New Brighton State Beach
The Park is currently OPEN.
Please check the hours of operation.
Please be advised that due to ongoing construction on Highway 1, access to New Brighton State Beach and Campground via Park Avenue may be affected by offramp closures.
For Northbound Travelers: Continue north on Hwy 1 and exit at Bay Ave./Porter Street. Follow detour signs to Soquel Drive, then turn onto Park Avenue.
For Southbound Travelers: Continue south on Hwy 1 and exit at State Park Drive. Turn left at the bottom of the ramp, then take Soquel Drive to Park Avenue.
Please allow extra travel time and follow posted signage.
For updates and more information, visit the Santa Cruz County 511 website or follow Caltrans District 5 on social media.
For Northbound Travelers: Continue north on Hwy 1 and exit at Bay Ave./Porter Street. Follow detour signs to Soquel Drive, then turn onto Park Avenue.
For Southbound Travelers: Continue south on Hwy 1 and exit at State Park Drive. Turn left at the bottom of the ramp, then take Soquel Drive to Park Avenue.
Please allow extra travel time and follow posted signage.
For updates and more information, visit the Santa Cruz County 511 website or follow Caltrans District 5 on social media.
Park Facilities
Trailer: 36 Feet
Camper/Motorhome: 36 Feet
Camper/Motorhome: 36 Feet
Family Campsites
Group Campsites
Hike or Bike Campsites
RV Sites w/Hookups
RV Dump Station
RV Access
Group Campsites
Hike or Bike Campsites
RV Sites w/Hookups
RV Dump Station
RV Access
Parking
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Wheelchair Accessible
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Wheelchair Accessible
Monterey Bay Living Shorelines Survey
We need your feedback! Please take the Monterey Bay Living Shorelines Program (MBLSP) survey.The MBLSP seeks to establish a program that will enhance the quality of the Monterey Bay coastline and foster resilience against the impacts of climate change such as sea level rise, erosion, and coastal storms. The survey seeks to better understand public values as they relate to coastal State Parks lands from Año Nuevo Point to Garrapata Creek.
To learn more about the MBLSP, visit www.mblsp.org.
Please Note: New Brighton SB does not have hike-in campsites.
Storm Recovery
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.
Though the storms of 2023 and their immediate aftermath were painful, the recovery process provides an opportunity to be visionary and strategic about how to plan for environmental sustainability in the era of climate change and ensure public access.
California State Parks is conducting a Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Pathway Analysis study, a technical study which is part of the larger Seacliff Resilience project (which includes New Brighton State Beach). 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, visit www.seacliffresilience.org
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:
Friday through Sunday, 11 am to 5 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.
WEDDINGS, PARTIES, AND SPECIAL EVENT PERMITS—Please call (831) 400-8519 or email SCD.specialevents@parks.ca.gov
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)
