Seabright Beach
Santa Cruz, CA
Seabright Beach is a genuinely wide stretch of sand just east of the San Lorenzo River mouth, close enough to downtown Santa Cruz to be an easy walk from several neighborhoods. It's a straightforward, popular beach without the tourist crowd of the Boardwalk further west.
The width and close-in location make it a genuine local favorite without the tourist scene of the Boardwalk, held back only by limited parking on busy days.
How we score beachesWalk here from downtown instead of driving if you're staying nearby, the width of this beach makes it feel less packed than its close-in location might suggest.
Free parking is available near the beach, though it's limited on weekends.
Stairs, a path, and blufftop trails lead 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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