Seacliff State Beach

This long stretch of sand and bluffs has great accessible facilities including picnic areas, an interpretive center, and RV camping. This beach is known for its fishing pier and fossils of extinct marine creatures in the bluffs. The beach is also a popular swimming spot. One of the most unusual attractions in the Santa Cruz area rests at the end of the fishing pier. The USS Palo Alto, one of only three cement ships built during World War I, has been a popular attraction for visitors since it was put in place in 1929. The plan was to turn the ship and the pier into an amusement and fishing ship. The Cal-Nevada Company quickly constructed a dance floor on the main deck, a cafe in the superstructure of the ship, a 4-foot heated swimming pool and a series of carnival type concessions on the aft-deck. Unfortunately, the Cal-Nevada Company went bankrupt after only two seasons. The ship was then stripped, leaving the pier and the ship to be used only for fishing.

Visitor Center: Seacliff State Beach has a small visitors center (open Wednesday through Sunday) featuring exhibits that interpret the natural and cultural history of the area including Seacliff's "Cement Ship," marine fossil beds, and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Camping:
RV camping only
26 sites:-$44 premium, $39 inland. Full Hook-up (Incl. 1-Disabled)
Reservations: 800-444-7275
See General Info, below, for more camping information.
Climate/Clothing: The weather ranges from cool and foggy to hot and sunny. Layered clothing is recommended.
Amenities:
Restrooms
Showers
Picnic areas
Food, lodging and supplies nearby
Educational Activities:
Docent-led educational programs
Family programs
Exhibits