Seacliff Beach

Santa Cruz County

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

Seacliff Beach

Santa Cruz County


Seacliff State Beach

Notice: Due to winter storms in 2022-23 portions of Seacliff Beach are closed, including the campground. Check Seacliff State Beach for the latest information.

Seacliff Beach is a favorite family destination. Generally the surf is mild, making it a relaxing place to enjoy the water. The pier and cement ship were a popular attraction. Hopefully the pier will soon be fully restored. On shore are more facilities than at many state beaches, visitor's center, and park store. The snack shop is open temporarily in the upper parking lot.



Into the Surf

Generally light waves make Seacliff a popular spot for skim boarding and just playing in the surf. Of course, rip currents are always a danger on any California beach. For experienced ocean swimmers, in the summer Seacliff usually offers a good place to enter without battling high waves.

Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.


Seacliff Beach, Santa Cruz County, CA

Parking at Seacliff Beach

As a result of storm damage, currently the lower parking lot is only open to pedestrians and bicycles. Currently make use of the large parking area on top of the bluff. A long stairway leads from the parking lot down to beach level.

New Brighton State Beach

Another popular beach is only a short trek from Seacliff Beach. Around the bay toward Santa Cruz is New Brighton State Beach with great camping sites and a quiet beach.

Cement ship at Seacliff Beach, santa Cruz County, California

Palo Alto - Cement Ship



Wildlife

Watch for migrating whales off shore. Bottlenose dolphins sometimes make an appearance as do sea lions and sea otters. Out on the cement ship look for harbor seals sunning on the deck along with cormorants and pelicans perched nearby.



Food and Supplies

The building used by Scrumptious Fish & Chips down near the visitor center was seriously damaged in the storms. In the meantime, Scrumptious Fish & Chips has established a pop-up location in the upper parking lot.
Scrumptious Fish & Chips

Within walking distance from the beach are several shops and stores in Aptos where you can buy anything you forgot to pack. Just outside the park entrance are Manuel's Mexican Restaurant, Pizza 1, Snow White Drive-in and Seacliff Plaza Store.

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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