Laguna Creek Beach

Laguna Creek Beach is within Coast Dairies State Park in Santa Cruz on Cabrillo Hwy. It is popular for sunbathing, birdwatching, exploring tidal pools and surfing. It is also unofficially a naturist clothing-optional beach, just so you know.

There is a free parking lot at the north entrance of Laguna Road off Hwy 1. Cross the highway and look for a well-trod trail through the vegetation. Cross the railroad track with care and pick up the wide trail along the old road that leads down to Laguna Creek Beach. The state park is on the California Coastal Trail (CCT) with hikes in various directions.

This remote sandy beach is beautifully wide and spacious with a broad creek winding down through the sand, some rocks, wetlands and wild crashing waves. The smaller northern part of the beach is sheltered beneath the bluffs and the south end is wider and more open. Birds are a common sight on the beach and wetlands nearby; dogs are not permitted on the beach.