Best Beaches & Water in Santa Cruz for Kids & Families

Looking for the best beaches & water activities in Santa Cruz for kids? As surf town with a vintage boardwalk and redwood forests, Santa Cruz offers swimming, splash pads, and waterfront fun that families won't find anywhere else. Whether you're visiting for the first time or looking for something new, we've rated every option for age-appropriateness, stroller access, and value so you can skip the guesswork.

Not all beaches are created equal for families. Wave intensity, lifeguard presence, shade availability, and bathroom access make a huge difference with kids. We rate each beach for specific age groups — a great beach for teens may be terrible for toddlers. In Santa Cruz, expect mild year-round, foggy mornings, warmest in September-October. Pro tip: The Beach Boardwalk is free to walk — you only pay per ride. Henry Cowell Redwoods is 10 minutes from the boardwalk.

Below you'll find our curated list of beaches & water activities in Santa Cruz, CA — each with detailed age ratings (infants through teens), cost estimates for a family of four, and the practical parent details that matter: parking, stroller access, nursing rooms, and honest reviews of what makes each spot worth your time.