Guide to Santa Cruz Vacation Rentals, and the Best Santa Cruz Beaches

There are literally miles of clean, accessible beaches to enjoy while visiting Vamoose.com's Santa Cruz Vacation rentals.  From "unspoiled" to "crowded," there is something for everyone's taste. Here are a few suggestions you might want to try.

Natural Bridges State Beach

On the northern edge of the city is Natural Bridges, so named for the jutting rock formations that protrude into the sea posing as natural inspirations for our man-made arches. At low tide, tidal pools are revealed, and with a patient eye you can observe crabs, guppies, and other fauna in their natural habitat. 

The park includes a coastal meadow through which Moore Creek flows, ultimately emptying into the ocean and forming wetlands at that intersection. Hike up-creek, into the grove and find the only Monarch Butterfly preserve in the state of California. Butterfly season is roughly mid-October through February.

There are facilities available including parking, picnic area, barbecues, and restrooms. A day-use fee is charged per car.  

Cowell Beach and Lighthouse Point

This is one of the city's most picturesque locations attracting bike riders, roller bladers, or those strolling the cliff side pedestrian path waiting to witness a beautiful sunset.

Lighthouse Point forms a large cove to the south where gentle waves roll onto sandy Cowell beach, a popular spot for sun bathing. The point, which marks the northern boundary of Monterey Bay, is dominated by the lighthouse which is no longer in service, but now houses a surfing museum. The grassy park area that surrounds the lighthouse is a great place to stop and listen to the bark of the sea lions as they make their presence known from their offshore rock perches. Surfers also flock to this area testing their skills at the well-known surf break, Steamers Lane.   

Free parking is available but limited. There is pay parking within a short walk of the beach.

Seacliff Beach

South of Santa Cruz in the neighboring town of Aptos is popular Seacliff Beach. This beach is distinguished by a long expanse of sand and bluffs. It is active with surfers, swimmers, fishermen, and sea life, but it is best known for its unusual attraction of a decaying ship that rests at the end of the fishing pier.

The USS Palo Alto was built for use in WWI. At the time, steel shortages caused the US Navy to entertain the idea of using concrete for shipbuilding. Three concrete vessels were constructed, but never put into service. In 1929, the USS Palo Alto was decommissioned and towed to the end of the Seacliff Pier to serve as an amusement park and carnival platform. Within two years the enterprise went bust. The ship was left to the elements, but it now serves as a great destination to walk out and drop a line.

Seacliff Beach has ranger service, restrooms, showers, and a picnic area. There are two (fee) parking lots, and the lower one closest to the beach fills up early! It is a popular location for families and group outings.

A Santa Cruz vacation home is also a popular location for a family or group outing. Vamoose.com is the place to find the vacation home you need. Search by bedrooms, amenities, or price range. Vamoose.com is the number one choice for Santa Cruz vacation homes.