Without a doubt, one of the biggest attractions in Central California is the Santa Cruz Boardwalk Beach. Here visitors arrive for plenty of sunshine and plenty of entertainment too. Not only is this a beautiful place to work on your tan, but it also has historical significance. The oceanfront amusement park here is California’s oldest and opened in 1907. Many kids call this the best beach in Santa Cruz because beyond swimming and building sand castles, there are also roller coasters, miniature golf, laser tag, and a long list of other entertainment options for kids.
The Santa Cruz Boardwalk Beach is definitely not one of the more serene beaches along the California coast. The boardwalk flanks the beach, meaning that wherever you are sinking your toes in the sand, the boardwalk and all of its entertainment is right behind you. The beach is sufficiently wide, but it would take some serious effort to completely ignore the zooming Giant Dipper Roller Coaster or the Looff Carousel. If these attractions remind you of oceanside amusement parks of the east coast, such as Atlantic City or Coney Island, you might be surprised to learn that this was actually the intention of a local businessman who moved to California from Brooklyn, New York.
Beyond the Santa Cruz Boardwalk Beach, there are many more beaches in the surrounding Santa Cruz area. If you prefer a beach day that has a little more relaxation than roller coasters, you will want to check out alternatives to the boardwalk beach. Those looking for a soothing experience might think that the best beach in Santa Cruz is Bonny Doon Beach. This secluded beach is known for being clothing-optional, so it is best visited for a romantic day and not a family excursion. Other beaches that offer a relaxing environment include Seacliff State Beach, Panther Beach, and New Brighton State Beach.
If you’re looking for unusual scenery, the best beach in Santa Cruz will be Natural Bridges State Beach. From a cozy position on the shore, gazing out at the arched rock formations in the water will impress all visitors. Lighthouse Point is known for its gorgeous sunsets while Cowell Beach is ideal for families who want to play a little volleyball or indulge in their first surfing lessons. The boardwalk beach might be the most famous in Santa Cruz, but there are many reasons to venture beyond its entertaining borders. Take Sunset State Beach for example, an area perfect for quiet family picnics.
To continue your tour of the Central California coast you will want to check out Avila Beach. This family-friendly beach has great fishing and three beautiful piers to go for a sunset stroll. Beyond Central California, the southern section of the coastline is full of appealing beaches. All year long it is possible to go surfing in Malibu or go fishing from the Santa Monica pier. While these beaches might be better known than the beaches of Central California, you might be surprised at what you find when exploring beyond the famous names.