Seacliff State Beach

To learn about events in the parks and at the beaches, check out the Calendar Page.

This long stretch of sand and bluffs has great accessible facilities including picnic areas, an interpretive center, and RV camping. This beach is known for its fishing pier and fossils of extinct marine creatures in the bluffs. The beach is also a popular swimming spot. One of the most unusual attractions in the Santa Cruz area rests at the end of the fishing pier. The USS Palo Alto, one of only three cement ships built during World War I, has been a popular attraction for visitors since it was put in place in 1929. The plan was to turn the ship and the pier into an amusement and fishing ship. The Cal-Nevada Company quickly constructed a dance floor on the main deck, a cafe in the superstructure of the ship, a 4-foot heated swimming pool and a series of carnival type concessions on the aft-deck. Unfortunately, the Cal-Nevada Company went bankrupt after only two seasons. The ship was then stripped, leaving the pier and the ship to be used only for fishing.

Directions

From Hwy 1 take the State Park Drive exit into the neighborhood of Aptos.

ParkStore/Visitor Center

Seacliff State Beach has a ParkStore and small visitors center (open Wednesday through Sunday) featuring exhibits that interpret the natural and cultural history of the area including Seacliff’s “Cement Ship,” marine fossil beds, and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

The visitor center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10-4. *Due to staff furloughs in effect, please call to confirm operating hours. Call 831-685-6444.

Camping

RV camping only
26 sites:-$65 premium, Full Hook-up (Incl. 1-Disabled)
$55 self -contained
Reservations: 800-444-7275
See General Info, below, for more camping information.

Climate/Clothing

The weather ranges from cool and foggy to hot and sunny. Layered clothing is recommended.

Amenities

Restrooms
Showers
Picnic areas
Food, lodging and supplies nearby

Educational Activities

Docent-led educational programs
Family programs
Exhibits

JUVENILES

(those under 18 years of age) not camping with a parent or legal guardian must have WRITTEN permission to camp in the park. Permission letters must include the name of the park, the name of the juvenile, the dates they may stay and the name, address, phone number and signature of the person’s parent or legal guardian. The parent must be reachable at all times during the juvenile’s visit. Children 14 years of age and under may not camp without a parent present during the stay.