01
Best overall pick
Seacliff State Beach
Seacliff / Aptos Shoreline • Wide Sandy State Beach With A Laid-Back Vibe • Best Mix Of Access, Scenery, And Amenities
An easygoing stretch of sand with bluffs, a pier, and room to spread out right at the heart of the Seacliff neighborhood.
This is the beach most people mean when they say they are going to Seacliff, with straightforward parking, gentle surf, and a long, walkable shoreline. Families appreciate the restrooms, picnic spots, and the sense of being close to town without losing the coastal escape feel. On calmer days, it is ideal for beachcombing and lingering by the water as the light shifts over Monterey Bay.
02
Best long-stroll option
Rio Del Mar State Beach
Rio Del Mar / Aptos • Neighborhood-Backed Beach With A Social Waterfront Feel • Great For Walking And Casual Hangouts
A long, gently curving beach backed by homes and a small cluster of eateries where locals walk dogs and linger into the evening.
Just down the shoreline from Seacliff, Rio Del Mar feels a bit more lived-in, with beach houses lining the bluff and an easy connection to the neighborhood above. It is a go-to spot for long walks, tossing a frisbee, or watching dogs sprint in and out of the surf. Plan to wrap up your visit with a quick bite or drink uphill before heading back along the sand.
03
Best for camping with a view
New Brighton State Beach
New Brighton / Capitola Edge • Pine-Topped Bluff Park And Protected Beach • Best For Campers And Mellow Bay Views
A sheltered cove below forested bluffs, with campsites above and a broad sandy beach that feels tucked away from town.
New Brighton has a slightly more secluded feel, especially once you drop from the campground down to the sand. The bluffs block some wind, making it a comfortable place to post up for the day with a blanket and a book. If you are staying in the campground, sunrise and evening walks along the waterline are an easy daily ritual.
04
Best beach town atmosphere
Capitola Beach
Capitola Village • Compact Village Beach With Colorful Seaside Charm • Best For Pairing Sand Time With Shops And Cafes
A small sandy cove framed by a classic pier and a tight-knit village full of restaurants, bars, and surf shops steps from the water.
Capitola Beach is where you go when you want the full seaside-town experience rather than a completely quiet shoreline. The sand fills up on sunny days, but having coffee, tacos, and ice cream all within a short walk makes it worth the buzz. It is a solid choice for visitors who want to split their time between people-watching, playing by the river mouth, and wandering the village streets.
05
Best for quiet sunsets
Sunset State Beach
South Of Aptos Near Watsonville • Expansive Dune-Backed Beach With A Remote Feel • Best For Uncrowded Sunset Walks
A wide, open stretch of sand bordered by dunes and farmland that feels far from town yet is only a short drive south of Seacliff.
Sunset State Beach is the place to go when you want space and big sky, with long sightlines down the coast and fewer crowds than the more central Aptos and Capitola spots. The walk from the parking area down through the dunes adds to the sense of stepping away from daily life. Stay for golden hour, when the low sun lights up the bluff tops and the shoreline lives up to its name.