Seabright State Beach

About

Here are some guidelines for people visiting Seabright State Beach:

Restrooms are partially reopened.

What is currently closed at this park?

Picnic tables and gathering spots
Bonfires (State Parks-provided fire removed until further notice)

NOTICE: Get more information on the California State Parks response to COVID-19 here.

This is a long sandy beach between the Boardwalk and the Santa Cruz Harbor.

Operating Hours

Day-Use Area 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Directions

Seabright Avenue at East Cliff Drive marks the center of this south-facing beach. Parking and beach access is available at the west end of East Cliff Drive near Alhambra Avenue, Mott Avenue and at the end of 3rd Avenue.

By Bus: Take Santa Cruz METRO routes 68, 91x to 68, 69W to 68, or 69W to get to the beach.

Things to do

Beach Area

Visitors enjoy sannd volleyball, swimming, surfing, windsurfing, fishing and paddle boarding. There are fire pits for use, first-come, first-served.

Accessibility

Beach wheelchairs are available for use. Reservations are recommended. Contact the State Park Special Events Office at SCD.specialevents@nullparks.ca.gov or 831-335-8487, Monday to Thursday excluding holidays, between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm. Email is preferred.

Fees and Passes

Parking is free on surface streets in the neighborhood.

Services

Restroom
Fire rings
Free parking
Lifeguards on duty (summer only)
Beach wheelchairs are available to borrow for day use. Contact the State Park Special Events Office by email or 831-335-8487, Monday to Thursday excluding holidays, between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm. to make a reservation. (Email is preferred.) Learn more in this FAQ.

History

The area was once known as Castle Beach, named for a now-gone landmark, the Castle. The Castle was first built around the turn of the 20^th Century by James Pilkington as a bathhouse. Over the years it was added to and operated as a restaurant and art gallery before it was demolished in 1967.

Seabright Beach is a unit of nearby Twin Lakes State Beach.