01
Best for open space
Manresa State Beach
South Of Watsonville • Wide, Uncrowded Surf Beach • Best For Long Walks And Space To Spread Out
A broad, gently sloping beach that feels pleasantly removed from the busier Santa Cruz scene.
From Hollister, Manresa is one of the first true “big sky” beaches you reach, with long, open views down Monterey Bay. The sand stretches far enough that it’s usually easy to find your own patch, even on fair‑weather weekends. Expect cool water, occasional fog, and a mellow, local crowd that comes for walking, surf‑casting, and low‑key bonfires where allowed.
02
Easiest day‑trip pick
Seacliff State Beach
Aptos Coastline • Pier‑Front Family Beach • Top Pick For Easy, Relaxed Beach Days
A straightforward, drive‑up beach with gentle waves, a long shoreline, and the quirky cement ship as a backdrop.
Seacliff is the kind of beach where you can park, unload, and be on the sand in minutes, which makes it ideal for families and casual day‑trippers from Hollister. The shoreline is long but feels manageable, with enough room for sandcastles and beach games without losing sight of your crew. The old pier and concrete ship create a distinctive landmark and draw seabirds, giving the place a bit of character without feeling overbuilt.
03
Most scenic stop
Natural Bridges State Beach
Westside Santa Cruz • Scenic Cove With Rock Formations • Great For Tide Pools And Sunset Photos
A small but dramatic cove famous for its rock arch, migrating monarch butterflies, and tide pools.
Natural Bridges is the beach to choose when you want more than just a blanket on the sand. At low tide, shallow tide pools teem with sea stars, anemones, and crabs, making it a hit with kids and anyone who likes to poke around the shoreline. It’s also a favorite sunset spot for locals from Santa Cruz and inland towns like Hollister, thanks to the rocky silhouettes out over the water and the easy access from a compact parking lot.
04
Classic boardwalk beach
Santa Cruz Main Beach
Santa Cruz Boardwalk Area • Lively Amusement‑Front Beach • Best For A Full Day Of Rides, Arcades, And Sand
A bustling, wide beach backed by the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, ideal when you want as much activity as ocean.
If your crew wants a true “California beach town” feel, Main Beach delivers it in one stop. The sand itself is wide and relatively flat, good for tossing a frisbee or wading in the shallows, but the real draw is being steps from rides, games, food stands, and people‑watching. It can be crowded and busy, yet that energy is exactly what many Hollister locals look for when they head to the coast with visiting friends or kids in tow.
05
Best for camping and sunsets
Sunset State Beach
Near Watsonville • Dune‑Backed, Mellow Shoreline • Go‑To Spot For Sunsets And Beach Camping
A quieter stretch of Monterey Bay framed by dunes, with campsites tucked just above the sand.
Sunset State Beach feels a bit more removed than other nearby spots, which is part of its appeal for visitors coming over from Hollister. The dunes block some of the wind, and the beach runs for miles, so you can usually walk a short distance and find a peaceful patch of sand. With established camp loops set just behind the bluffs, it’s a strong choice if you want to turn a simple day trip into a low‑key overnight by the ocean.