Seacliff State Beach features a broad, sandy beach situated at the bottom of
a bluff.
Stretching for approximately a mile, this sand beach connects
with New Brighton State Beach featuring wooded bluff views of the
Monterey Bay. Located in Santa Cruz County south of the city of Santa
Cruz, Seacliff State Beach is a local favorite for its spacious views,
picnic facilities, RV offerings and a great visitors center with a gift
shop / interpretive center where you can get information about
docent-led tours. This beach is known for its fishing pier and
concrete freighter, The Palo Alto.
The Palo Alto cement ship
provides a unique and friendly environment for a variety of marine life
within its concrete wreckage. Barnacles, sea stars, sea anemones,
mussels and rock crabs all cling to the sides of the ship and pier under
the watchful eye of harbor seals that line the deck. With camera in
hand, you'll most often be able to take photos of the birds (hundreds of
them) that perch on the bow of the decaying ship. Pelicans and
cormorants are the large, beautiful seabirds you capture in photos.
For free pier fishing, take a pole
and some bait and try your luck at this great fishing spot. Public
piers such as this pier in California offer free fishing from the pier
where no license is required. Though pier fishing is free, California
Department of Fish and Game fishing limits apply. Anglers have
reported catching mackerel, halibut, jacksmelt, perch and
on rare occasion a salmon. The waters of this Monterey Bay aquatic
wildlife sanctuary, one of the largest in the world, flow from the
Alaskan current and and contain some cool temperatures that warm in the
summer months of June through October, providing a tolerable swim
experience.
For fun, sit or stroll on the
ocean's edge and watch the sea lions, seals, dolphins and migrating
whales. Take your camera, an easy chair or towel to sit on and you'll
have a sunny day at play. The Seacliff State beach charges an admission
fee for entry and parking and doesn't permit alcoholic beverages,
bonfires and wood-gathering. Dogs are permitted on leash. Nearby beaches
with bonfire rings where wood is also sold include New Brighton and Rio
del Mar.
The main entrance to Seacliff is from State Park Drive, off Highway 1 in
Aptos, 5.5 miles
south of Santa Cruz. Special events include Migration Festival at
Seacliff State Beach, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and Natural
Bridges State Beach and the Cement Ship Festival.
Leashed pets are permitted at Rio del Mar & Seacliff State Beach, subject to
change: parks.ca.gov
