Surprisingly, there aren’t many swimming holes in Northern California, near the bay area! We want to share with you some of our favorite spots to cool off during the hot, dry months of summer. Located in and around San Jose, these beaches provide everything you need for a relaxing and refreshing day near the water!
Natural Bridges State Beach
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The enormous rock in the shore break at Natural Bridges State Beach has a natural arch that gives the place its name. In the state of California, this is among the most famous beach landmarks. The park also has picnic spots, hiking trails, an accessible boardwalk, a magnificent sandy beach, and a refuge and exhibit dedicated to the migration of monarch butterflies.
A well-liked family park, Natural Bridges State Beach offers a variety of activities, featuring fantastic tide pools at low tide. If you wish to go tide-pooling, read tide charts when making travel plans. Where the creek overflows, a lagoon forms, and birds come here just waiting to be photographed!
You’ll find this beach on the western outskirts of the city of Santa Cruz. The park’s entryway lies at West Cliff Drive and Swanton Boulevard. At this location, there is a free parking area near an ocean overlook that makes for an excellent vantage point for whale watching during the gray migration from December through April. From this parking area, you can conveniently walk into the park. There is a charge to enter the park via car.
Gray Whale Cove
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Devil’s Slide beach, also known as Gray Whale Cove, is a protected cove encircled by cliffs that plunge sharply into the Pacific Ocean. This well-known clothing-optional beach is in San Mateo County, not far from San Francisco.
The nickname for the portion of this beach that is generally uncovered towards the north is Edun Beach. The parking area is found on the east side of Highway 1, which also provides access to Montara Mountain and McNee Ranch.
The trail to the shore is very steep. A tiny picnic place can be found on the cliff above the beach. As their name suggests, gray whales are frequently spotted nearby.
Waddell Beach
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The northernmost beach in Santa Cruz County is Waddell Creek Beach. One of California’s first parks, Big Basin Redwoods State Park is also one of the largest parks in the state and includes a huge stretch of sand. The only component of this vast area that is on the water is the Waddell Beach region.
It’s a fantastic place to gather with friends and head out for an afternoon on the water. The park is mostly made up of coastal hills with hiking, biking, and backpacking-focused camps and routes. From Rancho Del Oso, which is across Highway 1, hikers can choose from a variety of trails.
Waddell Beach is a favorite among seasoned windsurfers and kite surfers due to its consistent winds. This beach is a popular spot for surfing as well. When the conditions are ideal, it hosts a number of surfing competitions.
Some beachgoers love strolling south down the shoreline in the direction of the county beach known as Greyhound Rock. At low tides, it is possible to walk all the way to the rock, however, it is not advised due to the risk of rising tides. Gray whales can be seen from the beach during the winter as they pass by.
Shark Fin Beach
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One of California’s best beaches, Shark Fin Cove, is a mystical oceanside gem definitely worth a visit. Although visitors need directions, it’s simple to reach this beach south of Davenport. You’ll quickly understand how the rock “fin” earned its name when you see it emerging from the ocean.
The cove is fairly modest, with a sizable sea cavern on the left and a sandy area on the right. Save time in your schedule to explore and simply take in the scenery.
Capitola Beach
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The sandy Capitola City Beach is located on Monterey Bay. On bright days and during the town’s planned events, it can be a crowded urban beach.
Capitola Wharf, a sizable fishing pier that protrudes into Soquel Cove from the beach’s south end, creates a protected portion of calm water that is nice for swimming. A popular surfing spot is just beyond the east end of the beach, which gets nice-sized waves.
The beautifully flowing Soquel Creek splits the beach, creating a lagoon where birds occasionally entertain visitors.
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