01
Classic boardwalk pick
Santa Cruz Main Beach
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk • Lively Amusement-Park Beachfront • Best For First-Time Visitors
The big, busy stretch of sand fronting the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is where many Mount Hermon visitors get their first look at the bay.
About 20 minutes from Mount Hermon, Main Beach delivers the iconic combo of sand, surf, and vintage seaside rides in one tight package. It is an easy choice if your group wants plenty of people-watching, snack stands, and classic beach-town energy. Plan for crowds and limited shade, and use it as a fun starting point before branching out to quieter spots.
02
Top bonfire spot
Seabright State Beach
Seabright Neighborhood, Santa Cruz • Relaxed Neighborhood Strand • Best For Evening Bonfires
Long and open, Seabright feels like a locals' backyard beach, with fire rings and plenty of room to spread out.
Tucked between the harbor jetty and the San Lorenzo River, Seabright is close to Mount Hermon but feels far more low-key than the Boardwalk. During the day you get broad sand for volleyball, dog walks, and sunbathing; at night, permitted fire pits turn it into a favorite hangout for s'mores and sunset gatherings. Park in the surrounding neighborhood and follow the short paths over the dunes to the water.
03
Scenic nature escape
Natural Bridges State Beach
Westside Santa Cruz • Scenic Natural Cove With Tide Pools • Best For Tide Pools And Sunsets
A small sandy cove framed by a rock arch and tide pools, Natural Bridges is where the mountains meet a wilder-feeling stretch of coast.
This beach is a great change of pace from townier spots, with a dramatic sea arch offshore and easy-access tide pools at lower tides. It is an especially good choice for Mount Hermon visitors wanting short walks, coastal views, and a chance to spot shorebirds or, in season, monarch butterflies in the nearby grove. The sand area is smaller than at other beaches, so it shines on cooler days and sunset visits more than all-day lounging.
04
Charming village pick
Capitola Beach
Capitola Village • Compact Village Beach With Calm Water • Great For Strolling And People-Watching
Capitola pairs a sheltered sandy beach with a walkable village of cafes and shops just steps from the water.
A short drive southeast of Mount Hermon, Capitola Beach is ideal when you want equal parts sand time and wandering through town. The small, relatively protected shoreline appeals to casual swimmers and families, while the Esplanade offers patios for coffee, cocktails, and simple seafood. Come on a weekday morning for a quieter feel, or in the late afternoon when the village is at its most colorful and lively.
05
Easy-going family choice
Twin Lakes State Beach
Near Santa Cruz Harbor • Casual Harbor-Side Beach • Best For Families With Small Kids
Bordering the harbor and a small lake, Twin Lakes offers gentle waves, nearby cafes, and an easy, family-friendly layout.
Twin Lakes is a go-to for Mount Hermon families who want a simpler logistics day: straightforward parking, restrooms, and food options close to the sand. The beach looks out toward the Walton lighthouse and harbor entrance, so there is almost always something to watch, from sailboats to paddleboarders. It works well for sand play and short dips rather than heavy surf, and the nearby paths make stroller walks and snack runs painless.