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Seacliff State Beach — Attraction in Capitola

Name
Seacliff State Beach
Description
Seacliff State Beach is a state beach park on Monterey Bay, in the town of Aptos, Santa Cruz County, California. It is located off Highway 1 on State Park Drive, about 5 miles south of Santa Cruz. The beach is most known for the concrete ship SS Palo Alto lying in the water.
Nearby attractions
Seacliff State Beach
California 95003
Seacliff Visitor Center & Park Store
042 112-03, Aptos, CA 95003
Seacliff State Beach Stairs
202 Seacliff Dr, Aptos, CA 95003
Seacliff Village County Park
McGregor Dr, Aptos, CA 95003
pastpresent
179 Seacliff Dr, Aptos, CA 95003
Art Factory Studios
7960 Soquel Dr STE D, Aptos, CA 95003
Nearby restaurants
Manuel's Mexican Restaurant
261 Center Ave, Aptos, CA 95003, United States
Marianne’s Ice Cream
218 State Park Dr, Aptos, CA 95003, United States
Sno White Drive-In
223 State Park Dr, Seacliff, CA 95003, United States
The Mediterranean Bar
265 Center Ave, Seacliff, CA 95003
Castelli’s Caffe & Deli. Seacliff area
236 Santa Cruz Ave Suite A, Aptos, CA 95003
Casa Rossy
257 Center Ave, Aptos, CA 95003
Ambrosia India Bistro- APTOS
207 Sea Ridge Rd, Seacliff, CA 95003
Pizza My Heart
253 Center Ave, Seacliff, CA 95003, United States
Pizza My Heart
253 Center Ave, Aptos, CA 95003
Sevy's Bar + Kitchen
7500 Old Dominion Ct, Aptos, CA 95003, United States
Nearby local services
Seacliff Plaza Store
219 State Park Dr, Seacliff, CA 95003
P & D Botanicals Store
236 Santa Cruz Ave, Aptos, CA 95003
Fleet Feet Aptos
7960 Soquel Dr suite i, Aptos, CA 95003, United States
Rio Liquor & Market
139 Esplanade, Aptos, CA 95003
WorkSpace Office Furniture
7960 Soquel Dr h1, Aptos, CA 95003, United States
Nearby hotels
Seacliff State Beach Parking
Aptos, CA 95003
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
7500 Old Dominion Ct, Aptos, CA 95003
Rio Sands Hotel
116 Aptos Beach Dr, Aptos, CA 95003, United States
Aptos Beach Vacation Home Rental in Santa Cruz County
313 Treasure Island Dr, Aptos, CA 95003
Aptos Modern
126 Rio Del Mar Blvd, Aptos, CA 95003
Related posts
Keywords
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Seacliff State Beach things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Seacliff State Beach
United StatesCaliforniaCapitolaSeacliff State Beach

Basic Info

Seacliff State Beach

State Park Dr, Seacliff, CA 95003
4.6(2.3K)
Open 24 hours
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Ratings & Description

Info

Seacliff State Beach is a state beach park on Monterey Bay, in the town of Aptos, Santa Cruz County, California. It is located off Highway 1 on State Park Drive, about 5 miles south of Santa Cruz. The beach is most known for the concrete ship SS Palo Alto lying in the water.

Outdoor
Relaxation
Family friendly
Pet friendly
attractions: Seacliff State Beach, Seacliff Visitor Center & Park Store, Seacliff State Beach Stairs, Seacliff Village County Park, pastpresent, Art Factory Studios, restaurants: Manuel's Mexican Restaurant, Marianne’s Ice Cream, Sno White Drive-In, The Mediterranean Bar, Castelli’s Caffe & Deli. Seacliff area, Casa Rossy, Ambrosia India Bistro- APTOS, Pizza My Heart, Pizza My Heart, Sevy's Bar + Kitchen, local businesses: Seacliff Plaza Store, P & D Botanicals Store, Fleet Feet Aptos, Rio Liquor & Market, WorkSpace Office Furniture
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Phone
(831) 685-6442
Website
parks.ca.gov

