8am to Sunset
New Brighton State Beach
Phone Number
(831) 464-6329
Max. Trailer Lengths
Trailer: Up to 36 Feet
Camper/Motorhome: Up to 36 Feet
Park Hours
Dogs Allowed?
Yes
Driving Directions to New Brighton SB
The beach is in the town of Capitola, just south of Santa Cruz. The beach can be reached by taking the New Brighton/Park Avenue exit off Highway One.Visitors will be able to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date – based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules.
Upcoming Park Events
No events scheduled at this moment.
OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
Family Campsites
Group Campsites
Hike or Bike Campsites
RV Sites w/Hookups
RV Dump Station
RV Access
Family Campsites
Group Campsites
Hike or Bike Campsites
RV Sites w/Hookups
RV Dump Station
RV Access
TRAIL USE
Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Interpretive Exhibits
Beach Area
Windsurfing/Surfing
Family Programs
Geocaching
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Interpretive Exhibits
Beach Area
Windsurfing/Surfing
Family Programs
Geocaching
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Parking
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Wheelchair Accessible
Parking
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Wheelchair Accessible
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Please Note: New Brighton SB does not have hike-in campsites.
Storm Recovery Update – September 8, 2023
Seacliff and New Brighton State Beaches suffered tremendous damage in the historic winter storms in early 2023. For a time, public access was restricted due to the hazards the damage created. State Park staff, contractors, and volunteers worked diligently to clean up debris and fix access roads to allow public access to the beach again.
California State Parks has now begun the Recovery and Resilience at Seacliff and New Brighton State Beaches study. This study will focus on understanding the impacts of predicted sea level rise and the hazards presented, develop alternatives to adapt to the hazards, and recommend actions to build resilience over time.
To learn more, please view the Recovery and Resilience at Seacliff and New Brighton State Beaches fact sheet:
Fact Sheet - English | Fact Sheet - Español
For the latest updates on Seacliff’s recovery process, join our mailing list! For questions or comments, please email Seacliff.Resilience@parks.ca.gov.
View our guided hikes and other public programs schedule and make a reservation by visiting our Parks Events page!
Visiting New Brighton
Named for the famed coastal resort in England, the beautiful beach and bluffs of New Brighton have drawn visitors—human and animal alike—for centuries. The forested bluffs offer a campground, hiking trails, and sweeping views of Monterey Bay just steps from a sandy shore perfect for fishing, beach combing, and (in warmer months) swimming.
The Pacific Migrations Visitor Center in the New Brighton State Beach campground interprets natural and cultural history by examining the movements of human and animal populations around the Pacific Rim from season to season and year to year. The visitor center includes a parkstore and welcomes visitors in the summer.
Memorial Day to Labor Day:
Thursday through Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm
Basic Park Information
FEES - There is a $10 vehicle day-use fee. [Regular Sized Auto: $10 (Senior $9, age 62 or older); Bus Parking (10-24 passengers): $50; Bus Parking (25+ passengers): $100]
CLIMBING the unstable sandstone cliffs is prohibited.
DOGS must always be on a leash no longer than six feet and attended by humans. For a list of locations you can take your dog in Santa Cruz County, please click here.
DRONES are not allowed in the park. To protect wildlife and cultural resources, and for the safety and welfare of visitors and staff, the park is closed to the use of Model Aircraft, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), and Gliders in flight.
FISHING does not require a license from the pier, but Department of Fish and Wildlife limits apply. See www.wildlife.ca.gov.
ALCOHOL is not allowed on the beach or in the day-use areas — only within registered campsites.
FIRES are not allowed on Seacliff’s main beach. At New Brighton and Rio del Mar, fires must be confined to fire rings provided and attended at all times.
CAMPING is available for tents and RVs. There are over 100 campsites with 11 RV hookup sites. No hike-in campsites are available. Visit New Brighton's camping webpage for more information.
Community Groups
Please click here to arrange an interpretive talk or guided experience for your organized community group (minimum 10 total participants, minimum 2 weeks' lead time). These interpretive services are contingent upon staff availability.
Additional Visitor Services
- Sani-Star, LLC. (Automated RV Dump Fee Collection System in the campground)