Sandee logo Blue
  • Countries
  • Blogs
  • Map
  • Nude Beaches
  • Sharks
  • Beach News
Sandee logo Blue
Home
Countries
Blog
Map
Nude Beaches
Sharks
Beach News

Sandee logo Blue
instagramfacebooktwitteryoutube
Choose Your Beach! TM
  • Explore

  • Countries

  • Nude Beaches

  • Best Beaches

  • Sitemap

  • Company

  • About

  • Press

  • Mr. Beach

  • License Our Data

  • Legal

  • Privacy Policy

  • Cookie Policy

  • Terms and Conditions

  • Community

  • Beach News

  • Contact Us

  • Save Our Oceans

Explore
Company
Legal
Community

© 2025 by Sandee, LLC.   All rights reserved.

Home >  United States  >  California  >  Santa Cruz  >  

Lighthouse Field State Beach

Lighthouse Field State Beach(Its Beach)

United States, California, Santa Cruz 

Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee

Lighthouse Field State Beach

United States, California, Santa Cruz 

Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee Lighthouse Field State Beach

63.617

°F

|

°C

Icon

Clouds

10 Km74%2.08 m/s

11:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

63.6 °F17 °C

2:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

66.6 °F19 °C

5:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

70.9 °F21 °C

8:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

66.4 °F19 °C

11:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

60.0 °F15 °C

2:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

54.9 °F13 °C

5:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

54.4 °F12 °C

8:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

59.9 °F15 °C

11:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

68.5 °F20 °C

2:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

70.3 °F21 °C

5:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

68.2 °F20 °C

8:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

59.4 °F15 °C

11:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

59.0 °F15 °C

2:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

57.0 °F14 °C

5:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

55.9 °F13 °C

8:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

60.9 °F16 °C

11:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

67.1 °F19 °C

2:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

65.1 °F18 °C

5:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

63.8 °F18 °C

8:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

58.0 °F14 °C

11:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

55.7 °F13 °C

2:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

54.5 °F12 °C

5:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

53.1 °F12 °C

8:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

55.7 °F13 °C

11:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

60.6 °F16 °C

2:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

62.1 °F17 °C

5:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

60.7 °F16 °C

8:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

54.9 °F13 °C

11:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

53.1 °F12 °C

2:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

54.5 °F12 °C

5:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

53.0 °F11 °C

8:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

54.3 °F12 °C

11:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

60.9 °F16 °C

2:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

61.7 °F16 °C

5:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

60.6 °F16 °C

8:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

58.7 °F15 °C

11:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

56.1 °F13 °C

2:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

54.8 °F13 °C

5:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

54.0 °F12 °C

8:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

56.1 °F13 °C

Located in the Westside area of the city of Santa Cruz, Lighthouse Field State Beach is actually the name of a state park managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation and is situated adjacent to two bluff side beaches. The state park is comprised of two major parts. The northern portion of Lighthouse Field State Beach is a large grassy walking park, one of the last open oceanside forelands in urban California, that is situated in the north of West Cliff Drive. The southern portion is a rocky sandstone blufftop area which is called the Lighthouse Point (also known as Point Santa Cruz) as it features Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse and the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum – and is also has a paved esplanade running to its west which is popular with bikers.

There are two beaches adjacent to Lighthouse Field State Beach - one is located to its south just across West Cliff drive and is known as Its Beach and another is situated east of the state park and is called Steamer Lane. The park and the adjoining beaches usually don’t have any lifeguards, although Steamer Lane often sees lifeguard deployment during high surf conditions. However, the park and the beaches have many amenities including showers, restrooms, walking trails, picnicking areas, and drinking fountains, and also allow pets on a leash. The park and the beaches are easy to access - they are located at 701 West Cliff Drive. There are a number of free parking lots along West Cliff Drive and Lighthouse Point, from where you can access the state park and the stairs leading down to the adjacent bluff side beaches.

If you're looking for a restaurant, Restaurant Avanti offers a high-end Italian fine dining experience and is known for delicious pasta which is served with refreshing cocktails and excellent wines. A great family-friendly dining option is Riva Fish House, which serves great seafood dishes, features an oceanfront dining area, and offers a kid’s special menu. The modestly priced Las Palmas Tacos Bar offers great burritos and enchiladas.

