This is the best end of the bay for a day of sun, sand and swimming.
Beaches here are sunny, sheltered and bordered by high cliffs.
Be prepared to hike down a hill or climb stairs to reach the beach. If you like isolation, open ocean, even nude sun bathing, head up Highway 1, north of the Monterey Bay. Windsurfers prefer Waddell Creek Beach for its steady breeze, perfect for skimming along the surface of the sea. The main event is often the Main Beach near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, an old-fashioned amusement park right on the coast. Plenty of affordable hotels nearby make this a family destination with plenty of attractions to keep you busy for a few days.