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Home >  United States  >  California  >  Santa Cruz  >  

Santa Cruz Harbor Beach

Santa Cruz Harbor Beach

United States, California, Santa Cruz 

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Santa Cruz Harbor Beach

United States, California, Santa Cruz 

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Sandee Santa Cruz Harbor Beach

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Located near the Santa Cruz Harbor entrance, Santa Cruz Harbor Beach is a small beach that is situated between Santa Cruz Harbor Breakwater and Twin Lakes State Beach. The beach area has light brown sand and provides a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean and of Walton Lighthouse present on the adjoining Seabright Beach. People often consider this beach area to be a part of the larger Twin Lakes State Beach, which is situated right next to the Santa Cruz Harbor Beach area.

If you're looking for a restaurant, the seaside Crow’s Nest is popular among locals and features an in-house bar & grill, a beach market, and excellent seafood and steaks. The family-friendly Windmill Cafe offers great breakfast dishes and modest prices. Another great dining option is the Seabreeze café which is popular for its finger-licking sandwiches and muffins.

If you are looking for a hotel near Santa Cruz Harbor Beach, there are many great nearby options. Rio Vista Inn & Suites is a renovated 19th-century mansion that has an old-world charm. For a more affordable option, the 3-Star Bella Notte Inn showcases splendid Mediterranean architecture and has a spa. The 2-Star Harbor Inn is another great budget option.

The beach area provides a variety of amenities for visitors including lifeguards, restrooms, volleyball courts, and concession stands, but has no showers. The beach allows pets on a leash.

Santa Cruz Harbor Beach has many fun activities including volleyball, surfing, kiteboarding, diving, snorkeling, boating, wildlife watching, beach walking, sunbathing, paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, kite surfing, and swimming. The harbor area is home to several vendors that rent out water sports equipment and also organize classes for teaching rowing, canoeing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

The park is easily accessible - simply drive to the intersecting corner of East Cliff Drive and 5th Avenue to access the beach entrance. The Santa Cruz Harbor has a paid parking lot near the beach entrance.

The beach area also hosts cultural and artistic exhibitions - there is a human sundial present on a plaza near the beach area where visitors can position themselves on the ongoing months and their shadow reveals the exact current date! You can also check out the geographical sculpture of Monterey Bay, present near the Crow’s Nest restaurant and detailing its underwater canyon. You can also check in on the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz, which performs on the beach area every Saturday between 10 am to 2 pm, to listen to their lively performance. The waters around the beach are a part of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and the beach offers a perfect opportunity to watch for splendid dolphins, whales, and seals in the water. Other attractions near the beach area include The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park, located adjacent to the Santa Cruz Main Beach, and The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, which is also situated nearby.

Basic Details

IN24 / 7

INRestroom Available

IN2222 E Cliff Dr STE 100, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA

Know Before You Go

Amenities

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesATM

  • Barbecue

  • Boat Ramp

  • Dogs

  • Entry Fee

  • Fire Pits

  • Hidden

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesLifeguard

  • Marine Life

  • Pier

  • Playground

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesRestrooms

  • Shops

  • Showers

  • WiFi

  • Picnic Table

  • Activities

  • Bike Paths

  • Camping

  • Clubs Party Scene

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesFishing

  • Hiking

  • Nude

  • Paddle boarding

  • Scuba Diving

  • Snorkeling

  • Surfing

  • 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

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesBars

  • Food Snacks

  • Local Beach Vendor

  • Lounge

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesRestaurants

  • Access

  • Bike Racks

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesCar Access

  • Disabled Access

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesFoot Access

  • Parking - Free

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesParking - Paid

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesParking - RV Parking

  • Parking - Street

  • Public Bus Stop

  • Stairs to Beach

  • Boat Access

  • Features

  • Blue Flag

  • Jellyfish

  • Pebbles

  • Riptide

  • Rocky

  • Sharks

  • LGBTQ+

  • Santa Cruz Harbor Beach - Beach Map

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    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    Does Santa Cruz Harbor 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 Santa Cruz Harbor Beach have lifeguards?

    Yes, this Beach ensures safety with professional lifeguards on duty throughout the day, offering peace of mind for beachgoers.

    Is Santa Cruz Harbor Beach a family-friendly beach?

    Yes, this Beach is the perfect family destination, offering clean restrooms, vigilant lifeguards, and a variety of nearby food options, ensuring an enjoyable day for all.

    Is Santa Cruz Harbor 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 Santa Cruz Harbor Beach have restrooms?

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

    Is Santa Cruz Harbor Beach a nude beach?

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

    Is there food near Santa Cruz Harbor Beach?

    Yes, this Beach has multiple restaurant options near or on the beach.

    What are the activities at Santa Cruz Harbor Beach?

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

    Does Santa Cruz Harbor Beach have accommodations for people with disabilities?

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

    Is Santa Cruz Harbor Beach a dog-friendly beach?

    Yes, bring your dog with you to this Beach!

    Is Santa Cruz Harbor Beach good for surfing?

    No, this Beach is not generally considered to be good for surfing.

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