restaurant, Paradise Beach Grille offers a pleasant beachfront fine-dining experience, while also featuring live music and a variety of seafood dishes. Another family-friendly option is Cliff Cafe which serves some excellent breakfast and lunch dishes and also offers great vegan options. The modestly priced Paula’s has a casual surfer vibe and offers and offers delicious breakfast dishes that are served in generous portions.

If you are looking for a hotel near Privates Beach, there are many great nearby options. The 4-Star Chaminade Resort and Spa offers upscale suites and features an in-house restaurant, onsite tennis lawns, and a pool. More affordable options include the 2-Star Torch Lite Inn and the economically priced Aqua Breeze Inn.

Privates Beach offers a number of exciting activities including surfing, bodysurfing, kayaking, canoeing, beachcombing, boating, paddleboarding, sunbathing, beach walking, and wildlife watching, boating, and swimming. The beach is a favorite spot for surfers looking for less crowded waters and great waves. During low tide, you can comb the beach for shells. We recommend visiting other popular beaches located nearby including Pleasure Point Beach and The Hook, which is famous throughout California as a surfer’s paradise and can be accessed from Privates Beach via a short walk north during low tide.

The beach is easy to access - it is located at 4524 Opal Cliff Drive, and there is a small free parking lot in front of the park gate near the beach.

Another popular attraction near the beach is Moran Lake Park, which is a short drive away and offers great opportunities for picnicking and fishing.

Basic Details

IN24 / 7

IN4480 Opal Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA

Know Before You Go

Amenities

  • ATM

  • Barbecue

  • Boat Ramp

  • Dogs

  • Entry Fee

  • Fire Pits

  • Hidden

  • Lifeguard

  • Marine Life

  • Pier

  • Playground

  • Restrooms

  • Shops

  • Showers

  • WiFi

  • Picnic Table

  • Activities

  • Bike Paths

  • Camping

  • Clubs Party Scene

  • Fishing

  • Hiking

  • Nude

  • Paddle boarding

  • Scuba Diving

  • Snorkeling

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesSurfing

  • Tours

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesVolleyball

  • Cave

  • Rentals

  • ATV

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesBikes

  • Boat

  • Fishing Boats

  • Jet Skiing

  • Kayaking Canoeing

  • Chair Rentals

  • Sailing

  • Speed Boats

  • Umbrella Rental

  • Waterskiing

  • Windsurfing

  • Yachts

  • Food

  • Bars

  • Food Snacks

  • Local Beach Vendor

  • Lounge

  • Restaurants

  • Access

  • Bike Racks

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesCar Access

  • Disabled Access

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesFoot Access

  • Parking - Free

  • Parking - Paid

  • Parking - RV Parking

  • Parking - Street

  • Public Bus Stop

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesStairs to Beach

  • Boat Access

  • Features

  • Blue Flag

  • Jellyfish

  • Pebbles

  • Riptide

  • Rocky

  • Sharks

  • LGBTQ+

  • Privates Beach - Beach Map

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!

    Does Privates Beach have parking? If so, is it free or paid?

    No, this Beach does not have dedicated parking but has street parking near the entrance.

    Does Privates Beach have lifeguards?

    No, this Beach does not have lifeguards monitoring the beach - please be careful when swimming on this beach.

    Is Privates Beach a family-friendly beach?

    No, this Beach is not family-friendly and does not have restrooms, lifeguards, and nearby food.

    Is Privates Beach good for swimming?

    Yes, this Beach boasts excellent swimming conditions, attracting swimmers of all skill levels with its gentle waves and clear waters.

    Does Privates Beach have restrooms?

    No, this Beach does not have restrooms on or near the beach.

    Is Privates Beach a nude beach?

    Yes, this Beach is known for being a nude beach, providing a liberating experience for those seeking clothing-optional sunbathing and swimming.

    Is there food near Privates Beach?

    No, this Beach does not have nearby food options - please plan your beach day accordingly.

    What are the activities at Privates Beach?

    Yes, this Beach is renowned for its vibrant beach scene, offering various activities for everyone to enjoy Hiking, Nude, Surfing, Volleyball.

    Does Privates Beach have accommodations for people with disabilities?

    No, this Beach does not have accommodations for people with disabilities.

    Is Privates Beach a dog-friendly beach?

    No, this Beach is not dog-friendly.

    Is Privates Beach good for surfing?

    Yes, surfing is an activity that is frequently enjoyed at this Beach.

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