01
Best overall pick
Sunset State Beach
West Of Watsonville • Wide, Dune-Backed State Beach • Best For Big Skies And Uncrowded Walks
A long, open stretch of sand backed by tall dunes, Sunset feels wild yet still easy to reach from Interlaken.
From Interlaken, this is the quickest way to get that classic Monterey Bay horizon without much development in sight. The beach runs for miles, so you can usually find space to spread out even on warm weekends. Pack layers—breezes and coastal fog are common—but when the sky clears, the sunsets here live up to the name.
02
Best for surf and space
Manresa State Beach
South Of La Selva Beach • Laid-Back Surf And Strolling Beach • Best For Surfers And Long Shoreline Hikes
Manresa offers a wide, gently sloping beach with plenty of room between surf crews, dog walkers, and families.
Tucked just south of La Selva Beach, Manresa feels a bit more off-the-radar than some of the Aptos spots. You reach the sand via bluff-top parking and a staircase, which helps keep it feeling spacious and relaxed. It’s a solid choice if you want enough wave action for surfing or bodyboarding without the busier scene closer to town.
03
Best classic beach day
Seacliff State Beach
Aptos Waterfront • Promenade-Style Family Beach • Best For Easy Access And Amenities
Seacliff pairs a broad strand of sand with a long paved promenade, restrooms, and a distinctive old ship offshore.
Seacliff is where many locals go when they want a straightforward, no-fuss beach day. Parking sits right along the water, so it’s convenient if you’re hauling coolers, umbrellas, and kids’ gear. The gentle slope of the beach, on-site facilities, and the quirky landmark of the old cement ship make it an easy, crowd-pleasing pick.
04
Best neighborhood feel
Rio Del Mar State Beach
Rio Del Mar Neighborhood • Relaxed Local Strand • Great For Casual Hangs And Dog Walks
Connected to Seacliff but fronting a quiet neighborhood, Rio Del Mar has a mellow, lived-in feel that regulars love.
Here the beach flows right into a residential pocket, with a small cluster of cafes and a more low-key vibe than some nearby spots. Street parking and the gentle, wide shoreline make it an easy place to pop down for a walk, a quick sunset, or a few hours with a beach chair. It’s especially popular with locals out for a jog, a stroller push, or a leashed dog walk along the firm sand.
05
Best for pairing beach and village
Capitola Beach
Capitola Village • Compact Village Cove • Best For Dining And People-Watching
Capitola’s small, sheltered beach sits right against a colorful seaside village packed with cafes, bars, and shops.
If you want more than just sand and sea, this is the spot—grab a coffee, then wander straight onto the beach. The cove is usually calmer than more open stretches, which suits kids and casual swimmers, though it can feel busy in peak season. Plan for tighter parking and a bit more bustle, but in return you get classic postcard views and plenty to do steps from your towel.