If you are looking for a hotel near Lighthouse Field State Beach, there are many great nearby options. The 4-Star Chaminade Resort & Spa is set in the Santa Cruz Mountains and offers luxurious suites and features many amenities including an in-house restaurant and bar, a pool, spa, and a tennis court. A more affordable option is the 3-Star Redwood Croft, which is 24 minutes away – it's set in the idyllic California Redwoods and offers well-furnished rooms. The modestly priced 2-Star Ramada Limited Santa Cruz is another good option.

The park and the two adjacent beaches offer numerous activities including hiking, biking, wildlife watching, picnicking, swimming, surfing, beachcombing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, sunbathing, beach-walking, kiteboarding, and bodysurfing. The grassy park in the northern part of the state park also has a number of trails and often has grassy meadows and groves of Monterey cypress trees. The Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse building, which is in the southern end of the state park, also houses Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is the first of its kind in California and offers interactive exhibits, artifacts, and pictures detailing the 125-year-old history of surfing in Santa Cruz.

The waters around Lighthouse Field State Beach are home to otters, seals, sea lions, migrating whales, and dolphins, while the grassy park area is home to monarch butterflies which migrate here annually between mid-October to February seeking shelter from the cold. Several rare birds can be found in the grassy park area of the state park including the black swift. Every Christmas, Lighthouse Field State Beach also "Caroling Under The Stars" which is a quite popular local event.

Beach access to the adjacent Its Beach and Steamer Lane is just a short walk away from Lighthouse Field State Beach across West Cliff Drive, from where you can access these two beach areas through carved paths and stairs located along the bluff side. Steamer Lane is a high-octane surfing spot that is popular among surfers for its thrilling waves and also features a surfer’s memorial dedicated to victims of surfing accidents. Its Beach has a sandier terrain compared to Steamer Lane and has a natural sandstone arch and a number of other rock formations which can be explored.

The water around Its Beach and Steamer Lane offers sharp waves which can be fun for surfers but is often dangerous – this area is known as the "Toilet Ball) due to extreme water currents in the cove below Lighthouse Point between Steamer Lane and Its Beach that has been occasionally been fatal for swimmers. If you are planning to swim or surf, we recommend reviewing the water conditions here before going in or alternatively head further east to Cowell’s Beach. Attractions near Lighthouse Field State Beach include the Santa Cruz Wharf, which is a great spot for pier fishing and houses souvenir shops and restaurants. The nearby Santa Cruz Boardwalk Amusement Park also has exciting rides and a gaming arcade.

Basic Details

INParking

IN7:00 AM - Sunset

INRestroom Available

INWhite

IN700 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

Know Before You Go

Amenities

  • ATM

  • Barbecue

  • Boat Ramp

  • Dogs

  • Entry Fee

  • Fire Pits

  • Hidden

  • Lifeguard

  • Marine Life

  • Pier

  • Playground

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesRestrooms

  • Shops

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesShowers

  • WiFi

  • Picnic Table

  • Activities

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesBike Paths

  • Camping

  • Clubs Party Scene

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesFishing

  • 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

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesParking - 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+

  • Lighthouse Field State Beach - Beach Map

    Loading Beaches...

    Explore Top Destinations

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    Does Lighthouse Field State Beach have parking? If so, is it free or paid?

    Yes, this Beach provides free parking at the entrance, although spaces are limited. Visitors can also find street parking nearby for easy access to the beach.

    Does Lighthouse Field State Beach have lifeguards?

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

    Is Lighthouse Field State Beach a family-friendly beach?

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

    Is Lighthouse Field State Beach good for swimming?

    No, this Beach is not generally considered a good swimming beach.

    Does Lighthouse Field State Beach have restrooms?

    Yes, Restrooms are conveniently available on or adjacent to the beach at this Beach.

    Is Lighthouse Field State Beach a nude beach?

    No, this Beach maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and does not allow nude bathing.

    Is there food near Lighthouse Field State Beach?

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

    What are the activities at Lighthouse Field State Beach?

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

    Does Lighthouse Field State Beach have accommodations for people with disabilities?