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Reviews

Live events

Walk Santa Cruz: A Locals Hidden History Tour
Walk Santa Cruz: A Locals Hidden History Tour
Sun, Jan 18 • 2:00 PM
Santa Cruz, California, 95060
View details
PVPSAs 6th Annual Soup for a Cause
PVPSAs 6th Annual Soup for a Cause
Thu, Jan 22 • 6:00 PM
275 Main Street #floor 6, Watsonville, CA 95076
View details
Shug Shack 2 Year Anniversary Show
Shug Shack 2 Year Anniversary Show
Sat, Jan 24 • 8:00 PM
230 Mount Hermon Road, Scotts Valley, CA 95066
View details

Nearby attractions of Seacliff State Beach

Seacliff State Beach

Seacliff Visitor Center & Park Store

Seacliff State Beach Stairs

Seacliff Village County Park

pastpresent

Art Factory Studios

Seacliff State Beach

Seacliff State Beach

4.4

(32)

Open 24 hours
Click for details
Seacliff Visitor Center & Park Store

Seacliff Visitor Center & Park Store

4.7

(9)

Closed
Click for details
Seacliff State Beach Stairs

Seacliff State Beach Stairs

4.7

(26)

Open 24 hours
Click for details
Seacliff Village County Park

Seacliff Village County Park

4.6

(70)

Open until 12:00 AM
Click for details

Nearby restaurants of Seacliff State Beach

Manuel's Mexican Restaurant

Marianne’s Ice Cream

Sno White Drive-In

The Mediterranean Bar

Castelli’s Caffe & Deli. Seacliff area

Casa Rossy

Ambrosia India Bistro- APTOS

Pizza My Heart

Pizza My Heart

Sevy's Bar + Kitchen

Manuel's Mexican Restaurant

Manuel's Mexican Restaurant

4.5

(741)

$$

Closed
Click for details
Marianne’s Ice Cream

Marianne’s Ice Cream

4.8

(643)

$

Closed
Click for details
Sno White Drive-In

Sno White Drive-In

4.2

(440)

$

Closed
Click for details
The Mediterranean Bar

The Mediterranean Bar

4.4

(85)

$$

Closed
Click for details

Nearby local services of Seacliff State Beach

Seacliff Plaza Store

P & D Botanicals Store

Fleet Feet Aptos

Rio Liquor & Market

WorkSpace Office Furniture

Seacliff Plaza Store

Seacliff Plaza Store

3.9

(46)

Click for details
P & D Botanicals Store

P & D Botanicals Store

5.0

(1)

Click for details
Fleet Feet Aptos

Fleet Feet Aptos

4.9

(206)

Click for details
Rio Liquor & Market

Rio Liquor & Market

4.2

(29)

