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Beach guide

Santa Cruz Main Beach and Wharf

Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County, CA

Overview

Main Beach is Santa Cruz's busiest city beach, a broad stretch of sand on Monterey Bay between the Municipal Wharf and the San Lorenzo River, right in front of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Cowell Beach sits on the other side of the wharf. Families and swimmers fill it in summer, and the City of Santa Cruz runs a lifeguard service here.

The wharf

The Santa Cruz Wharf has stretched out into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary since 1914, at over half a mile long. It has restaurants and shops, and it's a listed CDFW public fishing pier, so you can fish from it without a license. A seasonal public boat landing on the Boardwalk side, across from Santa Cruz Boat Rentals, runs April through October.

In December 2024, storm waves caused the end section of the wharf, then under construction, to collapse. The wharf reopened in early January 2025 with the far end cut off. Check the city's wharf page for current access before you go.

Good to know

Main Beach is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The city bans dogs, alcohol, smoking, glass, fireworks and campfires on Main and Cowell beaches. Only service dogs are allowed on the wharf, and motorized personal watercraft, including jet skis and e-foils, are prohibited.

Getting there & access

Wharf parking

Parking on the wharf is paid. For Apr. 11-Sept. 26, 2026 the rate is $1 per 20 minutes with a $24 daily maximum. From Sept. 27, 2026 to Apr. 10, 2027 it's $1 an hour for the first 4 hours, then $2 an hour, with a $12 daily maximum. There's a 7-minute grace period and one EV charger near Marini's Candies. Parking is free on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

Getting there

From Highway 1 west of downtown, turn onto Laurel Street toward the ocean, cross the railroad tracks, then turn right on Washington Street, which ends at the wharf. The wharf's address is 21 Municipal Wharf.

Boat landing

A public boat landing on the Boardwalk side of the wharf, across from Santa Cruz Boat Rentals, operates seasonally from April through October. Motorized personal watercraft such as jet skis and e-foils are not allowed.

Walking and biking

The California Coastal Trail starts at the wharf and follows beach and sidewalk east past the Boardwalk toward Seabright Beach and the Small Craft Harbor.

Amenities

  • Lifeguards — City lifeguard service from Cowell Beach to the San Lorenzo River; HQ at #1 Municipal Wharf, (831) 420-5715
  • Wharf dining and shops — Restaurants and shops on the wharf
  • Public fishing pier — The wharf is on CDFW's list of license-free public piers
  • Seasonal boat landing — April-October, Boardwalk side of the wharf
  • Boat rentals — Santa Cruz Boat Rentals on the wharf
  • Barbecues — Propane or butane grills with stable raised legs and tanks of 20 lb or less are allowed on the beach
  • EV charging — One Blink station on the wharf near Marini's Candies

Rules & official resources

Common boat service needs here

Small-boat and rental-boat upkeep

Owners who use the seasonal wharf landing, or keep boats nearby at Santa Cruz Harbor, deal with salt spray and Monterey Bay swell. Regular engine service and freshwater flushing keep outboards reliable.

Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →

Washdown after salt exposure

Boats that spend the day on the bay pick up salt and bird droppings around the wharf. A good freshwater wash and periodic wax protect gelcoat and hardware.

Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →

Guides & FAQs

Nearby providers

No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.

Sources

Last verified October 7, 2026