
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. Because the beach is nestled in a small cove, the waves are gentle. Several of the local dining establishments feature lovely sea views.Ĭapitola Beach is prized for its idyllic natural surroundings and protected waters. Overlooking the wharf are streets lined with boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. With its colorful houses and picturesque harbor, Capitola exudes the charm of a Mediterranean fishing village.


Capitola Beach View of the beach and pier at Capitola The tours answer questions about the sea lions that hang out underneath the pier and also delve into topics such as whale migration and ocean ecology.Ģ.
SANTA CRUZ BEACH FREE
Today, the pier is lined with restaurants, boutiques, and shops that offer boat and kayak rentals.įor those interested in learning more about marine mammals, the UCSC Seymour Marine Discovery Center leads free guided tours at the Santa Cruz Wharf every Saturday and Sunday at 1pm and 3pm. This historic half-mile-long pier was constructed in 1914 and originally worked in conjunction with a freight warehouse and steamship dock. This family-friendly hotel provides excellent amenities for the price, including flat-screen televisions and complimentary breakfast.Ī short walk from Main Beach is the Santa Cruz Wharf. Beach facilities also include public restrooms.įor those seeking seaside accommodations, the Carousel Beach Inn offers stylish guest rooms and a convenient location near Main Beach. Those seeking a more leisurely day can focus on sunbathing, relaxation, and picnics (bring a blanket).ĭuring the summer months, lifeguards survey the beach, so it is a safe place for swimming. It's a great place for seaside recreation such as body boarding and beach volleyball, because of its consistent gentle waves and wide, sandy shoreline. Main Beach is a favorite summertime destination for families. Visitors also enjoy taking a walk along the Boardwalk's seaside promenade while admiring the beach scene and the outdoor arcade games. Visitors can also indulge in special treats such as saltwater taffy, chocolate-dipped bananas, caramel apples, root beer floats, and ice cream in fresh-baked waffle cones. Snack stands sell favorite boardwalk foods like corn dogs, cheeseburgers, and seafood chowder bread bowls. The Giant Dipper roller-coaster ride and the old-fashioned Looff Carousel are National Historic Landmarks.īesides its thrilling roller coasters and kiddie rides, the Beach Boardwalk offers all the trappings of a classic seaside amusement park. Since 1907, visitors have flocked to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk amusement park, which is listed as a California Historic Landmark.

On balmy summer days, Main Beach is packed with surfers, volleyball players, and sunbathers. This happening spot has many tourist attractions and could easily be mistaken for a SoCal beach, because the waters are noticeably warmer and because of its lively beach culture. When it comes to fun in the sun, the Main Beach (Boardwalk Beach) of Santa Cruz is a top destination in Central California.
