Experience classic Monterey Bay charm at Manresa State Beach, located just south of Aptos in Santa Cruz County, California. This 138‑acre state beach spans bluff-backed sands, dunes and vibrant wetlands—offering a serene escape less than 30 minutes from Santa Cruz and Watsonville.
What Makes Manresa State Beach Unique
Manresa is cherished for its blend of coastal ecosystems. These include blufftop scrub, strand dunes, and estuarine wetlands beneath the Pajaro River mouth. Visitors can spot snowy plover nesting, catch glimpses of gray whales offshore and wander miles of uncrowded sand—all while enjoying forested campgrounds perched above the surf.
Top Activities & Amenities
🏖️ Beach Access & Surfing
Gently sloping sands stretch north and south of the bluff access. While the beach draws surfers and bodyboarders with mostly mild waves, swimmers should use caution—rip currents and cold water prevail.
🎣 Fishing & Wildlife Viewing
Surf fishing for perch, halibut, smelt and striped bass is popular. Birders count snowy plovers, willets, sandpipers and gulls along the strand, while offshore whales, seals and otters appear seasonally.
🥾 Hiking & Beachcombing
Blufftop trails lead through coastal scrub with interpretive panels highlighting native plants and nesting zones. Beachcombers can search for shells, driftwood and sea glass, especially after storms.
⛺ Camping & RV Options
The Manresa Uplands Campground offers 60+ walk-in tent sites across Willow, Bay and Lupine loops. Amenities include fire rings, picnic tables, vault toilets, coin‑op showers and potable water. RVs up to 24 feet are allowed—no hookups. A group site accommodates small gatherings.
🧺 Picnic Areas & Restrooms
Picnic tables dot the blufftop overlooking Monterey Bay. Vault restrooms and outdoor rinse showers are available in the campground and day-use area. Parking accommodates cars and trailers.
🚮 Fire Rings & Drinking Water
Campfire rings with grills are provided at each site. Campers must purchase firewood on-site; collecting driftwood is prohibited. Drinking water is piped to restrooms and camp loops.
📚 Interpretive Exhibits & Programs
Interpretive panels along trails explain dune restoration, plover protection and coastal scrub ecology. Seasonal Junior Lifeguard and ranger programs teach beach safety and local natural history.
🅿️ Parking & Accessibility
Separate parking for day-use and campers includes loading areas for tent gear. Beach access paths are compacted sand—beaches are semi-accessible but dunes are not.
Visitor Tips
- Fees & Hours: $10/day vehicle fee; senior discount $9. Open dawn–dusk. Camping fees ~$35/night, mid-May–October.
- Reservations: Book campsites via ReserveCalifornia up to six months in advance—sites fill quickly.
- Pets: Leashed dogs allowed everywhere, including the beach and campground.
- Beach Safety: No lifeguards; heed rip current warnings, swimsuits not advised for inexperienced swimmers.
- Wildlife Protection: Avoid posted plover nesting zones March–September; drones and alcohol are banned.
- Gear Transport: Bring a wagon—site unloading to camp loops requires a short trek.
- Camp Amenities: Bring quarters for showers and purchase firewood on-site. Quiet hours 10 pm–6 am.
- Facilities: Vault toilets, showers, potable water, picnic tables but no dump station or market.
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
Plan a late-spring visit to catch snowy plover hatchlings on the beach and wildflowers blooming atop the bluff. Early mornings deliver crisp air, fog lifting off the bay into golden sunlight. After setting camp, stroll north along the beach toward Seacliff State Beach for tidepool discoveries and driftwood art. As the sun sets, park atop the bluff and watch snow-white plovers dash along surf lines—an unforgettable scene that merges wildlife magic with California coastal sunset beauty.