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Home >  United States  >  California  >  Santa Cruz  >  

Wilder Ranch State Park - Fern Grotto Beach

Wilder Ranch State Park - Fern Grotto Beach(Old Cove Landing)

United States, California, Santa Cruz 

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Wilder Ranch State Park - Fern Grotto Beach

United States, California, Santa Cruz 

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Sandee Wilder Ranch State Park - Fern Grotto Beach

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53.0 °F11 °C

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57.9 °F14 °C

2:00 PM

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59.4 °F15 °C

5:00 PM

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60.4 °F16 °C

8:00 PM

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55.0 °F13 °C

11:00 PM

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52.9 °F11 °C

2:00 AM

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52.1 °F11 °C

5:00 AM

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51.7 °F11 °C

8:00 AM

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55.1 °F13 °C

11:00 AM

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59.4 °F15 °C

2:00 PM

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61.8 °F16 °C

5:00 PM

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64.7 °F18 °C

8:00 PM

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59.8 °F15 °C

11:00 PM

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55.4 °F13 °C

2:00 AM

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54.0 °F12 °C

5:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

53.4 °F12 °C

8:00 AM

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56.0 °F13 °C

11:00 AM

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60.1 °F15 °C

2:00 PM

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64.9 °F18 °C

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65.0 °F18 °C

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Located along the southern coast of Wilder Ranch State Park in Santa Cruz County, Fern Grotto Beach is one of several beaches hidden among the park’s bluffs. This area, spanning 7,000 acres, features caves, coves, and sea caverns carved into sandstone cliffs, providing a unique coastal landscape. Fern Grotto Beach itself is known for its ‘fern grotto’—a cave at the rear of the beach, adorned with lush ferns nourished by an underwater spring. Accessible by the Old Cove Landing Trail, the beach offers scenic coastal views, hiking through farmland and bluff areas, and access to neighboring Wilder Beach. Parking is available at the entrance near California State Highway 1, making it convenient for visitors exploring Wilder Ranch State Park and its Victorian homes, ranch buildings, and historic ranches. However, amenities are minimal, with no lifeguards or pets allowed.

For dining, you’ll find options close to Wilder Ranch State Park. West End Tap & Kitchen, a high-end gastropub, serves a variety of burgers, flatbreads, and sandwiches paired with craft beers and cocktails. Thai Recipe offers delicious Thai classics such as shrimp pad thai and sticky rice with mango, while Taqueria Santa Cruz provides family-friendly dining with carne asada tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.

If you’re looking for nearby accommodation, several hotels offer comfortable options. Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley, a 3-Star hotel, features deluxe suites and amenities like an on-site restaurant, pool, and fitness center. Mission Inn and Suites, a 3-Star hotel built in the Spanish Colonial style, offers a spa and complimentary breakfast. Comfort Inn Beach/Boardwalk Area provides budget-friendly rooms, making it a convenient choice near the area’s attractions.

At Fern Grotto Beach, visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including tide pooling, kayaking, snorkeling, and wildlife watching. The surrounding rocky areas reveal tidepools and various rock formations, such as the lush Fern Grotto and unique sandstone cliffs. The area is popular for spotting harbor seals, whales, and dolphins, offering memorable ocean views and wildlife encounters. Nearby beaches like Strawberry Beach offer a quieter experience, while Wilder Beach is home to the rare snowy plover birds protected by the Endangered Species Act. Additionally, visitors can explore the inland parts of Wilder Ranch State Park, where they’ll find historic ranch buildings, farm animals, and trails highlighting California State Parks' legacy and Santa Cruz County's rich history.

Basic Details

IN8:00 AM - Sunset

INBeige

INXW37+P4 Santa Cruz, CA, 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

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesBike Paths

  • Camping

  • Clubs Party Scene

  • Fishing

  • Hiking

  • Nude

  • Paddle boarding

  • Scuba Diving

  • Snorkeling

  • Surfing

  • Tours

  • Volleyball

  • 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

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesParking - Paid

  • Parking - RV Parking

  • Parking - Street

  • Public Bus Stop

  • Stairs to Beach

  • Boat Access

  • Features

  • Blue Flag

  • Jellyfish

  • Pebbles

  • Riptide

  • Rocky

  • Sharks

  • LGBTQ+

  • Wilder Ranch State Park - Fern Grotto Beach - Beach Map

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    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    Does Wilder Ranch State Park - Fern Grotto 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 Wilder Ranch State Park - Fern Grotto Beach have lifeguards?

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

    Is Wilder Ranch State Park - Fern Grotto Beach a family-friendly beach?

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

    Is Wilder Ranch State Park - Fern Grotto Beach good for swimming?

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

    Does Wilder Ranch State Park - Fern Grotto Beach have restrooms?

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

    Is Wilder Ranch State Park - Fern Grotto Beach a nude beach?

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

    Is there food near Wilder Ranch State Park - Fern Grotto Beach?

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

    What are the activities at Wilder Ranch State Park - Fern Grotto Beach?

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

    Does Wilder Ranch State Park - Fern Grotto Beach have accommodations for people with disabilities?

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

    Is Wilder Ranch State Park - Fern Grotto Beach a dog-friendly beach?

    No, this Beach is not dog-friendly.

    Is Wilder Ranch State Park - Fern Grotto Beach good for surfing?

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

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