Lighthouse Field State Beach: A Coastal Gem in Santa Cruz
Discover the scenic beauty of Lighthouse Field State Beach in Santa Cruz, where stunning views and rich wildlife await every visitor.
Lighthouse Field State Beach offers stunning coastal views, a serene beach experience, and opportunities for wildlife observation, making it a must-visit destination for tourists in Santa Cruz.
A brief summary to Lighthouse Field State Beach
- Santa Cruz, California, 95060, US
- +1831-429-2850
- Visit website
- Monday 8 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
- Thursday 8 am-5 pm
- Friday 8 am-5 pm
- Saturday 8 am-5 pm
- Sunday 8 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early to secure a good parking spot, especially on weekends.
- Bring binoculars for bird watching and enjoying distant views of the coastline.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy on the beach, as there are many scenic spots to relax.
- Visit during the late afternoon for the best sunset views.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit, as coastal fog can roll in unexpectedly.
Getting There
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Car
If you are traveling by car from any point in Redwood National and State Parks, take Highway 101 South towards Santa Cruz. After about 40 miles, take the exit for CA-17 South towards Santa Cruz. Continue on CA-17 for approximately 27 miles until you reach Santa Cruz. Once in Santa Cruz, turn left onto Ocean Street and then take a right onto West Cliff Drive. Follow West Cliff Drive until you reach Lighthouse Field State Beach, which will be on your left.
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Public Transportation
For those relying on public transportation, you can take a Greyhound bus or local transit options to Santa Cruz. Once you arrive at the Santa Cruz Main Transit Center, you can take the Santa Cruz Metro bus route #10 or #20 towards West Cliff Drive. Disembark at the stop closest to Lighthouse Field State Beach, which is on West Cliff Drive. From there, it's a short walk to the beach, where you can enjoy beautiful coastal views.
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Bicycle
If you prefer to bike, you can rent a bicycle in Santa Cruz. From the city, head towards West Cliff Drive, which is a scenic route along the coast. The ride is approximately 2 miles from downtown Santa Cruz to Lighthouse Field State Beach. Follow the bike path along the cliff for stunning ocean views as you approach the beach.
Discover more about Lighthouse Field State Beach
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Visitor Center | Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
10.0 km
Discover the enchanting redwoods and rich natural history at the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Visitor Center in California.
Redwood Grove Loop Trail
10.0 km
Experience the majestic beauty of the Redwood Grove Loop Trail in Felton, CA, where towering redwoods and serene pathways await your exploration.
SS Palo Alto
10.4 km
Explore the haunting history of SS Palo Alto, a submerged historical landmark offering a unique glimpse into the maritime past of California's coastline.
Fall Creek Unit | Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
11.7 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Fall Creek Unit in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, a must-visit hiking destination in California's majestic redwood forests.
Castro Adobe State Historic Park
19.2 km
Explore the authentic heritage of California at Castro Adobe State Historic Park, where history and stunning architecture await every visitor.
San Lorenzo Valley Museum, Grace Episcopal Gallery
19.9 km
Explore the San Lorenzo Valley Museum for a journey through local history and culture, located in the enchanting Boulder Creek, California.
Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
24.9 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, a must-visit nature haven in Los Gatos, California, rich with towering redwoods and scenic trails.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
30.8 km
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John Steinbeck House
31.1 km
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Casa Grande
31.2 km
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Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge
31.3 km
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Jack Fischer Park
35.1 km
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Carlyle Hotel Campbell
36.0 km
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Extra Space Storage
36.1 km
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John Denver Memorial
36.3 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Santa Cruz Wharf
1.1 km
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Cowell Beach
1.2 km
Discover Cowell Beach in Santa Cruz, California - a scenic haven for sunbathing, surfing, and family fun on the stunning Pacific coast.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
1.2 km
Explore marine biodiversity at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, a must-visit destination for ocean lovers and conservation enthusiasts.
Adventure Out
1.4 km
Discover the thrill of outdoor adventures in Santa Cruz with Adventure Out, offering surfing, hiking, and kayaking experiences amidst stunning coastal landscapes.
Boardwalk's Cocoanut Grove
1.4 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and stunning views at Cocoanut Grove, a historic event venue nestled on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Boardwalk Bowl
1.4 km
Experience the thrill of bowling and the joy of karaoke at Boardwalk Bowl, a top entertainment spot in Santa Cruz, California.
Neptune's Kingdom
1.5 km
Experience family-friendly fun at Neptune's Kingdom in Santa Cruz, where miniature golf, arcade games, and laughter await every visitor.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
1.6 km
Experience thrilling rides, delicious snacks, and stunning views at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a historic coastal amusement park in California.
Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing
1.8 km
Experience the best of Santa Cruz's craft brewing scene at Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing, where sustainability meets flavor in every pint.
Rexford Winery
1.8 km
Discover the exquisite flavors of Santa Cruz at Rexford Winery, where scenic views meet exceptional wines for a truly unforgettable experience.
San Lorenzo Park
2.5 km
Discover the natural beauty of San Lorenzo Park in Santa Cruz, a perfect escape for relaxation, family fun, and local events.
Santa Cruz Harbor
2.8 km
Discover the charm of Santa Cruz Harbor, a stunning marina offering breathtaking views, exciting activities, and delightful dining experiences.
Capitola Wharf
6.9 km
Experience the charm of Capitola Wharf, a vibrant fishing pier offering stunning ocean views and fresh seafood in California's coastal paradise.
Capitola State Beach
7.1 km
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Capitola Historical Museum
7.1 km
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Essential places to dine
Nonno's Italian
23.1 km
Discover authentic Italian flavors at Nonno's Italian in Los Gatos - from pizza perfection to exquisite wines in a charming setting.
Effie's Restaurant & Bar
35.7 km
Discover Effie's Restaurant & Bar: A delightful blend of traditional American flavors, vibrant nightlife with karaoke, and an inviting atmosphere in Campbell.
Sorelle Italian Bistro
36.0 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Sorelle Italian Bistro in Campbell - where every dish tells a story.
Kirk's Steakburgers
37.0 km
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El Greco Grill
37.1 km
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Capers Eat & Drink
37.2 km
Discover delicious American cuisine at Capers Eat & Drink in Campbell - where fresh ingredients meet culinary creativity.
LeQuy
37.3 km
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Thaibodia Bistro
37.7 km
Experience authentic Thai and Cambodian cuisine at Thaibodia Bistro in Campbell, CA – where flavor meets tradition in every dish.
Yiassoo
37.8 km
Experience authentic Greek cuisine at Yiassoo in Campbell, where every dish is crafted with passion and served with warmth.
Locanda Sorrento
37.8 km
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Wild Rose Eatery and Bar
37.8 km
Experience culinary delight at Wild Rose Eatery and Bar in Campbell—where fresh ingredients meet vibrant flavors in a lively atmosphere.
A Bellagio Italian Restaurant
37.8 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at A Bellagio Italian Restaurant in downtown Campbell—where every meal tells a story of tradition and flavor.
Mo's Campbell
37.8 km
Experience unique breakfast dishes and gourmet burgers at Mo's Campbell in downtown California – where every meal is crafted with care.
One Fish Raw Bar
37.8 km
Discover fresh seafood delights at One Fish Raw Bar in downtown Campbell – where Californian cuisine meets vibrant flavors.
Opa! Campbell
37.8 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Redwood Store
23.1 km
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LOOP Home Goods & Gifts
33.5 km
Explore LOOP Home Goods & Gifts for unique souvenirs and corporate gifts that celebrate local craftsmanship and creativity.
420lifestyles
37.0 km
Explore 420lifestyles in Campbell, CA—a gift shop brimming with collectibles, health products, and unique treasures for every visitor.
Marvel Cake
37.1 km
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Kirkwood Plaza
37.2 km
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DOTTIES ROLLER SKATE SHOP
37.6 km
Explore Dottie's Roller Skate Shop in Campbell, California – your ultimate destination for quality skates and a vibrant skating community.
Heroes
37.8 km
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Geoffrey's Diamonds & Goldsmith
37.8 km
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Steepers
37.8 km
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Florra
37.8 km
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Celtic Shoppe
37.8 km
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Simply Smashing
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Nice Twice Doll Shop
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Redemption - California crafted goods curated with our community and planet in mind
37.9 km
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Recycle Bookstore West
37.9 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Hook Sports Bar & Grill
36.9 km
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Court's Lounge
37.2 km
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Coach's Sports Bar & Grill
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Khartoum Lounge
37.7 km
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Cardiff & Cocktails
37.8 km
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Bargetto Winery Tasting Room
39.2 km
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The Salty Seal Brewpub and Sports Bar
39.3 km
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Segovia's Cocktail Bar & Lounge
39.4 km
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Bulldog Sports Pub
39.4 km
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The Wine Experience
39.7 km
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Pearl Hour
39.9 km
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Bar Cart Cocktail Co.
39.9 km
Experience the best of mixology at Bar Cart Cocktail Co. in Monterey, where every cocktail tells a story and the atmosphere is always vibrant.
Domenico's on the Wharf
40.6 km
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Old Fishermen's Grotto
40.7 km
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Crabby Jim's seafood
40.7 km
Discover the fresh flavors of Monterey at Crabby Jim's Seafood, where ocean-to-table cuisine meets coastal charm.
