01
Best overall pick
Seacliff State Beach
Aptos Waterfront • Family-Friendly State Beach • Best For Families And Easy Access
A long, gently sloping beach with a paved promenade, pier, and iconic cement ship right down the hill from Day Valley.
Seacliff is usually the first stop for Day Valley residents thanks to its straightforward parking, level promenade, and wide sandy shoreline. It’s easy to roll a stroller, wagon, or cooler down to the sand, and the views of the historic cement ship and pier give the beach a distinctive sense of place. On calmer days, it’s ideal for kids to dig in the sand while adults stroll the waterline or relax against the seawall.
02
Best for evening walks
Rio Del Mar State Beach
Rio Del Mar Neighborhood • Relaxed Neighborhood Beach • Great For Sunset Strolls
A laid-back stretch of sand that feels like a local’s backyard, with easy access from the Rio Del Mar neighborhood and a mellow, dog-friendly vibe.
Just south of Seacliff, Rio Del Mar feels more like a neighborhood hangout than a formal state park beach. The long, fairly flat shoreline is excellent for unhurried walks, especially at low tide when there’s extra room to roam. It’s a popular spot for locals to bring their dogs, toss a frisbee, and watch the sky light up at sunset without the bustle of a big tourist scene.
03
Best for camping and coastal views
New Brighton State Beach
Between Aptos And Capitola • Pine-Backed State Park Beach • Top Pick For Campers
A sheltered sandy cove backed by bluffs and a wooded campground, offering big bay views and a quieter feel than the busier in-town beaches.
New Brighton sits just up the coast from Day Valley, tucked below a bluff with tall pines and one of the most sought-after campgrounds in the area. From the blufftop, you get sweeping views of the curve of Monterey Bay before winding down to the sand on a short paved path. On the beach, the setting feels a bit more secluded, making it a great choice for families who want a calmer day or locals easing into a weekend camping trip.
04
Best for space to spread out
Manresa State Beach
South Of La Selva Beach • Wide Open Bluff-Backed Beach • Best For Uncrowded Shoreline
A broad, often less crowded beach with sweeping views and a wilder feel, ideal when you want plenty of room to yourself.
A few minutes farther south from Day Valley, Manresa trades convenience for extra elbow room. Tall bluffs frame a huge expanse of sand, so even on busy days there’s usually space to set up away from other groups. It’s a solid choice for long walks, surf watching, and low-key beach days where the soundtrack is mostly waves and seabirds instead of nearby traffic.
05
Best for a classic beach-town day
Capitola Beach
Capitola Village • Lively Seaside Village Beach • Best For A Classic Beach Day
A compact, lively beach right in Capitola Village, with colorful buildings, nearby cafes, and an easy blend of sand time and strolling.
For a more social beach experience, Capitola Beach delivers that postcard-ready coastal village atmosphere. The sandy cove sits right against the heart of Capitola Village, so you can grab coffee, an ice cream, or a bite to eat within a minute or two of your towel. It’s an especially good pick when you want to mix time in the sun with people-watching, pier views, and wandering through small shops before heading back up to Day Valley.