Seabright Beach

Seabright State Beach remains a little less crowded than the nearby the Boardwalk Beach, and it is a dog-friendly beach with fire pits and restrooms. The Santa Cruz Breakwater Lighthouse, also known as the Walton Lighthouse, is located at the mouth of the Santa Cruz Harbor. It was dedicated in 2002 and helps the area mariners navigate the mouth; instead of a typical beam of light, a green signal light flashes at the top every four seconds. There is a path to view the lighthouse, but be cautious if the waves are high. 

The harbor is a great location to view the sea lions and otters enjoying the area's plentiful hunting grounds. A natural rock wall separates Seabright from the Boardwalk Beach, and a tiny hole connecting the two beaches is accessible during low tide if you wish to explore further. Many people like to paddle around the harbor and out into the ocean. You can enter the beach in two locations. The main entrance is near the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History on East Cliff Drive; an alternate entrance lies near the harbor off of Atlantic Avenue and is a good alternative if there is no parking near the main entrance.