Hidden Beach County Park
Rio del Mar, CA
Hidden Beach County Park lives up to its name, a small access point off Cliff Drive near Rio del Mar with limited parking that keeps the crowd genuinely thin. It's a good option if the bigger beaches nearby feel too busy.
Genuinely quiet thanks to its limited parking, though that same limitation means it fills up fast once word gets out on a nice day.
How we score beachesArrive early, the limited parking here is the whole reason this beach stays as quiet as it does.
Free but limited parking is available off Cliff Drive.
A path leads from the parking area down to the beach.
Dogs are welcome; check posted signage for specific leash rules.
Fog is common most mornings year round, typical of the Santa Cruz coast.
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