Rio del Mar Beach
Rio del Mar, CA
Rio del Mar Beach is the southern extension of Seacliff State Beach, reached by its own stairway access via Via Palo Alto rather than the main Seacliff entrance to the north. It's a quieter, more residential stretch of the same long beach.
A genuinely convenient, quieter stretch of Seacliff's long beach for anyone staying nearby, though it shares the same beach as its busier northern neighbor.
How we score beachesUse the Via Palo Alto stairway if you're staying in Rio del Mar rather than driving up to the main Seacliff entrance, it's the more direct local route.
Free on-street parking is available near the stairway.
A stairway leads from Via Palo Alto down to the beach.
Dogs are welcome on the beach at Rio del Mar on a six foot leash.
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.