New Brighton State Beach
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Join us for the Seacliff Resilience Community Workshop to talk about the future of Seacliff and New Brighton state beaches. Info below!About
New Brighton State Beach is one of the most popular and most-visited state beaches in California. This 93-acre park along the beautiful coast of Santa Cruz offers spectacular views of Monterey Bay. It is known for its family-oriented campground, which sits on the towering bluffs high above the Pacific Ocean. The beautiful, lush vegetation of towering pine trees, Monterey cypress, oak, eucalyptus trees and wild berry vines surround campers with peaceful tranquility. Once the site of a Chinese fishing village, it now offers locals and visitors a haven from the hectic pace of city life.
Join us for the Seacliff Resilience Community Workshop to discuss the future of Seacliff and New Brighton state beaches. Get an update from the Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Alternatives Study, and learn about coastal processes, sea level rise, vulnerability, strategies for adaptation and funding sources. There will be opportunities to share feedback on possible adaptations. The workshop will be on Thursday, Sept. 26, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old Dominion Court in Aptos.
Learn more in the California State Parks brochure: English | Spanish.
Directions
The beach is in the town of Capitola, just south of Santa Cruz. Take the New Brighton/Park Avenue exit off Highway 1, turn right at bottom of ramp, and left at first stop sign. Follow the road to park gate.
Check the Santa Cruz METRO schedule for public transportation options.
Things to do
Beach AreaVisitors enjoy swimming, boogie boarding, stand up paddle boarding and, in the winter, surfing.
Picnic AreasA large group picnic area in the campground area can be reserved for special events.
Interpretive ProgramsCampfire and Junior Ranger programs are offered at New Brighton during the summer. These programs are free.
BonfiresFire rings are provided at this beach. Bonfires are only permitted inside of those rings.
AccessibilityBeach wheelchairs are available for use on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are recommended. Contact the State Park Special Events Office at SCD.specialevents@parks.ca.gov or 831-400-8519, Tuesday to Friday excluding holidays, between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm. Email is preferred.
ParkStore
The ParkStore is closed for the season. Shop online!
The New Brighton ParkStore celebrates the sea life and fossils found on the beach, as well as the beloved campground, which attracts locals as well as visitors from all over the world. The store features New Brighton-branded apparel, hats, stickers, and other souvenirs.
Fees and Passes
Parking is $10 and supports the park. Annual State Parks passes also are available to purchase at the entrance kiosk.
Services
- Picnicking (with group sites)
- Restrooms
- Showers
- RV sanitation station
- Camping
- Beach wheelchairs are available to borrow for day use. Learn more and make a reservation.
Camping
There are 109 camp sites of varying size and services available: 97 standard sites, nine tent-only sites for hikers and cyclists, and three group sites. The year-round, “front loop” campground is currently open. Campsites 1-43 and group camp sites will open in April.
Maximum trailer, motorhome and camper length is 36 feet. Call 800-444-7275 or go online to make a reservation.
Firewood is available for purchase at the campground. By purchasing firewood in this park, you will help sustain the natural environment for the benefit of plants and animals – and support local park programs. Proceeds from firewood sales go to Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and all funds stay local. Thank you for your support.
History
New Brighton State Park is in the unceded homelands of the Awaswas-speaking Ohlone Tribe known as the Aptos, who stewarded these lands since time immemorial. Centuries of colonial violence led to the removal and displacement of the Aptos. Today, their descendants continue their stewardship and presence here, in partnership with State Parks.
New Brighton, once known as China Beach, was the site of a Chinese fishing village during the 1870s and 1880s. The village inhabitants proved invaluable in the building of the California railroad, and provided Santa Cruz with fish, produce, laundries, chefs and laborers. Other settlers took over the village from the Chinese, who moved to Monterey. Commercial fishing slowed after dragnet fishing was outlawed in 1915.
During the late 1870s, Thomas Fallon began the development of a small resort east of China Beach. Fallon was an immigrant from Ireland and a former mayor of San Jose. He named his campground Camp San Jose in the hopes of attracting tourists from San Jose. However, the name did not do as he had hoped and in 1882 Fallon renamed the campground New Brighton. New Brighton became a State Beach in 1933.
Regulations
- Dogs are allowed on leashes no longer than 6 feet.
- Alcohol is not allowed on the beach or in day-use areas.
- A fishing license is required.
- Fires must be confined to fire rings provided.
- Climbing the unstable sandstone cliffs is prohibited.
- All park natural and cultural features are protected by law and may not be removed or disturbed.
- Do not feed or leave food out for wildlife.
- Fires must be confined to fire rings provided in the campground and attended at all times.
- The speed limit is 15 mph. Vehicles must park on pavement and not on gravel or dirt walkways.
Recreate Responsibly
Before you visit, check the Recreate Responsibly page to protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these measures during your visit.
More Info
(831) 464-6329
