Santa Maria's Beach

Located in Santa Cruz, Santa Maria’s Beach – also known as Santa Mo’s – is situated in the Live Oak area of Santa Cruz and is one of the less crowded beaches in the area due to its secluded location. The beach area has light brown sand and is a rather small sandy area situated beside the much larger Corcoran Lagoon Beach. The beach is popular as a picnicking and bonfire spot as it offers a quieter beach experience away from the hustle and bustle of other crowded Santa Cruz beaches. The beach, unfortunately, has no lifeguards or other amenities but does allow pets on a leash. The beach is easily accessible - you need to take the access point to Corcoran Lagoon Beach at 21st Avenue and walk north along the coastal embankment to access the beach. If you continue further north, you can reach a rock shelf leading to Sunny Cove Beach (which is a dangerous place due to the rock’s slippery surface). There is no parking lot or area near the beach and on-street parking in the Live Oak neighborhood requires a paid parking permit, which can make parking here difficult.

Santa Maria’s Beach offers a number of activities including surfing, kitesurfing, surf-skimming, kayaking, canoeing, boating, tide-pooling, beachcombing, beach walking, sunbathing, swimming, wildlife watching, and snorkeling. The beach offers a great surfing experience due to less crowded water and consistent waves. You can also visit the western part of the beach to check out a variety of interesting tidepools. The waters near the beach are home to a number of animals such as seals, sea lions, dolphins, and migrating whales. You can also head to the adjacent Corcoran Lagoon Beach which offers a variety of other activities including fishing and bird-watching. Another attraction near the beach is Live Oak Santa Cruz Farmers Market, where you can try out some great local produce and a variety of tasty dishes and enjoy live music on Sundays (from 10 am onwards).

Santa Maria’s Beach offers a number of activities including surfing, kitesurfing, surf-skimming, kayaking, canoeing, boating, tide-pooling, beachcombing, beach walking, sunbathing, swimming, wildlife watching, and snorkeling. The beach offers a great surfing experience due to less crowded water and consistent waves. You can also visit the western part of the beach to check out a variety of interesting tidepools. The waters near the beach are home to a number of animals such as seals, sea lions, dolphins, and migrating whales. You can also head to the adjacent Corcoran Lagoon Beach which offers a variety of other activities including fishing and bird-watching. Another attraction near the beach is Live Oak Santa Cruz Farmers Market, where you can try out some great local produce and a variety of tasty dishes and enjoy live music on Sundays (from 10 am onwards).

If you're looking for a restaurant, Lillian’s Italian Restaurant offers a memorable fine dining experience and is famous for its hearty pasta, soups, and finger-licking chicken parmigiana. Another family-friendly dining option is the Buttery Bakery, which is renowned for its excellent range of sandwiches, breakfast dishes, and an exciting variety of cookies and pastries. Another great option is the economically-priced Taqueria Santa Cruz which serves delicious tacos.

If you are looking for a hotel near Santa Maria’s Beach, the 4-Star Seascape Beach Resort is situated 20 minutes away offering deluxe suites (each featuring its own fireplace), and features an onsite pool, spa, and a golf course. Another more affordable option is the 3-Star Redwood Croft which is set in the lovely Californian Woodlands and offers many amenities such as a hot tub. The 2-Star Beach Street Inn and Suites is also a great affordable option.