Aptos & South County

This area's beaches are all state beaches with the exception of Hidden. Parking is $8 a day at the state beaches or you can invest in a yearly Golden Poppy pass at the California State Parks Store.

These are very wide beaches and you can walk for miles and miles. If you hit them at low tide you can find sand dollars and other shells. Though they can get crowded in the summer, you can usually find a private spot if you walk far enough.

Rip currents are very strong at all the beaches listed below, for the most part year round. Very few beaches have lifeguards and, if they do, it is only in the summer. Please swim with caution and watch your children closely.


Seacliff State park BBQ's Covered Picnic Tables Pier Restrooms		Featuring a ship made out of concrete, this beautiful beach also offers picnic tables, RV camping, and a visitor center. The ship has been closed to the public for a few years but you can still fish from the pier. If you walk to the north you can go all the way to New Brighton. Walk to the south and you hit Rio del Mar beach.

Rio Del Mar Beach Limited Free Parking Fire Rings Restrooms Outdoor Shower Delicatessens		Rio Del Mar is a very long beach. Starting in the little town of Rio and following south to the private gate on Beach Drive. There are a few free parking spots at the end of Beach Drive in addition to a larger fee lot that offers parking for $8. The rangers do come through here, especially on busy days so if you want to avoid a ticket - pay. The promenade walk is a one-mile paved path that heads north past the SS Palo Alto. There are two little markets with deli counters as well a restaurant and bar.

Hidden On Street Parking No Restrooms No Lifeguard		Not the easiest beach to find - as the name implies - it's hidden! I could never figure out where Hidden Beach started and Beer Can ended. I do know this beach is super popular for night time keg parties with teenagers. Park on Sumner and follow the path under the trestle to the beach.

Manresa State Park Restrooms Outdoor Shower Rip Currents		A large state park beach off of San Andreas Road. Lots of parking ($8 daily fee) but does fill up in the summertime. There are some free parking spots along the road. Known for strong rip currents. Manresa Uplands is a tent only campground that is open only in the summer and accessible off Sand Dollar Road about a mile south of the Manresa beach. Check out the State Parks camping page for more information.

Sunset State Beach Parking Fees Restroom Campground Picnic Tables BBQ's		A large state park beach surrounding a private resident enclave. Daily parking fee of $8. Book in advance camping for $25 a night. BBQ's and covered picnic tables are available on a first come basis. Many sand dunes to wander in and slide on. Home of the endangered Snowy Plover bird.

Pajaro Dunes Parking Fees Restroom Shaded Picnic Tables No Lifeguard Rip Currents		Take the Riverside/Highway 129 Exit to Beach Street. Follow Beach Street all the way to the coast. There are no signs for Pajaro Dunes Beach. Apparently, you are supposed to magically know it's there. Some free parking in the dirt on the side of the road, or you can pay the $8 daily fee and use the lot. Huge signs in Spanish and English warn you about the dangers of rip currents. A nice shaded picnic area greets you before you climb a short sandy hill to the beach.

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