Santa Cruz Main Beach
The busy beach in front of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, with volleyball courts and summer lifeguards.
Know before you go
- Parking
Parking available (Coastal Commission listing).
Coastal Commission listing · California Coastal Commission
- Fees
No fee listed.
Coastal Commission listing · California Coastal Commission
- Paying
Unknown – check locally
- Getting down
Stairs to the beach. E. of Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz.
Coastal Commission listing · California Coastal Commission
- Tide & surf
Unknown – check locally
- Hours
7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Verified · City of Santa Cruz · checked Oct 3, 2026
- Dogs
No dogs or other pets on city beaches.
Verified · City of Santa Cruz · checked Oct 3, 2026
- Restrooms
Public restrooms nearby on Beach St.
Verified · City of Santa Cruz · checked Oct 3, 2026
- Showers
Yes
Coastal Commission listing · California Coastal Commission
- Accessibility
Disabled access listed.
Coastal Commission listing · California Coastal Commission
- Lifeguards
Lifeguards from Cowell Beach to the San Lorenzo River: daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Memorial Day to Labor Day; weekends Easter to Memorial Day and Labor Day through October.
Verified · City of Santa Cruz · checked Oct 3, 2026
- Rules
No glass, alcohol, smoking, fireworks, camping or open flames (no campfires on Main or Cowell beaches). Propane or butane barbecues on legs are allowed; no coal barbecues.
Verified · City of Santa Cruz · checked Oct 3, 2026
- Activities
18 beach volleyball courts (first come or reserved).
Verified · City of Santa Cruz · checked Oct 3, 2026
Information only, not safety advice. Conditions change. Always follow lifeguards and posted signs.
Tides & daylight · next 3 days
Information only, not safety advice. Conditions change, so always follow lifeguards and posted signs. Data: official city, county, State Parks and National Park Service pages, the California Coastal Commission, NOAA and the National Weather Service · Facts checked Oct 3, 2026 · Map © OpenFreeMap © OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors.