My Favorite View Spots
📸 Where Locals Go for the Best Views
From secret sunset perches to panoramic ocean overlooks, these are the spots that never get old
After years of living in Santa Cruz, these are the viewpoints I return to again and again. Some are famous, others are hidden gems that most tourists miss. Each offers something unique - whether it's the perfect sunset, a peaceful morning spot, or a dramatic coastal panorama.
Top 10 View Spots (Ranked by a Local)
🥇#1: West Cliff Drive at Lighthouse Point
Best Time
Sunset (year-round)
Parking
Street parking (free)
Crowd Level
Moderate-High
This is THE spot. Watch surfers at Steamer Lane, see the entire Monterey Bay arc, and catch spectacular sunsets. The lighthouse adds character, and there's usually someone playing guitar or painting. It's popular for a reason - the view is unbeatable.
Local Tip:
Come 30 minutes before sunset to claim your spot. Walk west along the path for slightly less crowded viewpoints with equally stunning views.
🥈#2: Natural Bridges State Beach Overlook
Best Time
Low tide, sunset
Parking
$10 day-use fee
Crowd Level
Low-Moderate
The iconic rock arch framing the sunset is magical. At low tide, you can walk right up to it. The beach is less crowded than others, and the eucalyptus grove behind adds a unique atmosphere. October-February, thousands of monarch butterflies migrate here.
Local Tip:
Check tide times before visiting. At high tide, the arch is less accessible. The cliff-top path offers great views without the parking fee.
🥉#3: UCSC East Meadow
Best Time
Sunrise, clear days
Parking
Free on weekends
Crowd Level
Very Low
This is my secret spot. A massive meadow on the UCSC campus with 360° views - Monterey Bay on one side, redwood forests on the other. On clear days, you can see all the way to Monterey. It's peaceful, usually empty, and feels like you've discovered something special.
Local Tip:
Bring a blanket and picnic. The meadow is perfect for stargazing too. Access via Science Hill or Empire Grade Road. Parking is free on weekends and after 5pm weekdays.
#4: Seabright Beach - End of the Jetty
Best Time
Morning, low tide
Parking
Street parking (free)
Crowd Level
Low
Walk to the end of the jetty for a unique perspective - the Boardwalk on one side, open ocean on the other. Watch boats entering the harbor, pelicans diving, and sea lions lounging on the rocks. It's windy but worth it.
Pro tip: Bring coffee from nearby Seabright Brewery and watch the sunrise.
#5: Wilder Ranch Coastal Trail - Fern Grotto Overlook
Best Time
Afternoon, spring
Parking
$10 day-use fee
Crowd Level
Low
About 2 miles into the coastal trail, there's a dramatic overlook above Fern Grotto. Rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and wildflowers in spring. Few people make it this far, so it feels wild and remote.
Pro tip: Continue another mile to Wilder Beach for even more solitude.
#6: Observation Deck at Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Best Time
Anytime (open hours)
Parking
Free
Crowd Level
Very Low
Most people visit for the marine center, but the outdoor observation deck is free and offers stunning views of the coastline. Great for whale watching in winter/spring. Bring binoculars!
Pro tip: The deck is accessible even when the center is closed.
#7: Pogonip Lookout Trail
Best Time
Morning, clear days
Parking
Free at trailhead
Crowd Level
Very Low
A short but steep hike rewards you with panoramic views of Santa Cruz, the bay, and mountains. It's a local secret - mostly used by UCSC students and trail runners. The meadows are beautiful in spring with wildflowers.
Pro tip: Early morning offers the best visibility and you might see deer.
#8: Capitola Wharf at Sunset
Best Time
Sunset
Parking
Village lot ($2-5)
Crowd Level
Moderate
The colorful Venetian-style houses create a unique backdrop. Walk to the end of the wharf for 360° views. Grab dinner at Zelda's afterward - they have a great patio overlooking the water.
Pro tip: The beach below the wharf is perfect for tide pooling at low tide.
#9: Santa Cruz Wharf - End Platform
Best Time
Early morning, sunset
Parking
Beach lot ($2-3/hr)
Crowd Level
High (touristy)
Walk past all the restaurants to the very end of the wharf. Look down and you'll see sea lions lounging on the beams below. The view back toward the Boardwalk is iconic, especially at sunset.
Pro tip: Come at 7am for a peaceful experience before the crowds arrive.
#10: Empire Grade Road Pullouts
Best Time
Clear days, sunset
Parking
Roadside pullouts (free)
Crowd Level
Very Low
This winding mountain road has several pullouts with sweeping views of the entire bay. On clear days, you can see from Monterey to San Francisco. It's especially beautiful when fog rolls in below you - you're literally above the clouds.
Pro tip: Drive slowly and watch for cyclists. Best combined with a visit to UCSC campus.
Honorable Mentions
🌅 Sunset State Beach Dunes
Massive sand dunes with ocean views. Less crowded than Santa Cruz beaches. Great for sunset and photography.
🏔️ Soquel Demonstration State Forest
Mountain views through redwood forests. Several trails with overlooks. Peaceful and rarely crowded.
🌊 Its Beach (Panther Beach)
Dramatic cliffs and sea caves. Requires a short hike down. Amazing at low tide for exploring.
🎡 Boardwalk Ferris Wheel
Okay, it's touristy, but the view from the top is actually incredible. Best at night when the lights are on.
Best Times for Views
🌅 Sunrise
- • UCSC East Meadow
- • Seabright Jetty
- • Santa Cruz Wharf
- • Pogonip Lookout
🌇 Sunset
- • Lighthouse Point
- • Natural Bridges
- • Capitola Wharf
- • Empire Grade
🐋 Whale Watching
- • Seymour Marine Center
- • Lighthouse Point
- • Wilder Ranch Coastal Trail
- • Natural Bridges
Best: Dec-Apr (gray whales)
📸 Photography
- • Natural Bridges arch
- • Lighthouse Point surfers
- • Capitola colorful houses
- • Wilder Ranch cliffs
What to Bring
Essential Gear
- • Camera or smartphone
- • Binoculars (for whale watching)
- • Layers - it gets windy!
- • Sunscreen & sunglasses
- • Water bottle
Pro Tips
- • Check sunset time before going
- • Arrive 30 min early for best spots
- • Download tide app for coastal views
- • Bring a blanket for sitting
- • Pack snacks/coffee for sunrise
Seasonal Considerations
🌸 Spring/Summer (Apr-Sep)
- • Longer days = more time for views
- • Wildflowers at Wilder Ranch & Pogonip
- • Fog can roll in afternoons (adds drama!)
- • Crowds peak in summer
- • Best visibility: early morning
🍂 Fall/Winter (Oct-Mar)
- • Clearer skies = better long-distance views
- • Whale watching season (Dec-Apr)
- • Monarch butterflies at Natural Bridges (Oct-Feb)
- • Fewer crowds at all spots
- • Dramatic storm watching (from safe distance!)