New Brighton State Beach
add photosNew Brighton State Beach is one of the most popular and most visited state beaches in California. This 93-acre park along the beautiful coast of Santa Cruz offers spectacular views of the Monterey Bay. It is famous for its family-oriented campground which sits on the towering bluffs high above the Pacific Ocean. Beautiful, lush vegetation of towering pine trees, Monterey Cypress, oak, eucalyptus trees, and wild berry vines surround campers with a peaceful tranquility. Once the site of a Chinese fishing village, it now offers locals and visitors a haven from the hectic pace of city life.
Visitor Center: PACIFIC MIGRATIONS VISITOR CENTER—
The visitor center is open Tuesdays through Sundays, 10-4. *Due to staff furloughs in effect, please call to confirm operating hours. See, explore and experience the stories of people, settlers and cultures that are a part of this region’s rich history. The Pacific Migrations Visitor Center explores the many Pacific Rim migrations, both by people and by creatures of the air and sea. For more information, please call (831) 464-5620.
Camping: Reservations 800-444-7275
December through February off reservation: first come
first serve only. See General Info for more camping information.
Accessibility:
Restrooms
Showers
Camping
Picnicking
Climate/Clothing:
Weather varies from cool, misty mornings to hot summer afternoons. Layered clothing is advised.
Amenities:
Picnicking (with group sites)
Hike/bike sites
Restrooms
Showers
RV sanitation station
Food, lodging and supplies are available nearby
Educational Activities:
Seasonal Junior Ranger programs (call (831) 464-5620)
Family programs
Guided tours
Historic sites
Docent-led educational programs by appointment (call (831) 464-5620)
2 Reviews for New Brighton State Beach
84
12
'11, '12
0 families found this helpful
"Intriguing, Disturbing Place"
We camped one night at New Brighton State Park. The campsites were overgrown, and the bath houses not well-maintained (I understand the current CA budget woes, however). There were loud groups in campsites near ours. The walk down to the beach was a steep one on a path that was partially washed away. The beach was surreal, with interesting "driftwood" shelters. I was in a state of unease the whole time we were there.
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0 families found this helpful
"New Brighton State Beach - Best in NorCal"
I have been going to New Brighton State Beach since I was 10. Now with a 10 year old of my own, not to mention little ones who are 8 and 3, I really have a ball. the worst thing about NBSB is that it's nearly impossible to get a reservation. This place is popular. It's always busy. We book every Feb for the following August. Booking aside, What a trip. We spent 5 days in the Redwood covered campground. The site was great, near hot showers, bathrooms with electricity (curling iron a must for the Mrs.) A short 5 min walk to the beach which faces due South to Monterey. Sunbathers delight because you get sun ALL DAY Long. August is hot and sunny, light fog in the morning which burns off around lunch. Dolphins and seals were out this year. Dolphins were about 100 yards off shore. Dozens of them. Amazing. The kids long for our annual New Brighton trip. We eat SMORES breakfast lunch and dinner. We eat foil dinners and roast hot dogs on the beach fire pit. This is the best beach is Santa Cruz. Kids can learn to boogie board and skim board. Mom works on her golden tan, and I bury kids in the sand. Word of caution: we always make all three kids wear life jackets. Under current is sometimes present and better safe than sorry. Summer weekends have ranger programs for little ones. Beach-goers have to pay, so it keep a lot of the "beach rats" away. Check our NBSB, you'll fall in love.Do me one favor, don't plan an August trip. It's tough enough to get a reservation already.
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