Beach Guide

What’s On

This week on the beach

Something
every night

9 AM

Surf Lessons at Cowell's

Cowell's Beach · Active

Multiple surf schools operate year-round at Cowell's, the gentlest break in Santa Cruz and the best beginner wave on the bay. Wetsuits included.

Big Days

annual
Oct

O'Neill Coldwater Classic

Legendary surf contest at Steamer Lane -- one of the longest-running surf competitions in the US, drawing top pros and a huge local crowd to the W Cliff Drive bluffs.

Jul

Santa Cruz Film Festival

A week of independent film screenings at venues around Santa Cruz, with a focus on surf, ocean and environmental cinema.

Jun

Woodies on the Wharf

Classic wooden-bodied station wagons fill the wharf parking area for one weekend in June -- a beloved, free Central Coast car show with a surf culture theme.

see you out there

Real recurring local happenings — schedules can change, so check the venue. Sun-timed events track each day’s real sunset and the countdown runs on the live local clock.