Coast Dairies State Park - Laguna Creek Beach(Laguna Creek State Beach)

Located approximately six miles west of the city of Santa Cruz, Laguna Creek Beach (which is also known as Laguna Creek State Beach) is a wide stretch of beach area situated along the coastline area of Coast Dairies State Park. The beach area has light golden sand and is one of the more secluded beaches present on this shoreline. The Laguna Creek forms a lagoon on the southeast part of the beach area. The beach is divided into two sections - the northern portion of the beach is sheltered by cliffs and rock formations and is best for a windy day, while the southern portion of the beach near the lagoon area is more of a wide plain sandy stretch. The area around the lagoon on the beach features a wetland.

Laguna Creek Beach is often considered clothing optional by many. However, public indecency is considered punishable under local laws. The beach area has no lifeguards or any other amenities except some walking trails.

Laguna Creek Beach offers a number of activities including boating, surf-skimming, tide-pooling, wildlife watching, kitesurfing, beach-walking, sunbathing, snorkeling, swimming, hiking, biking, kayaking, and canoeing. The beach area is ideal for beginner surfers as the waves here are mild, but still long enough for good surf. The beach area is preferred by many who want a quieter beach time, which is possible due to the beach’s secluded location. The northern shoreline near the beach area offers a variety of excellent tidepools and many interesting rock formations for exploration. The wetland area of the beach often sees a variety of intriguing bird visitors, making it ideal for bird watching. The water near Laguna Creek Beach is also home to whales, dolphins, otters, seals, and sea-lions.

The beach area is easy to access - you need to cross the highway from the beach parking lot to access and follow a narrow trail that is surrounded by dense vegetation. The narrow trail leads to a railway crossing and then connects to a wider rocky trail leading to the beach. It is recommended to watch out for trains while crossing the active railway line. There is a dirt parking lot for the beach located adjacent to California State Highway 1.

The water around the beach area is often favored by body surfers – waves deflected by cliffs on the southern end of the beach are ideal for performing a variety of bodysurfing techniques including barrel rolls. The Santa Cruz Bodysurfing Association organizes an annual bodysurfing championship contest on the beach area. You can also comb the beach for a variety of interesting shells. Coast Dairies State Park also offers a number of hiking and biking trails that can be used to explore the wetlands, grasslands, farmlands, and bluff sides surrounding the beach area, which offer memorable vistas of the Pacific Ocean. Another attraction near the beach area is the Wilder Ranch State Park which features many more walking and biking trails, a variety of other beaches, and a renovated 19th-century ranch offering an insight into California’s early history.

If you're looking for a restaurant, The Water Street Grill is an upscale bar and grill serving a variety of delicious gourmet dishes including steaks pasta, seafood, and their signature chicken piccata. A more affordable option is Cafe Cruz Rosticceria and Bar which serves a variety of excellent burgers and sandwiches and is renowned for its pork chops. A family-friendly option is the Surf City Sandwich which is 19 minutes away and offers some delectable sandwiches.

If you are looking for a hotel near Laguna Creek Beach, there are many great nearby options. Dream Inn Santa Cruz offers a memorable beachfront experience –it has deluxe rooms and a groovy surfer decor, a pool, an an-inhouse bar, and a lounge. Another more affordable option is the Ocean Echo Inn & Beach Cottages, which is 19 minutes away and offers well-furnished rooms and features a variety of facilities including a pool and barbecue facilities. The modestly priced Sunny Cove Motel Apartments is 18 minutes away and also provides a great accommodation option.