Red White And Blue Beach(RWB Beach)

Located between Coast Dairies State Park and Wilder Ranch State Park, Red, White, and Blue Beach is a beach area located in one of the few remaining private grassland ranches in the western part of Santa Cruz County. The beach’s former owner, Ralph Edwards, had earlier allowed public access to the beach for a small fee and the beach was a popular clothing-optional beach during the 1960s to early 2000s. However, in 2008 Edwards closed off the road that provided access to the beach which passed through his land in 2008. Red, White, and Blue Beach have recently been purchased by another private benefactor, and public access to the beach is still forbidden. The beach has light brown sand and Major’s Creek often forms a lagoon on the beach area. The beach got its unique name due to the tricolored letterbox which earlier used to denote the trail providing access to the beach.

The access trail to the beach is located at Scaroni Road alongside California State Highway 1. However, the trail is now blocked off and signs have been posted near the beach forbidding trespassing.

Non-profit organizations and government agencies have plans to extend a walking trail from Wilder Ranch State Park to the beach so that it can be accessed by the general public. However, these are far from being put into implementation right now. We recommend visiting other state parks located in the vicinity including Coast Dairies State Park and Wilder Ranch State Park as both offer interesting beaches – these allow full public access, as well as hiking and biking trails to explore the surrounding wetlands, farmlands, and blufftop areas. Wilder Ranch State Park also features a 19th-century ranch that history buffs can explore. Another nearby State Park is the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park which is set among groves of California redwoods and offers camping spots for an up and close experience with wilderness.

If you're looking for a restaurant, Ideal Bar & Grill serves a variety of delectable seafood dishes including clam chowder, calamari, fish tacos, and desserts served in generous portions while also hosting live music and karaoke performances. A family-friendly option is the Engfer Pizza Works which serves excellent pizzas and offers some great vegan dishes. A more affordable dining option is Taqueria Los Pericos which serves finger-licking tacos and burritos.

If you are looking for a hotel near Red, White, and Blue Beach, there are many great nearby options. The 4-Star Inn at Depot Hill is a deluxe bed and breakfast built on the site of an erstwhile railway depot – it’s 19 minutes away and offers elegant suites, gourmet breakfasts, and evening wine tastings. A more affordable option is the 2-Star Beach Street Inn & Suites is conveniently located close to some of the most iconic attractions in Santa Cruz – it offers well-furnished rooms, a pool, and a restaurant. The modestly priced Hotel Solares is another great budget accommodation option.