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

    Is Lighthouse Field State Beach a dog-friendly beach?

    Yes, bring your dog with you to this Beach!

    Is Lighthouse Field State Beach good for surfing?

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

    Beaches Near Lighthouse Field State Beach

    Sandee Its Beach

    Its Beach

    Its Beach
    Santa Cruz, USA(0.03 Miles)
    Sandee Steamer Lane

    Steamer Lane

    Steamer Lane
    Santa Cruz, USA(0.17 Miles)
    Sandee Cowell's Beach

    Cowell's Beach

    Cowell's Beach
    Santa Cruz, USA(0.71 Miles)
    Sandee Mitchell's Cove Beach

    Mitchell's Cove Beach

    Mitchell's Cove Beach
    Santa Cruz, USA(0.71 Miles)
    Sandee Santa Cruz Beach

    Santa Cruz Beach

    Santa Cruz Beach
    Santa Cruz, USA(0.84 Miles)
    Sandee Seabright Beach

    Seabright Beach

    Seabright Beach
    Santa Cruz, USA(1.38 Miles)
    Sandee 2222 Beach

    2222 Beach

    2222 Beach
    Santa Cruz, USA(1.39 Miles)
    Sandee Twin Lakes State Beach

    Twin Lakes State Beach

    Twin Lakes State Beach
    Santa Cruz, USA(1.50 Miles)
    Sandee Natural Bridges State Beach

    Natural Bridges State Beach

    Natural Bridges State Beach
    Santa Cruz, USA(1.54 Miles)
    Sandee Santa Cruz Harbor Beach

    Santa Cruz Harbor Beach

    Santa Cruz Harbor Beach
    Santa Cruz, USA(1.70 Miles)

    Best Beaches in California

    Sandee Santa Monica Beach

    Santa Monica Beach

    Santa Monica Beach
    Santa Monica , USA
    Sandee Baker Beach

    Baker Beach

    Baker Beach
    San Francisco , USA
    Sandee Carmel City Beach

    Carmel City Beach

    Carmel City Beach
    Carmel By The Sea , USA
    Sandee Bodega Bay Harbor

    Bodega Bay Harbor

    Bodega Bay Harbor
    Bodega Bay , USA
    Sandee Stinson Beach

    Stinson Beach

    Stinson Beach
    Stinson Beach , USA
    Sandee Centerville Beach

    Centerville Beach

    Centerville Beach
    Ferndale , USA
    Sandee Monterey Beach

    Monterey Beach

    Monterey Beach
    Monterey , USA
    Sandee Santa Cruz Beach

    Santa Cruz Beach

    Santa Cruz Beach
    Santa Cruz , USA
    Sandee Santa Monica Beach

    Santa Monica Beach

    Santa Monica Beach
    Santa Monica , USA
    Sandee Baker Beach

    Baker Beach

    Baker Beach
    San Francisco , USA
    Sandee Carmel City Beach

    Carmel City Beach

    Carmel City Beach
    Carmel By The Sea , USA
    Sandee Bodega Bay Harbor

    Bodega Bay Harbor

    Bodega Bay Harbor
    Bodega Bay , USA
    Sandee Stinson Beach

    Stinson Beach

    Stinson Beach
    Stinson Beach , USA
    Sandee Centerville Beach

    Centerville Beach

    Centerville Beach
    Ferndale , USA
    Sandee Monterey Beach

    Monterey Beach

    Monterey Beach
    Monterey , USA
    Sandee Santa Cruz Beach

    Santa Cruz Beach

    Santa Cruz Beach
    Santa Cruz , USA
    View All

    EXPERT ADVICE AND TIPS

    Beach Blogs

    Read All Blogs
    Sandee - Blog / Live Hurricane Milton Updates

    Oct 09, 2024 SANDEE

    Live Hurricane Milton Updates

    Live Hurricane Milton Updates

    Discover how hurricanes, like the powerful Hurricane Milton, are classified into categories and the damage each category can cause. Learn how Florida and other regions prepare for such storms.

