Lighthouse Field State Beach
- Visitor center
- Accessible Restrooms
- Accessible Parking
Features
- Visitor center
- Accessible Restrooms
- Accessible Parking
Information
- Website:
- parks.ca.gov
- Address:
- 701 West Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
- Region:
- Monterey/Santa Cruz
- Phone:
- Info: Lighthouse Field SB: (831) 429-2850; City of Santa Cruz: (831) 420-5030
- Hours:
- Park: Sunrise to sunset
Visitor center: Thurs. thru Mon., noon-4 pm; summer hours (July 4 through Labor Day) Wed. thru Mon., 10 am-5 pm - Dogs:
- On leash
- Last Visited:
- February 2009
A popular destination for surfers, bicyclists, and dog walkers, Lighthouse Field State Beach lies south of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and north of Natural Bridges State Park. There is no wheelchair access to the beach, but a pathway that runs for almost three miles along the cliffs next to West Cliff Drive provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy ocean views and look for marine life. Housed inside the Mark Abbot Memorial Lighthouse is the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, the world’s first surfing museum. Watch for surfers heading down the stairs toward renowned Steamer Lane. Be sure to bring your binoculars.
Trails and Pathways
- Trail:
- West Cliff Drive Bicycle Path
- Trailhead Location:
- You can access the walkway at many points along West Cliff Drive.
- Trail Length:
- 2-4 total miles
- Typical Width:
- 4 ft. & above
- Typical Grade:
- Mostly gentle
- Typical Terrain:
- Hard
Trail Overview: The paved bicycle and pedestrian path along West Cliff Drive starts at the Santa Cruz Wharf and gently climbs uphill for close to three miles, to Natural Bridges State Park. As you leave Cowell Beach, you will encounter one of the few steep inclines--less than an eighth of a mile, which levels out past a couple of hotels. Look back for a panoramic view of Santa Cruz Wharf and down the cliff to see surfers at Cowell's, which has great waves for longboards. The path frequently veers away from the road's edge and runs along a blufftop covered with ice plant. You’ll find benches and water fountains at several spots along the way.
In about a mile, just off Point Santa Cruz, you will pass Steamer Lane, a famous surf spot for year-round competitions. On the other side of the point you can watch sea lions bask in the sun and see waves crashing for miles up the coastline. The path ends in another mile at Natural Bridges State Park. Along this stretch are amazing panoramic views. Beaches appear at low tide, but there is no wheelchair access.
In about a mile, just off Point Santa Cruz, you will pass Steamer Lane, a famous surf spot for year-round competitions. On the other side of the point you can watch sea lions bask in the sun and see waves crashing for miles up the coastline. The path ends in another mile at Natural Bridges State Park. Along this stretch are amazing panoramic views. Beaches appear at low tide, but there is no wheelchair access.
More Info: There is a steep section from Cowell Beach to about a tenth of a mile past the hotels, after which the trail levels out. The trail can be crowded on weekends and after work, but there's enough room to travel in a wheelchair.
Accessibility Features
The facilities listed below meet all of our access criteria unless otherwise noted.
- Accessible Parking:
- Yes – designated accessible parking, van accessible, hard, level or slope no greater than 2%;
Along West Cliff Drive by lighthouse, at lot just outside entrance to Natural Bridges State Park, and at entrance to Cowell Beach at southernmost end of West Cliff Drive
- Accessible Restroom:
- Yes – Near lighthouse and Cowell Beach
- Beach Wheelchair:
- No
- Accessible Visitor Center:
- Yes
