Wilder Ranch State Park - Sand Plant Beach

Located a couple of miles west of Santa Cruz, Sand Plant Beach is one of six beaches located along the southern coast of the Wilder Ranch State Park. The beach is connected to a nearby sand mining plant via a gulch which is found on the rear end of the beach. The beach has beige sand and is located in a cove that is protected by sandstone cliffs. The gulch has a creek running through it which sometimes forms a lagoon on the beach location. Sand Plant Beach does not have lifeguards or other amenities except some for walking trails, and pets are not allowed.

Sand Plant Beach offers many activities to visitors including surfing, kitesurfing, hiking, biking, wildlife watching, tide pooling, snorkeling, and swimming. There are a number of tidepools near the coast, along with a sea cavern that is located just offshore. You can surf in the water if the conditions are favorable – but be aware of the strong currents here. If you like to hike, you can hike along the bluff side and explore the coastal regions, farmlands, and wetlands of the state park while also looking out to the sea for whales, dolphins, and rare marine birds. The bluff side hiking trail also provides access to other beaches present in state parks including Four Mile Beach, which is a famous surfing spot, and Fern Grotto Beach, which has more wonderful rock formations to explore. You can also head to Wilder Beach, the home of the rare snowy plover bird, or to the secluded Strawberry Beach, for a quieter beach experience.

The beach area is accessible via a bluff side hiking trail from the state park entrance (situated along California State Highway 1). There is a free parking lot at the state park – from there you can take a hiking trail down to the beach.

Another interesting attraction for history buffs is the renovated 19th-century ranch located in the inland areas of the state park (situated to the north, near the park visitor center). Moreover, the northern part of the state park (situated across the state highway) offers several trails for biking, hiking, and equestrian use.

If you're looking for a restaurant, Restaurant Avanti is a high-end Italian restaurant that is renowned among diners for its delicious pasta dishes. You can also head to Vasili’s Greek Food and Barbecue, a great family-friendly option that is famous for lamb rotisserie sandwiches and Greek salads. For a budget-friendly option, Tam’s Chinese Cuisine serves delectable Chinese dishes like kung pao chicken and dumplings at reasonable prices.

If you are looking for a hotel near Sand Plant Beach, you can stay at the 4-Star Casablanca Inn which offers luxurious suites and a good in-house restaurant. The more affordable 2-Star Comfort Inn offers spacious rooms along with amenities including an onsite heated pool and a fitness center. You can also stay at Continental Inn and another great budget accommodation.