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Beach & Water Activities
Dive into Santa Cruz's best coastal experiences - from surfing legendary breaks to relaxing beach days
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Beach & Water Activities
Explore Beach & Water Activities
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Natural Bridges Monarch Grove & Beach Trail
📍 Santa Cruz
💲$⏱️1 hour (0.5 miles plus beach time)
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Old Cove Landing Trail (Wilder Ranch)
📍 Santa Cruz
💲$⏱️1.5-2 hours (2.3 miles round trip, more if extended)
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Sand Dollar Beach (Panther Beach)
📍 Highway 1 north of Davenport (near mile marker 43)
💲Free⏱️1-2 hours
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Beach & Water Tips
🌊 Check Tide Conditions
Low tides are best for tide pooling and beach exploring. High tides are great for surfing.
🏄 Surf Reports
Check local surf conditions before heading out. Santa Cruz has spots for all skill levels.
☀️ Sun Protection
Bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water. The California sun is strong year-round.
🅿️ Parking Tips
Beach parking fills up quickly on weekends. Arrive early or use public transportation.