Click for details
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freespiritmadhutravelsfreespiritmadhutravels
Aug -Sep unique sight in California! Since it is just 7 mins from Capitola, I visited after spending the afternoon at Capitola Beach. So do plan for it when you are in Santa Cruz! ⤵️Add below in Google Maps to reach the parking lot 📍 Seacliff State Beach Parking Aptos, California ✨Highlights you don’t want to miss✨ ⛴️Historic SS Palo Alto “Cement Ship” shipwreck (now a nesting haven for seabirds 🐦) The SS Palo Alto isn’t your usual shipwreck—it’s a concrete ship! In 1930s, it was transformed into an amusement ship complete with a dance floor, café, and even a swimming pool. 🕊️A lot of birds diving to catch Anchovies as it is their migration season and most of these fishes are closer to the shores feeding on planktons. 🐋 Whale Watching- Now is the time! Humpback whales are feeding on anchovies and you’re probably going to spot those humpbacks breaching from the beach! 🧺Wide sandy beach = perfect for long strolls, picnics & soaking in golden sunsets 🌅 🗒️ Things to Know before you go 🔹Parking: $10 per vehicle (day-use) – lots fill up fast on weekends! 🔹Entry: No extra ticket needed, just the state park fee 🔹Restrooms, picnic tables & fire pits available 🔹Showers to clean off after a dip in the sea 🔹You can no longer walk onto the ship (it’s closed for safety), but you can see it up close from the beach. 💡Pro tip: Best time for whale watching is NOW( late summer to fall) So visit before the anchovies leave! 📌SAVE for your long weekend ! . . . Hi ! I am Madhu 🙋‍♀️ I explore and share hidden gems, travel itineraries, nature trails, luxury stays, and restaurants across California & beyond. Follow me @freespiritmadhutravels so you get insider tips for your travels too! [Bay Area activities, Hidden gems, Restaurants in Bay Area, Luxury Stays, California guide, California places to visit, California itinerary, Hidden gems in California] #seacliffbeach #aptos #visitsantacruz #santacruzca #freespiritmadhutravelscalifornia
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everbalyenaeverbalyena
Spontaneous beach day with the parentals here at SeaCliff Beach in Aptos, Ca. #seacliffbeach #aptos #santacruzcalifornia #californiabeach #vitaminsea
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santacruzbucketlistsantacruzbucketlist
The #bombcyclone hit Santa Cruz last night and this morning with devastating impacts to our coastal communities and several of our most iconic seaside monuments like Seacliff State Beach’s SS Palo Alto cement ship along with the Capitola Wharf. Both piers saw major damage and the coastal towns are equally impacted with major sections of West Cliff closed due to surging waves, Rio Del Mar’s battered seafront, and Capitola’s extensive flooding. The ocean is a powerful force never to be underestimated. Be careful out there and be sure to heed warnings of closed areas.
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Pet-friendly Hotels in Capitola

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Aug -Sep unique sight in California! Since it is just 7 mins from Capitola, I visited after spending the afternoon at Capitola Beach. So do plan for it when you are in Santa Cruz! ⤵️Add below in Google Maps to reach the parking lot 📍 Seacliff State Beach Parking Aptos, California ✨Highlights you don’t want to miss✨ ⛴️Historic SS Palo Alto “Cement Ship” shipwreck (now a nesting haven for seabirds 🐦) The SS Palo Alto isn’t your usual shipwreck—it’s a concrete ship! In 1930s, it was transformed into an amusement ship complete with a dance floor, café, and even a swimming pool. 🕊️A lot of birds diving to catch Anchovies as it is their migration season and most of these fishes are closer to the shores feeding on planktons. 🐋 Whale Watching- Now is the time! Humpback whales are feeding on anchovies and you’re probably going to spot those humpbacks breaching from the beach! 🧺Wide sandy beach = perfect for long strolls, picnics & soaking in golden sunsets 🌅 🗒️ Things to Know before you go 🔹Parking: $10 per vehicle (day-use) – lots fill up fast on weekends! 🔹Entry: No extra ticket needed, just the state park fee 🔹Restrooms, picnic tables & fire pits available 🔹Showers to clean off after a dip in the sea 🔹You can no longer walk onto the ship (it’s closed for safety), but you can see it up close from the beach. 💡Pro tip: Best time for whale watching is NOW( late summer to fall) So visit before the anchovies leave! 📌SAVE for your long weekend ! . . . Hi ! I am Madhu 🙋‍♀️ I explore and share hidden gems, travel itineraries, nature trails, luxury stays, and restaurants across California & beyond. Follow me @freespiritmadhutravels so you get insider tips for your travels too! [Bay Area activities, Hidden gems, Restaurants in Bay Area, Luxury Stays, California guide, California places to visit, California itinerary, Hidden gems in California] #seacliffbeach #aptos #visitsantacruz #santacruzca #freespiritmadhutravelscalifornia
freespiritmadhutravels

freespiritmadhutravels

hotel
Find your stay

Affordable Hotels in Capitola

Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

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Spontaneous beach day with the parentals here at SeaCliff Beach in Aptos, Ca. #seacliffbeach #aptos #santacruzcalifornia #californiabeach #vitaminsea
everbalyena

everbalyena

hotel
Find your stay

The Coolest Hotels You Haven't Heard Of (Yet)

Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

hotel
Find your stay

Trending Stays Worth the Hype in Capitola

Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

The #bombcyclone hit Santa Cruz last night and this morning with devastating impacts to our coastal communities and several of our most iconic seaside monuments like Seacliff State Beach’s SS Palo Alto cement ship along with the Capitola Wharf. Both piers saw major damage and the coastal towns are equally impacted with major sections of West Cliff closed due to surging waves, Rio Del Mar’s battered seafront, and Capitola’s extensive flooding. The ocean is a powerful force never to be underestimated. Be careful out there and be sure to heed warnings of closed areas.
santacruzbucketlist

santacruzbucketlist

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Reviews of Seacliff State Beach

4.6
(2,260)
avatar
5.0
26w

Seacliff State Beach is a coastal treasure that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and family-friendly activities. Whether you're a local resident or visiting the area, this beach provides a peaceful escape with stunning views of the Monterey Bay.

Scenic Beauty and Unique Features: One of the most striking features of Seacliff State Beach is the historic SS Palo Alto, affectionately known as the "Cement Ship." This World War I-era concrete ship, now partially submerged, serves as a unique backdrop for beachgoers and a haven for local wildlife. The beach itself stretches over a mile, offering ample space for sunbathing, picnicking, and leisurely walks along the shore.

Recreational Activities: The beach is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, and skimboarding in the relatively gentle waves. Fishing from the pier is a popular activity, with anglers often catching species like perch and halibut. For those interested in hiking, the nearby Seacliff to New Brighton Beach Trail offers a scenic route along the coastline, with opportunities to spot fossils and enjoy panoramic views . Family-Friendly Amenities Seacliff State Beach is equipped with various amenities to ensure a comfortable visit. The Seacliff Visitor Center provides educational exhibits about the area's natural and cultural history, including a tidepool tank and an aquarium. Picnic areas with shaded tables are available, making it an ideal spot for family gatherings. For those planning a longer stay, the campground offers RV sites with full hookups, restrooms, and showers . Accessibility The beach is accessible to visitors with mobility challenges. Beach wheelchairs are available for use, and the Seacliff Visitor Center and picnic areas are equipped to accommodate guests with disabilities.

Local Dining: Nearby, you'll find local favorites like Sno-White Drive-In, serving classic American fare, and Marianne's Ice Cream, renowned for its wide variety of flavors. These establishments add to the charm of the area and provide delicious options for a...

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5.0
4y

Spectacular cliff view, wonderful beach, amazing RV park, special add-on sight!

On this 2+mile long beach, you can't stop feeling peaceful and relaxed. Not too many people there most of the year, especially on the RV park side. Chatting with the retired couples who enjoyed their afternoon, and imagine your own retirement life in the future is a good activity to cheer up after a whole week of busy work. Pressure gets off quickly by watching kids and dogs running around. If you want, a 4 mile round trip run under the evening sun would make you feel even more wonderful about yourself. The sand has very fine texture, some areas have a great amount of pebbles, rocks and shells to be excited about. Not much stinky sea plants on the beach is a big bonus. The sunset is really exceptional with the cliff far on the west side. Photos looks great however you take them. That sunk ship always draw curious questions from kids, and it's a good opportunity to tell kids how everything has an end, regardless of plants, animals or even...

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3.0
1y

Seacliff beach used to be a great beach for fishing and walking on the pier but they have taken that part out maybe for safety reasons I'm not to sure parking is 10.00 now and the bottom. Parking gets full really fast the bathrooms are not very clean at least they had toilet paper this time so that was a plus great beach but the water seemed nasty, dirty, and stinky I'm not sure if it because of the rottening ship thing or if that's how all the beaches are right now lot of beach to walk and set up on we hadn't been to the beach in a longtime so it was phenomenal better then being in the hundred degree heat in the valley it's was a clean beach no trash left behind the staff was friendly and the ticket booth and the BBQ spots were packed with people having a great time you can also bring your bikes or scooters cause there are cement walking and riding trails that connect to different beaches overall a great experience if ur planning to stay out and bbq I suggest...

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