01
Best overall pick
Natural Bridges State Beach
Santa Cruz Westside • Scenic State Beach With Tide Pools • Most Iconic Nearby Coastal Stop
Rock arches, tide pools, and a wide stretch of sand make Natural Bridges the classic first beach stop from Lexington Hills.
Natural Bridges feels like a reward after the drive over Highway 17, with its photogenic rock formation and open views down the coast. At low tide, the tide pools just north of the main arch are packed with sea stars, anemones, and crabs, making it a hit with kids and curious adults. The beach itself is compact but rarely overwhelming, and nearby Westside coffee shops and breweries make it easy to turn a beach run into a full afternoon.
02
Best for bonfires
Seabright State Beach
Between Boardwalk And Santa Cruz Harbor • Lively In-Town Beach • Best For Evening Hangs And Fire Pits
Seabright delivers a long, walkable beach with classic Santa Cruz energy and legal fire pits for lingering after sunset.
Framed by the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on one side and the yacht harbor on the other, Seabright feels central without being chaotic. During the day it is roomy enough for volleyball, tossing a frisbee, or just spreading out with a blanket, and the break near the jetty often has manageable waves for newer surfers. Come evening, locals circle around the fire rings, and the short walk to Seabright Avenue bars and taquerias keeps the night going without ever moving your car.
03
Best village vibe
Capitola Beach
Capitola Village • Compact Village Beach • Best For A Full Day Out Without Driving Around
Capitola Beach pairs gentle waves with a small, walkable village packed with cafes, patios, and people-watching.
Capitola is the beach you pick when you want sand and a scene in equal measure. The sheltered location inside Monterey Bay keeps the surf usually on the smaller, friendlier side, making it a solid option for families and casual swimmers. Once you rinse off, you can wander the Esplanade for ice cream, seafood, or a drink on a deck overlooking the water, then stroll back to the sand in minutes.
04
Best for camping
New Brighton State Beach
Capitola / Aptos Bluffs • Bluff-Backed State Beach And Campground • Best For Weekend Getaways
New Brighton offers a broad beach under coastal bluffs plus one of the closest oceanfront campgrounds to Lexington Hills.
Perched on the bluffs just southeast of Capitola, New Brighton feels quieter than the in-town beaches but still close to coffee and groceries. The long, gently sloping shoreline is ideal for relaxed walks, easy boogie boarding, and letting kids roam without steep drop-offs. Reservable campsites under the pines make it an appealing upgrade from a day trip, especially for Lexington Hills residents who want an ocean camping fix without a long drive.
05
Best for long walks
Rio Del Mar State Beach
Aptos – Rio Del Mar Neighborhood • Laid-Back Residential Beach • Best For Quieter, Roomy Sands
Rio Del Mar stretches for miles, giving you room to walk, run, or spread out far from the crowds closer to Santa Cruz.
Linked seamlessly with neighboring Seacliff State Beach, Rio Del Mar is where locals go when they want more space and fewer distractions. The wide, flat shoreline is perfect for sunrise jogs with a dog, long shell-hunting walks, or flying kites when the afternoon wind picks up. The low-key cluster of cafes and takeout spots near the main access makes it easy to grab a coffee or burrito before heading back up into the hills.