Seabright State Beach

Stretching out for a half mile, this sandy beach sits between the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the Santa Cruz Harbor. Although considered a smaller beach by some, Seabright is a well-known spot for sun worshippers, dog lovers, and those wanting a local favorite spot to catch the sunrise or sunset. Gather some wood and sit around a fire ring to roast marshmallows at the west end of the beach for a classic summertime experience. Or venture out onto the jetty to view boats on their way out from the Santa Cruz Harbor. At the tip of the jetty sits Walton Lighthouse, a 40-foot tall whitewashed cylindrical structure reminiscent of East Coast lighthouses.

At one end of the beach, a sandstone arch leads through to the San Lorenzo River, which makes its way down to the shore from the Santa Cruz Mountains. At low tide, visitors can walk through the cave and see beyond the river to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

The main portion of Seabright State Beach is the perfect vantage point for Wednesday night sailboat races which take place from the beginning of Daylight Savings Time in the spring through October. This amateur, just-for-fun event is open to anyone with a boat and Seabright is known as one of the better vantage points for this yearly event.

Seabright offers a warmer climate than other local beaches and is technically a subset of nearby Twin Lakes State Beach. Restrooms and outdoor showers are located at the east end of the beach, and lifeguards are on duty in summer months. Free parking is available in the neighborhood surrounding the beach.

Enter Seabright State Beach at the main entrance near the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History on East Cliff Drive or near the harbor off Atlantic Avenue. Dogs are permitted on leash at Seabright. Swimmers should know that lifeguards are on duty for the summer only.