Running along Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz offers a scenic and invigorating outdoor experience. Located minutes from downtown Santa Cruz, this stretch of coastline is ideal for runners seeking ocean views, cool breezes, and a vibrant local atmosphere. With its packed sand and proximity to landmarks such as the Santa Cruz Harbor and Walton Lighthouse, Seabright Beach stands out as a quintessential running destination for both casual joggers and dedicated athletes.
Adventure Guide to Running along Seabright Beach
The Seabright Beach Route
Start your run at the main entrance near East Cliff Drive and Mott Avenue, where parking is available. The firm, flat sand at Seabright Beach provides an ideal surface for running, reducing joint impact compared to asphalt. The route extends to the jetty near Walton Lighthouse, offering expansive views of Monterey Bay. As you run, you’ll pass beachgoers, kayakers launching from the nearby harbor, and locals walking their dogs, adding to the lively energy of the area.
Extension Through Santa Cruz Harbor
For those seeking a longer run, extend your route into the Santa Cruz Harbor, located at the eastern end of Seabright Beach. Run along the harbor's paved paths, taking in views of the moored sailboats. This area offers a mix of natural beauty and local culture, with seafood restaurants and cafes on the harbor’s edge. You can loop back to Seabright via the pedestrian bridge.
Evening Runs with Sunset Views
Running during sunset transforms the experience entirely. The western view along the coast paints the sky in hues of orange and pink, offering a tranquil and breathtaking backdrop. While the temperature cools, the beach atmosphere remains welcoming for a peaceful run.
Local Insights
Seabright Beach was once known as Castle Beach due to a Victorian-era bathhouse and boardwalk built here. The traces of this history make it more than just a running spot—it's a connection to the past.
You may spot seals and otters in the water, especially near the jetty.
Visitor Tips
Best Times: Early mornings or evenings for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
What to Bring: Running shoes suitable for sand, water, and sunscreen.
Directions: From downtown Santa Cruz, drive east on Soquel Avenue, turn left on Seabright Avenue, and continue to Mott Avenue (approximately 8 minutes).
Adventure Map
Reviews
Pam N4 months ago
Great beach! We arrived at 830am, found street parking across the main entrance (pic attached), this is where we walked in. There are parking spots, but limited parking. The parking area that gps directed me to has 6 spaces, there a staircase to go to beach. There was another parking area (near E Cliff) that had maybe 8 spaces. If you find street parking, it was your lucky day! This beach has bathrooms (they clean them in the morning), no soap for washing hands though. Dogs on leash are allowed, but we did see some off leash. There are fire ring on the right side of the beach (if you're facing the ocean). But I think people have bonfires all over this beach, there's lots of burnt wood in the sand in most areas. There are three lifeguard stations, but I think only one was being used. It's mid September, maybe during the summer when it's busy there are more lifeguards.
Jauni Hopesphire10 months ago
Really big beach surrounded by rocky cliffs, and then a lighthouse on one side. There are multiple ways to get down to this beach. There is a main walkway down in the middle straight from the street that goes down into the sand. There is a long jetty that goes out from the street to the lighthouse, which you can step off of onto the beach. And there are multiple spots down from the cliffs. As well as access from the Boardwalk beach when tides are lower.
Used to come here as a kid all the time. Tons of space. Water level and fierceness vary depending on time of year, weather, and all that. Nice place to go swimming, skimboard, there are volleyball nets, there are also some fire pits, and many people enjoy walking down there with their dogs. Great place to people watch, sunbathe, or enjoy wildlife (such as birds, sea lions, seals, dolphins, and sea stars or other creatures if you check by the rocks and docks and stuff nearby).
Very centrally located. Can be hard to find parking sometimes, but it's a nice walk if you just park further inland and walk down. Lots of cool stuff nearby. Definitely a must for anyone who hasn't been.
Alex Snazell-Holding5 months ago
Seabright Beach is so much better than Santa Cruz beach!
1) Way less crowded
2) Free parking nearby
3) Allows fires (but only inside the metal drums)
My fiancé and I planned a day trip to Santa Cruz on a Thursday, and our schedule was: Arrive at Boardwalk parking ($5 on a weekday), explore the boardwalk & the pier. Drive to Seabright beach, set up a tent (you can do it even if it's windy), and enjoy the warm temperatures without sand getting in your face!
Tiina9 months ago
This is a good beach to take a walk with a dog. There is some parking spaces on the top of the hill, otherwise the street side parking is available. It is a peaceful beach.
Elidia Garciaa week ago
This beach it’s nice to walk in the sand, there’s nice views to take pictures like the light house and those big blocks laying down
