01
Best for watching the surf
Pleasure Point Beach
Pleasure Point Waterfront • Legendary Surf Break With Pocket Sand • Iconic Local Scene
A classic Pleasure Point perch for wave-watching, with narrow tide-dependent sand and nonstop surf action.
This bluff-top stretch is where locals lean on the rail to watch surfers draw long lines on the rights peeling past the point, with small strips of sand opening up at lower tides. Stairs drop down from East Cliff Drive, but expect more reef and cobbles than wide towel space and time your visit with a lower tide if you want to sit on the beach. It is an easy, scenic stop if you want the Pleasure Point vibe without committing to a full beach day.
02
Best laid-back local beach
26th Avenue Beach
Live Oak Coast North Of Pleasure Point • Wide Neighborhood Beach With Room To Spread Out • Great For Relaxed Beach Days
A broad, sandy neighborhood favorite where you can stake out a spot and linger without feeling crowded.
Just up the coast from Pleasure Point, 26th Avenue usually offers more dependable sand and a wider shoreline than the point itself. The feel is low-key and residential, with a mix of dog walkers, surfers, and locals hauling down coolers for an unhurried afternoon. Waves can still pack a punch here, so it suits confident ocean swimmers more than tiny kids, especially on bigger swell days.
03
Best tucked-away cove
Sunny Cove Beach
East Cliff Drive Between Pleasure Point And Twin Lakes • Sheltered Sandy Cove • Nice Mix Of Sun And Mellow Waves
A pocket-sized cove with cliffs on both sides, offering a more protected feel than the open-coast beaches nearby.
Sunny Cove feels a bit more enclosed than the open stretches of sand along East Cliff, which helps knock down wind and makes it appealing on cooler days. The beach is small enough to feel intimate without being secret, and it draws a mix of families, sunbathers, and bodyboarders when the surf is manageable. Parking is tight and residential, so arriving earlier in the day usually makes the experience much less stressful.
04
Best social beach scene
Twin Lakes State Beach
Santa Cruz Harbor Area • Lively State Beach With Restaurants And Harbor Views • Popular For Groups And Sunset Hangs
A long sandy strand next to the harbor, known for its easy access, people-watching, and golden-hour views.
South of Pleasure Point, Twin Lakes is the spot when you want a more social, amenities-on-hand kind of beach day. The sand stretches out alongside the harbor jetty, with coastal restaurants and bars just steps away, so you can pair a swim or beach walk with food and drinks without moving your car. It is especially lively around sunset and on warm weekends, when bonfires glow and the parking lots fill early.
05
Best beach-town stroll
Capitola Beach
Capitola Village • Village-Front Beach With Classic Boardwalk Feel • Perfect For Pairing Sand Time With Shops And Cafes
A sheltered, central beach framed by colorful buildings and a compact waterfront village just a short drive from Pleasure Point.
Capitola Beach offers a softer, more sheltered shoreline than many open-coast spots, which can be appealing for families and casual swimmers. The real draw is how seamlessly the sand blends into Capitola Village, where you can grab coffee, poke into boutiques, or sit down for a meal within a block of your towel. It can feel busy on summer afternoons, but the village energy and easy post-beach options make it a standout choice for visitors.