Scott Creek Beach
Santa Cruz, CA
Scott Creek Beach sits at a creek mouth north of Santa Cruz, a straightforward roadside stop with a real local surf following despite the lack of any formal facilities. It's one of several similarly low key beaches strung along this stretch of Highway 1 north of the city.
A genuine local surf spot with real character, though the lack of facilities keeps it a specialty stop rather than a general beach day.
How we score beachesCheck the swell before stopping, this is more a surf check kind of beach than a destination for swimming or sunbathing.
Free roadside parking is available.
A path leads from the roadside parking down to the beach.
Dogs are not allowed at Scott Creek Beach in order to protect nesting snowy plover habitat.
Winter swells bring the most consistent surf here, while fog is common most mornings year round.
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.