01
Best all-around day trip
Santa Cruz Main Beach
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Waterfront • Classic Boardwalk Beach • Best All-Ages Day Trip
A lively, wide stretch of sand backed by the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and packed with classic seaside energy.
If you want a full day out that feels like a mini-vacation from Monterey Park Tract, this is the obvious pick. The beach is broad, flat, and easy to enjoy whether you’re planting a chair in the sand, renting a boogie board, or just people-watching by the pier. Add in rides, arcade games, and plenty of snack options, and it’s simple to keep a mixed group happy from late morning to sunset.
02
Best for evening fires
Seabright State Beach
Eastside Santa Cruz • Relaxed Neighborhood Strand • Best For Relaxed Bonfires
A spacious, low-key beach with room to spread out and a mellow local vibe just south of the Santa Cruz Harbor.
Seabright trades the boardwalk bustle for a calmer, more local feel while still sitting close to Santa Cruz amenities. The sand stretches far enough that you can usually find your own pocket of space, and the Santa Cruz skyline and lighthouse frame the view. It’s especially appealing later in the day when fire pits start glowing and the beach turns into an easygoing social scene.
03
Most family-friendly stop
Twin Lakes State Beach
Santa Cruz Harbor Area • Family-Friendly Harbor Beach • Best For Kids And Easy Swimming
A gently sloping beach beside the harbor, with calmer water and nearby cafes that make quick breaks easy.
Twin Lakes is a smart choice if you’re driving over with younger kids or anyone who prefers milder waves. The harbor keeps the water a bit calmer than the open coast, and the gradual slope of the sand makes wading feel less intimidating. With a lighthouse viewpoint, boats drifting past, and simple food options a short walk away, it’s an easy, low-stress beach day base.
04
Best for quiet walks
Del Monte Beach
Monterey Shoreline • Quiet Urban-Feel Dune Beach • Great For Uncrowded Walks
A long, dune-backed stretch of sand in Monterey that feels more low-key than the tourist-heavy areas nearby.
Del Monte Beach is a good fit when you want the coast without the crowds and noise of the Cannery Row scene. Locals come here to walk, jog, and stroll the dunes, and it’s easy to find a peaceful spot to watch the surf roll in. The drive from Monterey Park Tract is longer, but you’re rewarded with a more relaxed atmosphere and easy access to the rest of Monterey’s waterfront afterward.
05
Most scenic coastal escape
Carmel Beach
Carmel-By-The-Sea Coastline • Scenic White-Sand Cove • Top Pick For Views And Sunsets
A sweeping crescent of white sand framed by cypress trees and coastal bluffs, famous for its views and dog-friendly vibe.
Carmel Beach is the kind of spot that makes the extra drive from the valley feel instantly worth it. The sand is soft and bright, the water a deep blue, and the surrounding cypress trees and cliffs give it a postcard quality you don’t forget. Come for a slow afternoon picnic and stay to watch the light change over the bay as the sun drops behind the horizon.