    Sandee - Blog / Discover the Mysterious Velella Washing Ashore on California Beaches

    Oct 02, 2024 SANDEE

    Discover the Mysterious Velella Washing Ashore on California Beaches

    Discover the Mysterious Velella Washing Ashore on California Beaches

    If you're visiting California's iconic beaches this season, you might encounter some unusual, vibrant blue creatures washed ashore. These tiny marine organisms, known as Velella Velella, are captivating tourists and locals alike. Often referred to as "by-the-wind sailors," these creatures have recently been appearing in large numbers along the West Coast, including popular beaches in Santa Cruz, Malibu, and Santa Barbara. This phenomenon adds a touch of intrigue to California’s already scenic shores, making your beach visit even more unforgettable.

    Sandee - Blog / Trapped and Swallowed by Quicksand

    Aug 20, 2024 SANDEE

    Trapped and Swallowed by Quicksand

    Trapped and Swallowed by Quicksand

    Quick! That’s how fast it happened—one moment, Jamie Acord was enjoying a peaceful stroll along the beach with her husband, and the next, she was waist-deep in quicksand.

    Sandee - Blog / Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California

    May 28, 2024 SANDEE

    Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California

    Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California

    Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California

    Sandee - Blog / Pet-Friendly Beaches - Top 3 Destinations to Vacation with Your Dog or Cat in USA

    Feb 07, 2024 SANDEE

    Pet-Friendly Beaches - Top 3 Destinations to Vacation with Your Dog or Cat in USA

    Pet-Friendly Beaches - Top 3 Destinations to Vacation with Your Dog or Cat in USA

    For pet owners, leaving Fido or Fluffy behind while the family hits the beach just won't do. Luckily, many coastal destinations now cater to vacationing animal lovers by allowing dogs, cats, and other pets to enjoy the seaside fun too. From wide open spaces to play, pet perks, and accommodations, here are the top pet-friendly beaches to visit for a pawsome vacation with your furry best friend.

    Sandee - Blog / Family Beach Day Essentials: Packing for Fun in the Sun

    Feb 07, 2024 SANDEE

    Family Beach Day Essentials: Packing for Fun in the Sun

    Family Beach Day Essentials: Packing for Fun in the Sun

    A successful beach trip requires thoughtful preparation and packing. You don't want to forget essential items and have to cut your day short or run out constantly for supplies.

    Sandee - Blog / 8 Things That RUIN A Beach Day

    Feb 07, 2024 SANDEE

    8 Things That RUIN A Beach Day

    8 Things That RUIN A Beach Day

    You've dreamt of this beach vacay for months. The sunscreen is packed, cute swimsuit donned, and you made your playlist filled with sunny tunes. You head out ready for a blissful, relaxing day soaking up the summer sun, waves, and vistas. Then...something happens that puts a damper on the day. Beach trips don't always go as envisioned. From weather mishaps to forgetting necessities, here are 8 common things that can sabotage and ruin an otherwise glorious beach day.

    Sandee - Blog / 13 Best Beach Cities in California

    Feb 01, 2024 SANDEE

    13 Best Beach Cities in California

    13 Best Beach Cities in California

    With over 800 miles of coastline, California is synonymous with beach culture. Up and down the Golden State, you’ll find lively seaside towns and cities where you can wake up to ocean views, spend the day tanning on the sand, and enjoy fresh coastal cuisine.

    Sandee - Blog / Nudism Laws in United States Virgin Islands: A Comprehensive Overview

    Feb 01, 2024 SANDEE

    Nudism Laws in United States Virgin Islands: A Comprehensive Overview

    Nudism Laws in United States Virgin Islands: A Comprehensive Overview

    The United States Virgin Islands offer a beautiful tropical escape for travelers looking to experience the stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage. For those who are interested in naturism or nudism, it's important to be aware of the laws and cultural attitudes towards nudity in this region.

    Sandee - Blog / Nudism Laws in United States: A Comprehensive Overview

    Feb 01, 2024 SANDEE

    Nudism Laws in United States: A Comprehensive Overview

    Nudism Laws in United States: A Comprehensive Overview

    Nudism, also known as naturism, is a lifestyle that promotes the freedom and comfort of being nude in a non-sexual context. In the United States, there are laws and regulations that dictate where and when nudism is permissible. As a travel blogger and enthusiast of naturist activities, I have explored the various laws and cultural attitudes towards nudism in the US.

    Read All Blogs