Santa Cruz Beach sits on the Monterey Bay. Our conditions page shows today's water temperature, surf height, wind, UV index, tide times from NOAA station 9413450, and rip current risk. Everything is pulled live from NOAA and Open-Meteo and refreshes through the day.
View Live ConditionsPark at Santa Cruz Beach in lots like Boardwalk Parking Structure, W Cliff Drive Wharf Lot, Cowell's Beach Street Parking. Our parking page maps every option with addresses, rates from $10-20/day and a live crowd-based availability estimate so you can plan ahead and skip circling.
Find ParkingAt Santa Cruz Beach, don't miss the Clam Chowder on the Wharf at Stagnaro Bros Seafood. Our dining page pulls live ratings and hours from Google Places and highlights the local dishes worth ordering.
Explore DiningBoats leave Santa Cruz Beach from Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor, including the Whale Watching Cruise — dolphin watches, sunset sails, kayak tours and fishing charters. Our things to do page lists the operators, departure times and prices.
See Things to DoSanta Cruz Beach hosts Surf Lessons at Cowell's and more. Our events page pulls the current week's lineup so nothing sneaks up on you.
Check EventsIt depends on the UV index and your skin. Our conditions page converts today's hourly UV forecast at Santa Cruz Beach into minutes to burn using the standard erythemal dose model, so instead of "UV 9" you get "unprotected fair skin burns in about 18 minutes", along with the strongest stretch of the day and when to reapply. Open sand and water reflect UV back at you, so the estimate includes a beach uplift.
Check Today's Burn TimeAt Santa Cruz Beach, the sun sets at 6:54 PM today — about 11h 51m of daylight. Sunrise was 7:03 AM. Live water temperature, surf height, UV index, wind and tide for Santa Cruz Beach update at the top of the conditions page.