Lighthouse Field State Beach

This beach is less crowded compared to other beaches in Santa Cruz.  I got there early on a Saturday and found easy street parking.  There was plenty of space to spread out on the soft sand.  Later in the day I saw dolphins several times! 

This is close to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum.  It’s also not too far from the boardwalk.  Expect to see Monarch butterflies if you come in the winter as it’s one of the places along the coast that they come to winter.  

This is a dog friendly beach.