Santa Cruz Beach, CA
Beach Alerts
Dangerous Surf
Dangerous Surf: High waves present from 9 AM-3 PM — swimming not recommended
High Tide Alert
High Tide Alert: Extreme high tide at 1:35 PM — beach access very limited
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
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Weather Forecast
Updated: 9/1/2026, 9:00:00 AM
Hourly
| Time | Air Temp | UV | Wind | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:00 | 62° | 2 | 7 mph | 0 |
| 10:00 | 62° | 3 | 6 mph | 0 |
| 11:00 | 64° | 5 | 9 mph | 0 |
| 12:00 | 65° | 6 | 10 mph | 0 |
| 13:00 | 65° | 7 | 11 mph | 0 |
| 14:00 | 65° | 7 | 13 mph | 0 |
| 15:00 | 66° | 6 | 13 mph | 0 |
Surf Conditions
Updated: Updated: 9/1/2026, 9:00:00 AM
Hourly Surf
| Time | Temp | Wave | Period | Swell | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:00 | 61°F | 3.1 ft | 11s | ↓ S | +0.3 ft |
| 10:00 | 61°F | 3 ft | 11s | ↓ S | +1.1 ft |
| 11:00 | 61°F | 3 ft | 11s | ↓ S | +2.0 ft |
| 12:00 | 61°F | 3 ft | 11s | ↓ S | +2.7 ft |
| 13:00 | 61°F | 3 ft | 11s | ↓ S | +3.0 ft |
| 14:00 | 61°F | 3 ft | 11s | ↓ S | +2.9 ft |
| 15:00 | 61°F | 3 ft | 11s | ↓ S | +2.3 ft |