Reviews

Lannah S

What a great beach to visit. Parking close to beach is a challenge but there’s usually plenty of parking at top you just have to walk down the hill. A lot of us went down to drop off our gear and then parked. Seems the best solution. Or just invest in a wagon. It’s the best way. Even though crowded it was still peaceful and plenty of room especially if you go more to the far right of the beach. Will definitely come back again.

Robin Pereira

This is my favorite beach. I have been going to Seacliff since I was a child. It's a pretty big beach and it is famous for the remains of the Palo Alto, a Navy ship made of cement, which failed to complete its maiden voyage and was towed to the pier at Seacliff where it has remained since then. There is a store at the beach which illustrates the history of the ship. They offer a variety of ocean-themed books for all ages, as well as the usual gift shop merchandise--clothing, hats, souvenirs, etc. The staff are happy to answer any questions and are very knowledgeable. Unfortunately, during the terrible storms of a few years ago, the beach suffered massive damage. There used to be a campground which was washed away, along with most of the walkway railing that ran the length of the beach, portions of the walkway itself, and much of the sand washed away, leaving the stairs that led down to the sand without sand beneath them, hovering in mid-air. Due to the serious damage done to the pier, the difficult decision was made to take the pier down entirely. The Palo Alto sinks further and further into the sea each year. Soon it will be completely submerged. The beach clean-up and repairs have been ongoing and more hard work is left to do. If you are interested, you can adopt a share of Seacliff to help fund the repairs. This is a beautiful, well-loved beach with a covered barbecue and picnic area and several bathrooms spread out along the walkway over the length of the beach, some with outdoor showers. Parking is not a problem as there are two levels to the parking lot. I love this beach because I have many, many happy memories going back for decades. Also because of its unique history and, more recently, the resiliency of the beach itself, fighting to come back from disaster. If you love going to the beach and would like to see a part of local history, I strongly recommend visiting Seacliff.

Fred Love

Took the family to Seacliff State Beach on a warm Fall Saturday. In the past we would go to Santa Cruz Beach but we decided to go try somewhere else. The parking was $10 and at the time we went there was lots of parking available. The beach was very long and clean. It was easy to find a spot as it was not as crowded as Santa Cruz Beach would normally get. Our girl (5 & 7) loved this beach because it did not have much seaweed which grosses them out usually. The only down side was that when the wind shifted there was a really bad smell that came our way. Its likely due to the SS Palo Alto (sunken ship at the end of the pier that attracts a lot of birds). That still did not deter us from having a great time. If you a looking for alternative to Santa Cruz, I would definitely recommend Seacliff.

Rhonda Oxley

This place is along the coast in Aptos, California. The view from the cliff is stunning and dramatic—especially with storm clouds and really clean air. There is cliff-top as well as being able to walk or drive to the beach below. I prefer hanging out up top and meditating with the sea. I take the pups here on walk-abouts, too. Simply lovely!

Tyra Valverde

This is the beach that I grew up with and it's my first time coming back since we tragically lost the pier. I was still moved. The sand was very soft in between my toes. There were a tons of beautiful rocks scattered along the beach. I think it's one of the most family friendly beaches that we have in this area. You can drive right up to the water basically and don't have to hike down or up a large hill to get to the beach. It's easier for small children! Of course there is the option to park on the upper parking lot and take the 200+ stairs down ahah! The bathrooms were nice also and there were a lot of them close by the beach. Cons: I'd say the worst thing about this beach is that it is "stinkier" or smells more like fish compared to some other beaches. If you can get past that though, it's a really nice one! It is a dog friendly beach, leashes required, but it's pretty average for people to have dogs off leashes here so you can expect to see dogs run up to you or up to other random dogs sometimes. No soap in bathrooms, you'll need to bring hand sanitizers or your own hand soap.

Máira Preciosa Viloria (Precy Wakayama)

Great local beach to catch the sunset. Visited and walked down the beach from upper parking of state beach. Nice staircase to walk down and back up. You can even view sunset and sit down to have a glass of wine eat a picnic :-)

Joe “Goldenkryptonite” Carrillo

I have been visiting this beautiful beach for years now. It’s so beautiful and so relaxing! 😎 it’s away from most tourist areas and had a nice family vibe. It’s usually more quiet after the Labor Day holiday. I come here to fish and relax with the family. If you are looking for food there’s a few places nearby pizza, Mexican food, and a pub! There are other places on the other side of the freeway as well.

Hiba Hashlamoun

Very nice beach, clean and family friendly. You need to pay $10 parking fees. You can park next to the beach and the parking lot that you see next where you pay it is an over flow parking if you didn't find parking down next to the Beach you can go up again and park there and use the stairs to go down. Bathrooms are clean and there is a lot of bathrooms. Also there is a picnic tables first come first serve with shade they are amazing.

Karen Tracey

Clean, narrow beach. Got video of a juvenile humpback whale feeding just offshore! At least two of the bathrooms are closed for maintenance (June 2025). Lots of picnic tables, many need maintenance. Amazing views from upper parking lot. Seals and otter play in the surf, and you can sometimes spot a young Great White shark.

Heather Vina

Easy to get to. Family friendly. The ship wreck makes a great photo backdrop. Good place to walk the dog or bring the kids. Wasn’t too crowded. A couple of ways down to the beach. One not so bad with a few stairs. One with lots of stairs from the parking lot.

Amber Sinclair

Beautiful and quiet beach to visit. Had a picnic with friends the we all preceded to take naps. Ocean waves are the best sleepy time noise.

David

Seacliff State Beach is a great place to bring the family. We also enjoy taking a climb up the stairs, then walk across Sea Cliff Drive and then go down a small path back to the beach. We have been coming here now for over 15 years.

Richard Ash

Another new beach for me in California and I’ve been here all my life. Great parking and a long beach to walk if I chose to.

Tim R

I love Sea Cliff Beach! You can walk forever on the beach. There is great rock hounding when the rock piles are there mostly in the winter. I rockhound everyday and have found some amazing things from sea glass , very high quality serpentine, Jasper's, crystal clams, and much much more. It is a state park so remember to follow the rock hounding rules of California State Parks. This beach is never overcrowded. Even in the summer there are many people there The beach is large enough for everyone to have plenty of space. Highly underutilized in my opinion. The little museum is also very much worth visiting. They are open Wednesday through the weekend.

Daniel Smith

Fantastic beach. Even in late January it felt like summer with temps feeling like they were in the 70s. There’s a ton of beach to walk along and bring your dogs as well! The old SS Palo Alto shipwreck is still there but unfortunately the pier was brought down by a storm recently.