California State Beaches - Santa Cruz

Most of the surf in Santa Cruz is not at one of the California State Beaches but a few spots are. Natural Bridges in town is one of them. South of town are the exposed beach breaks of Manresa and Sunset.

Manresa can bet fairly crowded but at least there is room to spread out. Sunset has a nice campground and uncrowded waves but needs smallish, clean waves. Unfortunately you probably won't be able to make a reservation for the weekend by the time you realize there will be surf, it will all ready be full.

Seacliff apparently gets surf breaking around the sunken ship. Even more rarely is surf at the very sheltered New Brighton but all I ever see is a 1-2ft closeout.