01
Classic boardwalk choice
Santa Cruz Main Beach
Santa Cruz Beachfront • Lively Amusement-Front Beach • Iconic And Action-Packed
Big, busy, and fun, this is the go-to beach when you want sand plus the full Santa Cruz Boardwalk experience.
From Ben Lomond, Main Beach is the easiest place to plug into classic Santa Cruz energy: the Boardwalk rides on one side, volleyball courts and rental shops on the other. It’s crowded in summer, but the wide stretch of sand handles groups, kids, and casual swimmers well. Go early for easier parking and softer morning light before the crowds build.
02
Best scenic backdrop
Natural Bridges State Beach
Westside Santa Cruz • Scenic State Park Beach • Best For Sunsets And Tide Pools
A small, dramatic cove framed by rock arches, tide pools, and bluff-top trails on the quieter west side of town.
If you’d rather watch waves and wildlife than roller coasters, Natural Bridges is the move from the mountains. At low tide you can poke around the tide pools, then climb up to the bluffs for a short walk and wide ocean views. It’s especially good late in the day, when the sun drops behind the rock formations and the beach feels surprisingly removed from the city.
03
Neighborhood stretch of sand
Seabright State Beach
Eastside Santa Cruz • Wide In-Town Strand • Great For Bonfires And Walks
A long, open beach between the Boardwalk and the harbor, popular for evening bonfires and mellow neighborhood vibes.
Seabright feels like the local’s alternative to Main Beach: same central location, less spectacle, more room to spread out. There’s plenty of space for a blanket, casual games, or a long walk down to the river mouth and back. On calm evenings, the fire rings light up with groups from around town, making it a solid pick for a simple sunset-and-bonfire run from Ben Lomond.
04
Village-day favorite
Capitola Beach
Capitola Village • Village-Front Family Beach • Best For A Beach Day Plus Shopping
A compact, sheltered beach backed by colorful buildings and a walkable village full of cafes, patios, and shops.
Capitola is where you go when the beach is only half the plan and wandering a seaside village is the other half. The sandy cove is usually a bit more protected than the open-coast spots, which helps for younger kids or casual swimmers. Grab coffee or ice cream a few steps off the sand, then linger on the esplanade before heading back up Highway 9 to the redwoods.
05
Laid-back coastal hangout
Twin Lakes State Beach
Harbor Area, Santa Cruz • Relaxed Harbor-Side Beach • Easygoing Local Favorite
Set by the Santa Cruz Harbor, this beach blends mellow surf, beachside eateries, and boat watching in one compact stretch.
Twin Lakes is ideal when you want some amenities without the full Boardwalk scene. You can park once, wander the sand, watch boats come and go through the harbor mouth, and grab a bite or drink overlooking the water. It’s a comfortable, low-drama option for a half-day coastal break before winding back up the hill to Ben Lomond.