Laguna Creek Beach
Santa Cruz, CA

Laguna Creek Beach sits at a creek mouth with limited parking along Laguna Road, a modest, low key stop between the more developed beaches of Santa Cruz and the wilder stretch further north. It's a straightforward spot for a quiet walk rather than a full beach day.
A genuinely quiet stop for the area, though the limited parking means it doesn't take much of a crowd before it feels full.
How we score beachesArrive early if you can, the limited parking along Laguna Road fills up fast on nice days.
Free but limited parking is available along Laguna Road.
A path leads from parking down to the beach.
Dogs are not allowed at Laguna Creek Beach, part of Coast Dairies State Park.
Fog is common most mornings year round, typical of the Santa Cruz coast.
More Pacific Coast beaches

Zuma Beach
Malibu, CA · Pacific Coast
A wide stretch of sand backed by the Santa Monica Mountains, with reliable swells that draw surfers year-round and plenty of room to spread out even on busy weekends.

Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Known as Surf City USA, with a mile-long municipal pier, consistent breaks for surfers of every level, and a laid-back boardwalk scene along Pacific Coast Highway.

Main Beach
Laguna Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Tucked between rocky headlands, with tidepools to explore at low tide, calmer coves for swimming, and an arts-town backdrop of galleries and cafes just steps from the sand.
