75°
Mostly Sunny
0%
85
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
Ideal for a beach walk.
14.4ft waves · 75°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Mostly sunny. High near 75, with temperatures falling to around 69 in the afternoon. West southwest wind 1 to 6 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 50. North wind 1 to 6 mph.
Weather
- 75°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
Safety
- 14.4ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
85 /100
ideal
85 Sunbathe
87 Walk
58 Fish
83 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.8 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
75°F
Mostly Sunny
Wind
1 to 6 mph
WSW
Rain
0%
Today
Air Quality
18 Good
Ozone · Santa Cruz
UV Peak
4 Moderate
Peaks 12 PM · burn in ~50m
Burn-free before 10 AM & after 03 PM
Tomorrow
77°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
—
Next High Tide
9:52 PM
4.0 ft · in 3.3h
Wave Height
14.4 ft
15s · WNW swell
Barometer
30.08 inHg
1019 hPa · buoy 46042
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:38 AM
Sunset
5:05 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:12 AM | Low | 1.8 ft |
| 8:28 AM | High | 5.8 ft |
| 3:30 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 9:52 PM | High | 4.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:44 AM | Low | 2.2 ft |
| 8:56 AM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 4:09 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 10:44 PM | High | 3.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:15 AM | Low | 2.6 ft |
| 9:24 AM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 4:47 PM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 11:36 PM | High | 3.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:46 AM | Low | 2.9 ft |
| 9:52 AM | High | 5.8 ft |
| 5:26 PM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:28 AM | High | 3.8 ft |
| 4:17 AM | Low | 3.2 ft |
| 10:23 AM | High | 5.7 ft |
| 6:06 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:25 AM | High | 3.7 ft |
| 4:51 AM | Low | 3.3 ft |
| 10:56 AM | High | 5.4 ft |
| 6:49 PM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:26 AM | High | 3.7 ft |
| 5:30 AM | Low | 3.4 ft |
| 11:34 AM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 7:35 PM | Low | 0.0 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9413450, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
77°
Mostly Sunny
0%
86
77°
Mostly Sunny
0%
85
78°
Sunny
0%
86
78°
Sunny
0%
87
72°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Light Rain
15%
78
70°
Chance Light Rain
32%
57
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen clear day + warm temps
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
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.
Major
9:20 PM - 11:20 PM
Minor
4:50 AM - 5:50 AM
Major
9:40 AM - 11:40 AM
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