Best Beaches in Santa Cruz

Real videos of Beaches in Santa Cruz — 10 places, filmed by creators on the ground.

Ranked venues

Its Beach
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ScenicActiveFamily-friendlyCoastal viewsPicnic areasBeach activities
About the venue
Its Beach, located on Westcliff Drive in Santa Cruz, is a picturesque spot known for its stunning coastal views and sandy shores. This beach offers a wide range of activities—from surfing to picnicking—making it a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. Features include ample space for beach volleyball and a scenic walkway ideal for strolls. The beach is also close to several cafes and restaurants, perfect for refreshments after a day in the sun.
What the videos show
A white dog wearing a blue harness runs towards the camera from the beach water's edge. The camera follows its movement and then pans to show other dogs playing further back on the sandy beach near some cliffs. One person is visible walking away from the group of dogs. The video returns focus to the initial white dog running closer to the camera again until it stops just before reaching the camera.
Westcliff Dr
@moreah
The Lighthouse-West Cliff Drive
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ScenicTranquilNaturalOcean viewsWalking pathsPhotography spot
About the venue
The Lighthouse-West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz is a scenic viewpoint offering stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean. Located along the coastal cliffs, it is a popular spot for photography and watching sunsets. Open year-round, the area attracts tourists and locals alike for its tranquil ambiance and natural beauty. The surrounding walking paths make it a nice destination for leisurely strolls along the coastline.
What the videos show
The video captures a scenic coastal area with waves crashing against rocks and a sandy beach. The camera pans slowly to the right, revealing more of the beach and people engaging in various leisure activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and walking.
701 W Cliff Dr
@ForTheLove
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
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FunHistoricFamily-friendlyWooden coasterCarnival gamesOceanfront
About the venue
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a historic amusement park established in 1907, located directly on the beach in Santa Cruz, California. The boardwalk features a classic wooden roller coaster, carnival games, and various dining options, including funnel cakes and corn dogs. Open year-round, it attracts families and thrill-seekers alike, offering both day and night entertainment. The vibrant atmosphere and ocean views make it a quintessential California experience.
What the videos show
The video captures a man walking through a crowded amusement park, followed by another man wearing a black shirt with 'Coors Banquet' written on it. The background includes a beach and buildings, suggesting an outdoor recreational setting.
400 Beach Street
@tramafoodie
Santa Cruz Wharf
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ScenicLeisurelyTouristySeafood diningBoat rentalsWildlife viewing
About the venue
The Santa Cruz Wharf, extending over 1,700 feet into the Monterey Bay, features restaurants, shops, and sea life viewing opportunities. Built in 1865, it serves as a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood dining experiences while taking in views of sea lions and the surrounding waterfront. The wharf also provides access to boating and fishing activities, enhancing the coastal experience.
What the videos show
The video captures a wide shot of the ocean under a cloudy sky, with waves crashing against rocks. It shows surfers paddling out into the water and riding waves towards the shore. The camera pans slightly to the left, revealing more surfers and the sun's reflection on the water.
21 Municipal Wharf
@withextrafries
Four Mile Beach
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RelaxedNaturalFamily-friendlySurfingPicnickingScenic views
About the venue
Four Mile Beach in Santa Cruz, California, is a scenic stretch known for its stunning views and laid-back atmosphere. The beach offers access to activities like surfing, beach volleyball, and picnicking, making it a popular spot for families and tourists alike. Accessible from Coastal Highway, it is a lesser-known gem that provides a more tranquil beach experience compared to its busier neighbors. Visitors can enjoy beautiful sunrises and sunset views here.
What the videos show
The video captures a static scene of a beach under cloudy skies, with waves crashing onto the shore and a cliff visible in the background. Two individuals are seen walking towards the water.
@docxnyc
Seabright State Beach
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Family-friendlyActiveScenicTide poolsPicnic areasLifeguards
About the venue
Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz features a long stretch of sandy beach perfect for sunbathing and beach sports. The beach is popular with families and surfers alike, offering amenities such as picnic areas, restrooms, and lifeguards on duty. It is a great spot for exploring tide pools and enjoying coastal walks, making it appealing for nature lovers. Additionally, its proximity to local eateries enhances the beach day experience.
What the videos show
A small dog wearing a harness walks towards the ocean waves at the beach. The dog eventually enters the shallow water where the waves crash onto the shore and shakes its head vigorously while standing still in the water.
Seabright Ave
@isabellaswanderlust
Light House Point
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What the videos show
High-angle wide shot of a rocky coastline with waves crashing against cliffs, followed by a zoomed-in shot of a person in a dark wetsuit floating face-down in the ocean, and ending with an extreme close-up of the person's head and shoulders in the water, which is blurry and shaky.
@jenniejyjeong
Surfer Bro Statue
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What the videos show
A continuous, static shot of a beach scene with surfers riding waves. No food, venue, or dining activity is visible. The content is purely scenic B-roll of an outdoor location.
@darkwalker
Panther Beach
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SecludedScenicTranquilUnique rockSurfingWildlife viewing
About the venue
Panther Beach, situated along Highway 1 in Santa Cruz, California, is known for its stunning views and secluded sandy shoreline. Accessible via a short hike, this beach offers unique rock formations and is popular among surfers and sunbathers alike. Unlike many other beaches, it features fewer crowds, which allows for a more serene experience. It’s also a designated spot for watching dolphins and sea otters along the coastline.
What the videos show
The video opens with a wide shot of a sandy beach with gentle waves and a distant concrete structure in the ocean. The camera pans right to reveal a cliffside with sparse vegetation. It then moves closer to the shoreline, showing seaweed and a moss-covered rope. The camera tilts down to show a person's bare feet walking on the sand. The view then shifts to a graffiti-covered concrete structure on the beach, with waves washing over the sand. The camera pans across the beach, showing more graffiti on a bunker-like structure and people sitting on the cliff top. The final shots show people sliding down the sandy cliff face.
Highway 1
@Barney08
Santa Cruz Main Beach
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BeachyFamily-friendlyActiveBeach volleyballLifeguards onNearby eateries
About the venue
Santa Cruz Main Beach is a popular destination located along Beach Street, known for its picturesque shoreline and vibrant boardwalk. This beach area attracts both locals and tourists looking to enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and beach volleyball throughout the year. Flanked by scenic cliffs, it features facilities such as restrooms and volleyball courts. Its proximity to local eateries and attractions makes it a bustling hub for oceanfront activities.
What the videos show
A wide, static shot of a beach with a pier and amusement park in the background. The camera pans slowly from left to right, revealing a tall drop tower ride, a roller coaster, and other amusement park structures. People are visible on the beach and in the shallow water. The sky is clear and blue.
Beach St
@isabellaswanderlust