Great Escape: Check Out These Two State Beaches

Now that summer is getting close, it’s time to hit the beach. Our top suggestions are  and , just a mile apart.

What to do there: These are two state beaches with many pluses. Both have picnic areas and campsites. Sunset allows RVs, and Manresa does not. At both beaches, surf fishing is allowed, and each area has hiking trails adjacent to the beaches. Manresa is also a favorite surfing spot, and Sunset offers a glider port for remote control glider enthusiasts.

In addition to those attributes, these beaches are typically cleaner and less crowded than most in Santa Cruz County; many people also feel these spots, which fit right in the curve of Monterey Bay, also offer some of the area’s most spectacular oceanside views.

Why we like it: Not only are the beaches gorgeous, so are the surroundings. Sunset State Beach is surrounded by stately groves of eucalyptus, which have grown in interesting twisted shapes, because of the ocean breezes. Manresa’s bluffs are a perfect spot from which to scan the waters for boats, whales and other sights. Either beach is great for day trips, overnight stays or just a walk at sunset.

And even more to like: You’re likely to see Western snowy plovers, which use these beaches for nesting and winter habitat. (But don’t disturb the birds—it’s against the law, as they’re endangered.)

The beaches and adjacent areas are also home to a variety of other native animals and plants, and if you look out to sea, you might catch a glimpse of dolphins, sea otters and seabirds. An informative brochure on the two beaches and their wildlife can be downloaded from the California State Parks website, parks.ca.gov.

About Sunset and Manresa State Beaches: Originally inhabited by the Ohlone Indians, who gathered abalone and mussels there, the beaches later became part of several Spanish land grants.

In the 1800s, Pajaro Landing was built and became a major produce shipping point, and in the early 1900s a port was built there to provide steamship service to San Francisco. The state parks system began buying land in this area beginning in 1931. Today the beaches provide recreation for thousands of people year-round.

Directions and phone: Take Highway 101 to Highway 129 west; go through Watsonville and continue west on Riverside Drive. You’ll go over Highway 1 and then the road curves to the right. Continue to the intersection and turn left on Beach Road.

To get to Manresa State Beach, make a right from Beach Road onto San Andreas Road and follow the signs. Sunset State Beach has two entrances—you’ll reach one by continuing on Beach Road until it dead-ends at the beach parking lot—and the other is off San Andreas Road.

Fires are permitted within fire rings, although you need to bring your own wood or buy it from the camp host, as wood gathering is not permitted. No dogs are allowed on the beaches (sorry, Fido!) but can be kept at the campgrounds. No alcohol is allowed either on the beaches or in the day use areas.

Day use fee is $10 per car if you drive into the parking lots, but limited free parking is available on the roadsides outside the lots. Camping at either beach is $35 per campsite per night. Details: parks.ca.gov or 831-763-7062. For campsite reservations, call 800-444-PARK (7275).