Palm State Beach

About

Palm State Beach is a popular day-use area in south Santa Cruz County near the mouth of the Pajaro River. The wide beach is three miles long — perfect for a long walk or a day in the sun. Fishing and swimming are popular activities at Palm Beach. Picnic tables are available in the day use area.

Learn more in the California State Parks brochure.

Operating Hours

Day-Use Area 8 a.m. to 1/2 hour after sunset

Directions

Take the Riverside Drive exit off Highway 1 near Watsonville and head west to Lee Road. Then it’s a long straight drive between farm lands on West Beach Street, which leads to the parking lot.

Things to do

Beach Area

Visitors enjoy surfing, swimming, boogie boarding and more.

Picnic Area

A shaded picnic area offers tables and barbecues for use on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bonfires

Fire rings are provided at this beach. Bonfires are only permitted inside of those rings.

Accessibility

Beach 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.

Fees and Passes

An Automatic Pay Machine is available to pay for parking, in addition to our friendly kiosk staff. Parking is $10 and supports the park. Credit card payments are encouraged.

Annual State Parks passes also are available to purchase at the entrance kiosk.

Services

Picnic tables
Barbecues
Restrooms
Outdoor Showers
Lifeguards (summer only)
Beach wheelchairs are available to borrow for day use. Learn more and make a reservation.

History

Palm State Beach is in the region known by local Indigenous Tribes as Calendaruc. The Tribes that lived in Calendaruc stewarded these lands since time immemorial. Centuries of colonial violence led to the removal and displacement of the Calendaruc people. Today, their descendants continue their stewardship and presence here, in partnership with State Parks.

Palm State Beach was known as Camp Goodall, a private beach with a number of small cottages. It was named “Palm” after a famous resort in Florida.

Regulations

Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach.
Fires must be confined to fire rings provided.
Alcohol is not allowed on the beach or in day-use areas.
A fishing license is required.

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.