New Brighton State Beach
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About

New Brighton State Beach is one of the most popular and most-visited state beaches in California. This 93-acre park along the beautiful coast of Santa Cruz offers spectacular views of Monterey Bay. It is known for its family-oriented campground, which sits on the towering bluffs high above the Pacific Ocean. The beautiful, lush vegetation of towering pine trees, Monterey cypress, oak, eucalyptus trees and wild berry vines surround campers with peaceful tranquility. Once the site of a Chinese fishing village, it now offers locals and visitors a haven from the hectic pace of city life.

Learn more in the California State Parks brochure: English | Spanish.


Operating Hours

Day-Use Area 8 a.m. to Sunset


Directions

The beach is in the town of Capitola, just south of Santa Cruz. Take the New Brighton/Park Avenue exit off Highway 1, turn right at bottom of ramp, and left at first stop sign. Follow the road to park gate.

By bus: Take the Santa Cruz METRO 91X – Cabrillo Express to Watsonville. Take exit Soquel Dr & Lower Perimeter Rd. Walk 24 minutes down to New Brighton State Beach.

Take the Santa Cruz METRO 69W – Capitola/Cabrillo to Watsonville. Exit on Soquel Dr & Park Ave. Walk 15 minutes down to New Brighton State Beach.

Take the Santa Cruz METRO 71 – Soquel/Freedom to Watsonville via Clifford. Exit on Soquel Dr & Park Ave. Walk 15 minutes down to New Brighton State Beach.

Take the Santa Cruz METRO 69A – Capitola/Airport to Watsonville. Exit at Capitola Mall – Lane 2. Take the 55 – Cabrillo to Rio Del Mar. Exit on Soquel Dr & Park Ave. Walk 15 minutes down to New Brighton State Beach.


Things to do

Beach Area

Visitors enjoy swimming, boogie boarding, stand up paddle boarding and, in the winter, surfing.

Picnic Areas

A large group picnic area in the campground area can be reserved for special events.

Interpretive Programs

Campfire and Junior Ranger programs are offered at New Brighton during the summer. These programs are free.

Bonfires

Fire rings are provided at this beach. Bonfires are only permitted inside of those rings.

Accessibility

Beach wheelchairs are available for use on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are recommended. Contact the State Park Special Events Office at SCD.specialevents@parks.ca.gov or 831-400-8519, Tuesday to Friday excluding holidays, between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm. Email is preferred.


Visitor Center

The Visitor Center is closed for the season.

See, explore and experience the stories of people, settlers and cultures that are a part of this region’s rich history at the Pacific Migrations Visitor Center. Discover the stories of the settlers and cultures that are a part of this region’s rich history. The Vistor Center will reopen in the spring.


ParkStore

The ParkStore is closed for the season. You can shop online! 

The New Brighton ParkStore celebrates the sea life and fossils found on the beach, as well as the beloved campground, which attracts locals as well as visitors from all over the world. The store features New Brighton-branded apparel, hats, stickers, and other souvenirs. The ParkStore closes after Labor Day weekend and will reopen in the spring.

 

 


Fees and Passes

Parking is $10 and supports the park. Annual State Parks passes also are available to purchase at the entrance kiosk.


Services


Camping

There are 109 camp sites of varying size and services available: 97 standard sites, nine tent-only sites for hikers and cyclists, and three group sites. The year-round, “front loop” campground is currently open. Campsites 1-43 and group camp sites will open Saturday, April 15.

Maximum trailer, motorhome and camper length is 36 feet. Call 800-444-7275 or go online to make a reservation.

Firewood is available for purchase at the campground. By purchasing firewood in this park, you will help sustain the natural environment for the benefit of plants and animals – and support local park programs. Proceeds from firewood sales go to Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and all funds stay local.  Thank you for your support.


History

New Brighton State Park is in the unceded homelands of the Awaswas-speaking Ohlone Tribe known as the Aptos, who stewarded these lands since time immemorial. Centuries of colonial violence led to the removal and displacement of the Aptos. Today, their descendants continue their stewardship and presence here, in partnership with State Parks.

New Brighton, once known as China Beach, was the site of a Chinese fishing village during the 1870s and 1880s. The village inhabitants proved invaluable in the building of the California railroad, and provided Santa Cruz with fish, produce, laundries, chefs and laborers. Other settlers took over the village from the Chinese, who moved to Monterey. Commercial fishing slowed after dragnet fishing was outlawed in 1915.

During the late 1870s, Thomas Fallon began the development of a small resort east of China Beach. Fallon was an immigrant from Ireland and a former mayor of San Jose. He named his campground Camp San Jose in the hopes of attracting tourists from San Jose. However, the name did not do as he had hoped and in 1882 Fallon renamed the campground New Brighton. New Brighton became a State Beach in 1933.


Regulations

  • Dogs are allowed on leashes no longer than 6 feet.
  • Alcohol is not allowed on the beach or in day-use areas.
  • A fishing license is required.
  • Fires must be confined to fire rings provided.
  • Climbing the unstable sandstone cliffs is prohibited.
  • All park natural and cultural features are protected by law and may not be removed or disturbed.
  • Do not feed or leave food out for wildlife.
  • Fires must be confined to fire rings provided in the campground and attended at all times.
  • The speed limit is 15 mph. Vehicles must park on pavement and not on gravel or dirt walkways.

Recreate Responsibly

Before you visit, check the Recreate Responsibly page to protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these measures during your visit.


More Info

(831) 464-6329

Plan Your Visit

Get Directions

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Events at New Brighton State Beach