A Visitor’s Guide to Seacliff State Beach
Protected by a wall of shaggy coastal prairie and thick vegetation, Seacliff State Beach lies low, just hidden from view. However, the relatively calm waves and expansive beach make it one of the best slices of shoreline in the Santa Cruz area – and the locals know it.
The 1-mile-long stretch of white sand is a favorite haunt for quiet sunset views, early morning walks, and beach days – one of the top favorite local spots around Santa Cruz.
Our cozy vacation rentals are located within minutes of this beach throughout the Santa Cruz, Aptos, and Capitola area, which makes planning your beach day a sea breeze. Here’s everything you need to know about Seacliff Beach.
About Seacliff State Beach
- Address: State Park Dr, Seacliff, CA 95003
- Website: parks.ca.gov
- Summer Operating Hours: (May 1 to Oct. 31) 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Winter Operating Hours: (Nov. 1 to April 30) 8 a.m. to 30 minutes after sunset
- Parking Fee: $10 per day. Payable at the Kiosk or automated pay machine.
- Amenities: Restrooms, visitor center, showers, picnic tables, and ramadas.
Seacliff was established way back in 1931 by California State Parks. Not because the beach itself was noteworthy from the dozens nearby but because of what was sunken just off-shore. The Palo Alto a concrete ship built by the U.S. Naval Shipyard in Oakland, California.
It was built to be a tanker during World War I, but the war wrapped up before its construction. Then, the cement ship was purchased by the Cal-Nevada Company and turned into an amusement park oddity. Sunken off the coastline of this beach, the Palo Alto was converted into a dance floor and cafe with a fifty-four-foot heated swimming pool and a series of carnival-type concessions placed on top. A long wooden pier was constructed to help visitors access all the amusement.
Alas, the Cal-Nevada Company went broke, and the ship was closed to the public. Today, while the ship is still a major attraction, you cannot enter it due to safety concerns.
Accessibility
On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, you can rent a beach wheelchair for guests with limited mobility. Just contact the State Park Special Events Office. As of 2023, the beach no longer has a walking pier.
Getting to Seacliff State Beach
Seacliff State Beach sits right off the iconic Highway 1. From Santa Cruz, head South and take State Park Drive toward the ocean. You’ll find the entrance at the end of the road. In total, it’s about a 10-minute drive!
Conveniently, there is also a working Santa Cruz bus route that will drop you off near Seacliff State Beach. Just take Santa Cruz Metro routes 91X, 71, 55, or 69W.
Why Visit Seacliff State Beach?
Monterey Bay boasts more than 30 miles of shoreline. That waterfront alone comprises dozens of individually named beaches where sea lovers can enjoy a wide variety of activities. So how do you choose which beach is best for you? Some visitors prefer the popular surfing spots, the hiking paths, or the shelling beaches. Each and every central California beach has something unique to offer visitors.
- Less Crowded: Seacliff State Beach is a hidden gem sitting between more popular and more crowded beaches. It’s the perfect beach to visit if you’re looking to enjoy a lovely stretch of sand without the crowds.
- Surfing: It’s a good place for beginner surfers to catch a swell.
- Great for lounging: Swim in the shallows, lounge on the mile-long beachfront, or take a scenic walk along the coastline.
- Easy Access: Even better, its proximity to Santa Cruz, Capitola, and Aptos makes it an easy half-day trip.
What to Do and See at Seacliff State Beach
Visit the Famous SS Palo Alto
The Palo Alto is what really sets this beach apart from the rest. We have already dug into the history of this ship above, and unfortunately, the storms of 2023 destroyed the wooden fishing pier that allowed visitors to see the ship easily. There are plans to repair the pier in motion, so keep an eye out on their website.
Note: For photography lovers hoping to capture an aerial shot of the ship, note that drones are only allowed in select beach areas.
Enjoy the Picnic Areas With the Family
While no food vendors or restaurants exist on this particular stretch of beach, plenty of picnic amenities exist. In the day-use areas, you’ll find gazebo-like structures called ramadas, which are an easy walk from the parking lot. The area is relatively flat, making a beach BBQ easy. Just be sure to note that fires and fire rings are not allowed on the beach.
Practice Surfing in the Morning Swell
Or go for a little swim! Monterey Bay is protected from the worst of the rolling waves of the Pacific, and Seacliff Beach, in particular, is sheltered by the tip of Pleasure Point. All this to say, waves here are smaller, which is great for families and beginner surfers alike!
Check out our full list of Santa Cruz surf spots.
Enjoy the Local Wildlife
From salamanders to seastars, the California coastline is awash with life. Some of the most popular wildlife to spot on this beach are pelicans, dolphins, sea lions, and sea otters! A wide variety of bird-life tends to congregate on the exposed sides of the SS Palo Alto to spread their wings in the sun. Bring some binoculars and spot some rare bird species!
Explore the Visitor Center
Here, you can learn about the area’s cultural history, including the SS Palo Alto and the natural wonders like the marine fossil beds and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. There’s also an aquarium for the kids!
Visitor Center Hours: Wed to Sun, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
State Beach Etiquette
As always, you should leave no trace when you visit the outdoors. Alcohol and loud music are prohibited on the beach, and you should always be conscious of others during your visit.
- You are not permitted to climb on the sandstone cliffs.
- Digging for fossils, rollerblading, or skateboarding are not allowed.
- Dogs must be on a leash.
- Do not intentionally feed or leave food out for wildlife.
Nearby Attractions
Fortunately for you, this beach is right in the thick of Santa Cruz. This means the nearby attractions are countless.
- New Brighton State Beach is another local favorite if you’re looking for another picturesque beach day.
- Steamer Lane is one of the most popular attractions in the Santa Cruz area for those looking to enjoy a panoramic vista and watch the best surfers in the city face off.
- Rio Del Mar Beach is another stand-out known for whale-watching and long walks in the sand. It’s located just South of Seacliff Beach in the bay.
Stay Near Seacliff State Beach
Alongside the great California Redwoods, the beaches are its biggest allure. Seacliff State Beach sits behind the seawall, offering placid waters and stunning views to all who add it to their itinerary.
Travelers staying at our vacation rentals in Aptos, Santa Cruz, and Capitola are just a short 5 to 10-minute drive from the shore. Join the happy campers who visit Santa Cruz’s favorite local beach and stay at our luxury beachfront properties this year!