Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf

Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf is a public ocean beach in California, about a mile from the town of Santa Cruz. It's a straightforward stop for a day at the water, with restrooms on site, lifeguards on duty and accessible access for visitors who need it. A fee is charged. Late summer into early fall is the most comfortable stretch. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Santa Cruz show highs around 77°F in September, with only about one wet day a month from June through September. Winter brings highs in the low 60s and roughly 10 to 11 wet days a month. For time off the sand, Marsh Vista Trail is about 1.8 miles away and Spring Trail about 2 miles. Climbers can head to Forbidden Forest, The, roughly 3 miles out, and paddlers will find Soquel Creek about 8.6 miles away.