Seacliff State Beach: Sand, Sunsets & Sunken Ships

Enticing you with golden sand, gentle sea breezes, and a wooden pier leading to the remains of an abandoned ship, Seacliff State Beach is paradise found.  Seacliff State Beach lies next to Aptos, California, and is just south of New Brighton State Beach and Capitola.

Seacliff Beach was originally called Rancho Aptos.  During the 1800s, it was a busy shipping port.  By the 1920s, people fell in love with the enchanting scenery, and many summer homes were built on the beautiful bluffs around the area.  In 1931, it became one of California’s first state beaches.

In 1930, the Seacliff Amusement Corporation bought a retired World War I concrete tanker, the SS Palo Alto.  It was towed to Seacliff Beach and a pier was built leading to the ship.  The ship was rebuilt as an amusement ship.  There was a restaurant onboard called the “Fish Palace” with ocean views on three sides and a “Rainbow Ballroom”, where you could dance the night away.  There was even a swimming pool onboard!  Unfortunately, the Amusement Corporation went bankrupt after only two seasons and the ship was abandoned.  During a winter storm, the ship cracked at the midsection.  The State of California purchased the ship, and it was stripped of its fittings and left as a fishing pier.  It was a popular fishing spot, but eventually, it deteriorated to the point where it was unsafe, and it was closed.

There is a paved level path, known as the “Promenade” that follows the mile-long beach and makes it possible for virtually everyone to enjoy the area.  Beach wheelchairs are available for those unable to ambulate.  As an occupational therapist, I was really thrilled during my visit to see an elderly man enjoying his stroll with his walker on the Promenade.  It made my day.

Seacliff State Beach is also a great place to go surfing, fishing, picnicking and beachcombing (no matter what your age!).  

Where: 201 State Park Drive, Aptos, CA 95003

Phone: 831-685-6500

Hours: 8 am – sunset

Parking:  You can park above the beach on the street for free and walk down the stairs to the beach, or you can pay 10.00 to enter below near the beach.

Camping:  Beachfront camping is allowed for recreational vehicles only.  There are 26 full hook-up campsites and 34 non-hook-up campsites.

Other helpful information:  Dogs are allowed on leash only, alcohol and fires are prohibited, and drones are only allowed above the southern end of the primary day use parking lot. Fishing does not require a license from the pier but limits are applied by the Department of Fish and Wildlife.  Multiple accessible restrooms are located along the “Promenade” pathway.  A Visitor’s Center at Seacliff State Beach features exhibits and information about the area’s natural and cultural history.  For more information, see Sea Cliff.

I hope that you enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Seacliff State Beach.  Thank you for visiting my blog!  Wishing you peace, love, happiness, & beautiful vistas.