Dockya

Seacliff State Beach

Beach·Aptos·Central Coast·No reviews yet
Status
Day use open; campground closed
Location
State Park Dr exit, Hwy 1, Aptos
Hours
8 a.m. to sunset
Day use
$10
Seacliff State Beach
Seacliff State Beach
Seacliff State Beach
1 / 4
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Dog-friendly
  • Restrooms

About this beach

Status: Open for day use; campground closed (checked October 26, 2026). The campground has been closed since storm damage in early January 2023, and State Parks is planning a rebuild. The same storms destroyed more than half of the pier, and the remains were removed in 2023. New Brighton State Beach is the closest state campground.

Seacliff State Beach is a long stretch of sand backed by bluffs in Aptos, popular for swimming, fishing, surfing and windsurfing. Offshore sits the SS Palo Alto, a concrete ship sunk here in 1929. It's unsafe and closed to the public.

Day use

The park is open 8 a.m. to sunset; vehicle day use is $10. There are restrooms, showers, outdoor showers and drinking water.

Rules

Dogs are allowed on a leash up to 6 feet and must be attended. No fires on the main beach, and no alcohol on the beach or in day-use areas. Drones only above the field at the south end of the main lot.

Getting there & access

Getting there

Take the State Park Drive exit from Highway 1 and head west.

Cement ship

The SS Palo Alto and the old pier are closed to the public.

Dogs
Leashed, attended
Phone
(831) 685-6444

What's here

  • Swimming

    Long sandy beach, popular for swimming

  • Fishing

    Fishing, surfing and windsurfing

  • Restrooms

    Restrooms, showers and drinking water

  • Dog-friendly

    Leashed dogs allowed on the beach

Rules & official resources

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Questions boaters ask

No. It's been closed since the January 2023 storms; State Parks is planning a rebuild. Try New Brighton State Beach nearby.

No. The SS Palo Alto is unsafe and closed, and the pier was removed after the 2023 storms.

Yes, on a leash up to 6 feet.
Sources: parks.ca.gov · Last checked Oct 26, 2026 ·

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