Santa Cruz Wharf

Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz Beach, Santa Cruz County, California
Santa Cruz Beach, Santa Cruz County, California

Santa Cruz Wharf

Santa Cruz County


Santa Cruz Wharf

Constructed in 1914, the 2,745-foot Santa Cruz Wharf is the longest pier on the west coast. The pier is operated by the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation. The wharf includes shops, restaurants, boat rentals, restroom and public parking. Summer rates for parking are $1 for 20 minutes and a maximum of $24 per day. The wharf is open daily from 5:00 AM to 2:00 AM.

Storm Damage - Winter 2024

The end of the Wharf, including the Dolphin Restaurant, restroom three, and the sea lion viewing holes are closed and fenced off to the public until further notice. Crews are assessing the damage and planning the best way to repair the damage.


Santa Cruz Wharf map, Santa Cruz County, CA

Interactive Wharf Tour

Take a tour of the wharf, moving among 13 exhibit kiosks, panel displays, outdoor aquariums, and special vistas along the wharf's half-mile length. Learn about the sea, the shore, and the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary.

Santa Cruz Boat Rentals

Located on the wharf -   (831) 423-1739
Motorized Skiffs with 8 HP outboards, seats 4
Boogie boards, wetsuits, life jackets
Fishing gear - rods, reels, sinkers, hooks, lines, frozen bait
Santa Cruz Boat Rentals

Events on the Wharf

Jazz on the Wharf

Sunday, April TBA, 2023
Jazz on the Wharf

Annual Woodies on the Wharf

June 20, 2024   10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
(831) 420-5273   Santa Cruz Woodies
More than 200 classic woodies on display on the wharf, plus music and prizes.

31st Annual Aloha Outrigger Races

September TBA, 2024
Santa Cruz Events
Races begin at 9:30 AM, Last race at noon
Outrigger canoe races open to first-time paddlers

Santa Cruz Wharf Restaurants

Dolphin Restaurant

71 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA
(831) 426-5830  
Seafood restaurant, grilled steak, pastas, burgers, salads

Gilbert's Firefish Grill

25 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA
(831) 423-5200   Firefish Grill
Lunch and dinner
Seafood, steaks, fish and chips, burgers, pasta, cocktails

Gilda's Restaurant

37 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA
(831) 423-2010   Gilda's Restaurant
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Salads, pasta, sandwiches, seafood, chicken

Olitas Cantina and Grill

Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA
(831) 458-9393   Olitas Cantina and Grill
Restaurant and bar, lunch and dinner
Salads, tacos, enchiladas, and much more

Riva Fish House

31 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA
(831) 429-1223  

Stagnaro Bro. Restaurant

59 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA
(831) 423-1188   Stagnaro Bros. Restaurant
Downstairs dining room, upstairs lounge, open for lunch and dinner
Seafood, pasta, steak



Food to Go, Snacks, Coffee, Etc.

Woodies Cafe

25 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA
(831) 421-9410  
Counter service - Seafood, burgers, sandwiches

Marini's at the Wharf

55 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA
(866) MARINIS   Marini's Candies
Taffy, caramel corn, peanut brittle, licorice, coffee, ice cream

Paradise Dogs

Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA
Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, cash only
Hot dogs, polish dogs, hot links, soda, chips, cookies

Vino Prima Wine Bar

55 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA
(831) 426-0750   Vino Prima Wine Bar
Wine tasting, live music about twice a week

Santa Cruz  Beach, Santa Cruz County, California

Other Things to Look for on the Wharf

Pacific Kites

Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA
(408) 823-5486  
Open seasonally, selling kites, flags, windsocks, pinwheels, and other wind related products.

Venture Quest Kayak Rentals

2 Municipal Pier, Santa Cruz, CA
(831) 427-2267   Venture Quest
Kayak rentals include wetsuit and all equipment, open and closed deck kayaks, singles and doubles
Rental season April 15 - October 15

Sea Scopes

Coin operated telescopes at various locations around the wharf.



Events on the Wharf

Jazz on the Wharf

Sunday, April TBA, 2023
Jazz on the Wharf
International Jazz Day

21st Annual Woodies on the Wharf

June 20, 2024
(831) 761-2428   Santa Cruz Woodies
More than 200 classic woodies on display on the wharf, plus music and prizes.


Sea lion

Sea Lion

Marine Mammals around the Santa Cruz Wharf

  • Sea Lions - Look for them climbing the crossbeams beneath the wharf.
  • Sea Otters - Watch for them in the kelp beds and around the wharf.
  • Harbor Seals - Spot them bobbing their heads out of the water.
  • Bottlenose Dolphins - Pods of dolphins sometimes seen just beyond the surf line.
  • Humpback Whales - Up to 50 feet in length, they occasionally visit the wharf.
  • Gray Whales - Most common whale on the coast, best seen in spring as they migrate north.


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Ocean Safety

California State Parks and Recreation cautions that "large surf, cold water temperatures, backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding shorebreak, and dangerous rip currents can turn what seem like safe activities such as playing near the surf line, wading, or climbing on rock outcroppings, deadly." Learn more about ocean safety at CA State Parks: Ocean Safety