Santa Cruz Beach, CA
Beach Alerts
Surf Caution
Surf Caution: Strong waves expected from 7 AM-12 PM — not ideal for kids (4.7ft waves)
Tide Shift Notice
High Tide at 11:44 AM: Some shore areas may narrow
About This Beach
Santa Cruz Main Beach is a lively, family-friendly beach directly adjacent to the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and pier. The beach itself offers a large expanse of sand, suitable for various activities like sunbathing, volleyball, and walking, with a mixture of calm and more active water areas. While the convenient location and proximity to amenities are popular, it's often crowded, especially during peak hours.
*Click a parking icon on the map to draw the shortest path to the nearest entrance.
Plan Your Visit
Beach Overview
Amenities
Activities & Rentals
Beachgoers Reviews
Average Rating
"Great for families, but often crowded. Boardwalk nearby is a major attraction. Restrooms and some amenities available. Water is cold. Parking can be difficult."
Santa Cruz Main Beach is a popular, family-friendly beach with convenient access to the boardwalk and amenities. However, it's often crowded, and shade is limited. It offers a mix of calm and more active water areas, and some opportunities for water activities.
Weather Forecast
Updated: 9/23/2025, 6:30:00 AM
Hourly
| Time | Air Temp | UV | Wind | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:00 | 56° | 0 | 3 mph | 0 |
| 07:00 | 57° | 0 | 1 mph | 0 |
| 08:00 | 60° | 0 | 5 mph | 0 |
| 09:00 | 67° | 1 | 2 mph | 0 |
| 10:00 | 72° | 3 | 3 mph | 0 |
| 11:00 | 76° | 5 | 6 mph | 0 |
| 12:00 | 78° | 6 | 8 mph | 0 |
Surf Conditions
Updated: Updated: 9/23/2025, 6:30:00 AM
Hourly Surf
| Time | Temp | Wave | Period | Swell | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:00 | 62°F | 4.8 ft | 10s | ↖ NW | -0.9 ft |
| 07:00 | 62°F | 4.7 ft | 10s | ↖ NW | -0.4 ft |
| 08:00 | 62°F | 4.7 ft | 10s | ↖ NW | +0.5 ft |
| 09:00 | 62°F | 4.7 ft | 10s | ↖ NW | +1.4 ft |
| 10:00 | 62°F | 4.7 ft | 10s | ↖ NW | +2.2 ft |
| 11:00 | 63°F | 4.7 ft | 10s | ↖ NW | +2.5 ft |
| 12:00 | 63°F | 4.6 ft | 10s | ↖ NW | +2.5 ft |