93°
Sunny
1%
73
Santa Cruz County, CA · Pacific Ocean
Santa Cruz Main Beach
400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
A half-mile of sand fronting the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk — California's oldest amusement park (1907), the Giant Dipper wooden coaster, and the iconic Looff Carousel. Steamer Lane and Pleasure Point surf breaks are a short walk west. Warm-water bay swimming in summer.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
Hot — hydrate and seek shade
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 93. West wind around 6 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. North wind 1 to 5 mph.
Weather
- 93°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 5.6ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
73 /100
great
68 Sunbathe
80 Walk
76 Fish
77 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.6 ft above predicted
Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
93°F
Sunny
Wind
6 mph
W
Rain
1%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
86°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
—
Next High Tide
9:47 PM
5.9 ft · in 2.5h
Wave Height
5.6 ft
9s · NW swell
Barometer
30.04 inHg
1017 hPa · buoy 46042
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:45 AM
Sunset
7:25 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:57 AM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 10:25 AM | High | 4.6 ft |
| 3:47 PM | Low | 1.8 ft |
| 9:47 PM | High | 5.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:35 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 10:56 AM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 4:37 PM | Low | 1.3 ft |
| 10:37 PM | High | 5.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:09 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 11:25 AM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 5:26 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 11:27 PM | High | 5.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:42 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 11:55 AM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 6:14 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:17 AM | High | 4.8 ft |
| 6:13 AM | Low | 1.3 ft |
| 12:26 PM | High | 5.4 ft |
| 7:02 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:11 AM | High | 4.3 ft |
| 6:42 AM | Low | 1.9 ft |
| 12:57 PM | High | 5.4 ft |
| 7:53 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:12 AM | High | 3.9 ft |
| 7:11 AM | Low | 2.4 ft |
| 1:30 PM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 8:48 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9413450, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
86°
Mostly Sunny
2%
84
80°
Mostly Sunny
0%
86
76°
Sunny
0%
78
76°
Sunny
0%
81
75°
Sunny
0%
84
70°
Mostly Sunny
0%
78
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 93°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Best Fishing Times Today
Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.
Minor
5:50 PM - 6:50 PM
Major
10:40 PM - 12:40 AM
Minor
4:50 AM - 5:50 AM
Major
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Paid municipal lots near the Boardwalk; metered street parking on Beach Street.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on the Main Beach year-round (24/7) per Santa Cruz Municipal Code 8.14.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Santa Cruz Main Beach today?
Santa Cruz Main Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Santa Cruz Main Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on the Main Beach year-round (24/7) per Santa Cruz Municipal Code 8.14.
Is there an entry fee at Santa Cruz Main Beach?
Entry to Santa Cruz Main Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Santa Cruz Main Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Santa Cruz Main Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Santa Cruz Main Beach?
Amenities at Santa Cruz Main Beach include lifeguards, boardwalk, amusement park, restaurants, restrooms, showers, shops.
When is the water warmest at Santa Cruz Main Beach?
The Pacific is cold. Southern California (San Diego to Santa Barbara) peaks in August at 65-72°F. Central and Northern California stay in the upper 50s to low 60s year-round. Oregon and Washington rarely exceed 60°F. Wetsuits are common.
Where is Santa Cruz Main Beach located?
Santa Cruz Main Beach is in Santa Cruz County, CA, at 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS