Sunny Cove Beach

Located on the eastern side of Twin Lakes Beach, Sunny Cove Beach is situated in the Live Oak area of Santa Cruz County. The beach area is situated between two sandstone bluffs and is surrounded by rocky cliffs stretching out into the ocean along the shoreline. The beach area has beige-colored sand and the water here is infamous for rip currents, so we recommend avoiding swimming here. The beach area does not have lifeguards or any other amenities. However, it does allow access to dogs on a leash and provides trash cans and plastic bags for pet owners to ensure that the beach stays clean. This makes the beach a favorite spot among pet owners looking for a great time with their furry companions. 

Sunny Cove Beach offers a number of activities to visitors including surfing, kiteboarding, bodyboarding, surf-skimming, beach walking, kayaking, canoeing, sunbathing, beachcombing, and wildlife watching. The beach area is ideal for those looking for a quiet time alone away from the hustle and bustle of nearby crowded Santa Cruz beaches. The beach area is generally popular for pet owners as the water near the shore is perfectly deep to allow your dogs to play in. If you can manage the strong currents, the beach offers a thrilling opportunity for surfers to have a great time in the water. You can also comb the beach for shells.

The beach is easily accessible - the beach can be accessed via 16th Avenue, Johan’s Beach Drive, and Sunny Cove Drive, from where you can take the bluff side stairs leading down to the beach. However, parking in this area can be a bit of an issue as parking lots near Geoffrey Drive often fill up quickly during weekends and parking spots along 16th Avenue require a parking permit.

Other attractions near the beach include a bluff side wildlife watching spot situated near the adjacent Geoffrey Drive. There is a narrow passage located between residential houses in the area, which leads to an empty blufftop outcrop ideal for watching the local wildlife. Here visitors can look out into the ocean to look out for migrating whales, dolphins, seals, and a variety of rare marine birds. The cliffs near this bluff-top spot also feature a natural blowhole that can shoot up water up to 30 feet into the sky during advancing tide which is pretty cool to watch. You can also head to the weekly Live Oak Santa Cruz Farmers Market, which is also nearby, to sample some of Santa Cruz’s finest local produce and dishes, while also enjoying the live music performances on Sundays from 10 am. You can also head to the neighboring Twin Lakes State Beach to access a greater variety of facilities including restrooms and showers and enjoy activities like volleyball. You can also check out the Schwan Lake State Park, which offers trails for walking, biking and is a great spot for bird-watching.

If you're looking for a restaurant, The Hollins House is an upscale fine dining restaurant that is renowned for its excellent seafood and poultry dishes, which are paired with splendid wines and cocktails. The family-friendly Zoccoli’s Delicatessen offers a variety of delicious sandwiches. Another affordable option is India Joze, which is renowned for delectable South-East Asian and Middle Eastern dishes.

If you are looking for a hotel near Sunny Cove Beach, there are many great nearby options. The Monarch Cove Inn offers opulent suites with antique furnishings blended into modern amenities and is located near a Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. The more affordable 3-Star Hyatt Place Santa Cruz has a variety of amenities including an onsite pool and a fitness center. Another great pocket-friendly accommodation option is the Harbor Inn.