Manresa Beach

Santa Cruz County

<Manresa Beach, Santa Cruz County, California
<Manresa Beach, Santa Cruz County, California

Manresa Beach

Santa Cruz County


Manresa State Beach

Less well known than its neighbors Sunset and Seacliff beaches, Manresa State Beach has been a favorite of locals for years. They appreciate its relative anonymity, its long expanse of clean beach, and its well-maintained facilities. Most of the visitors enjoy shoreside activities like walking, flying kites, playing sports, or sun bathing.

There are two entrances to Manresa State Beach, both off San Andreas Road. At the southern entrance are campgrounds and a day use area. A flight of 172 steps leads down to the beach. The northern entrance has a large parking area, picnic tables adjacent to the parking lot, and a short flight of steps to the beach. There are also two paved ramps leading to the beach.


Manresa Beach North, Santa Cruz County, CA

Manresa Beach, Santa Cruz County, CA

Into the Manresa Beach Surf

The rough surf and potentially dangerous currents are best engaged by the most experienced ocean swimmers and surfers. Manresa is a popular spot for skim boarding and boogie boarding.


Wildlife

Migrating gray whales are often seen off shore during the winter. Bottlenose dolphins sometimes make an appearance in the surf or out farther. Sea lions, seals and sea otters bob up their heads from time to time. A variety of birds are seen along the shore and up in the campground, including hummingbirds, sparrows, surf scoters, and gulls.

Food and Supplies

Firewood is sold at Manresa State Beach. For other supplies stop before you arrive. Nearby in La Selva Beach is El Patio Grocery (312 Playa Blvd. off San Andreas Road). For restaurants and more stores, shop in nearby Aptos or Watsonville.

Manresa Beach, Santa Cruz County, California

Caution on the Beach

Manresa State Beach cautions, "dangerous rip currents, frigid water and deep offshore dropoffs make surfing and swimming hazardous for any but the most experienced surfers."



Manresa Beach, CA

172 steps down to Manresa Beach at the southern entrance


Surf Fishing

Al Ristori's Surf Fishing covers everything you need to know to get started fishing the surf at Manresa Beach: the right tackle, casting techniques, bait fishing, reading the surf, and more.

California coastal waters are known for perch, sole, flounder, sand dabs, jacksmelt, and California halibut.




  TOP


Ocean Safety

California State Parks and Recreation cautions that "large surf, cold water temperatures, backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding shorebreak, and dangerous rip currents can turn what seem like safe activities such as playing near the surf line, wading, or climbing on rock outcroppings, deadly." Learn more about ocean safety at CA State Parks: Ocean Safety