01
Best overall pick
Twin Lakes State Beach
Twin Lakes Neighborhood • Lively Harborfront Beach • Go-To Local All-Rounder
A broad, social beach with harbor views, bonfire rings, and easy access to food and drinks along East Cliff Drive.
If you only have time for one stop, make it Twin Lakes State Beach. The long, flat shoreline is ideal for swimming, wading, and tossing a frisbee, and there’s usually plenty of space to spread out even on busy days. Restaurants and bars cluster just across the road, so you can move seamlessly from a sunset bonfire on the sand to a nightcap overlooking the harbor.
02
Best for sunset walks
Seabright State Beach
Santa Cruz Harbor • Wide Urban Beach • Great For Long Strolls And Photos
A deep, open stretch of sand between the harbor and the San Lorenzo River, perfect for long walks and hazy, color-soaked sunsets.
Just across the harbor from Twin Lakes, Seabright State Beach feels expansive and airy, with a long shoreline that begs for a slow walk. There’s often a mellow mix of dog walkers, beach volleyball games, and photographers lining up sunset shots by the harbor jetty. It’s an easy choice when you want big-sky ocean views without heading far from town.
03
Best hidden-feeling spot
Sunny Cove Beach
Live Oak Coast • Sheltered Pocket Cove • Great For A Quieter Escape
A small, cliff-wrapped cove with a more tucked-away feel, popular with locals looking for a mellow beach session close to Twin Lakes.
A short hop east along East Cliff Drive, Sunny Cove feels like a little secret carved into the bluffs. The cliffs help block the wind, so it can feel warmer and more intimate than the wide-open state beaches. Space is limited, so arrive earlier on sunny weekends and be ready for a short walk down to the sand.
04
Best classic state park beach
Seacliff State Beach
Aptos • Long, Laid-Back State Park Beach • Best For All-Day Hangs
A long, gently sloping beach with iconic pier views, ample sand, and room to spend a full day by the water.
About 15 minutes southeast of Twin Lakes, Seacliff State Beach trades the harbor buzz for a more relaxed, small-town vibe. The broad shoreline is great for families, with space for sandcastles, beach games, and long, easy walks by the waterline. Pack a cooler and settle in—this is the kind of spot where it’s tempting to set up camp for the whole day.
05
Best for a neighborhood feel
Rio Del Mar Beach
Rio Del Mar • Casual Seaside Neighborhood Beach • Good Mix Of Locals And Visitors
A relaxed, residential-feeling beach with miles of walkable sand and easy access to low-key cafés and neighborhood streets.
Just down the coast from Seacliff, Rio Del Mar Beach offers a softer, lived-in feel, with beach homes lining the bluff and a steady stream of locals out for their daily walk. The sand stretches far in both directions, making it a favorite for sunrise or afternoon strolls. It’s a solid choice when you want a scenic spot that feels more like a neighborhood hangout than a big attraction.