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

8am to Sunset

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.

View on Map

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.

Online Reservations

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

TRAIL USE
Hiking Trails

DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
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

Winter Storm Closures

Due to extensive damage sustained during recent winter storms, many state parks in Santa Cruz and San Mateo Counties are fully or partially closed. Staff are currently assessing the condition of the parks for reopening.

Parks that are fully closed include Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Portola Redwoods State Park, and Butano State Park.

Parks that are partially closed include Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (Fall Creek subunit, various trails, and parking lots closed except main parking lot at visitor center), Wilder Ranch State Park (most trails closed; historic complex and Old Cove Landing Trail open), Seacliff State Beach (lower parking lot, picnic areas, and campground closed; visitor center open and pedestrian and bicylist access only at beach level), The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park (closed beyond Winter Gate; Aptos Creek Fire Road inaccessible by vehicle between Margaret's Bridge and old slide), and the Rancho del Oso subunit of Big Basin (East side access to the Nature Center is closed. West side is open from the yellow gate to the horse camp parking lot; Marsh Trail is open from horse camp parking lot to the creek. Waddell beach parking lot is also open.)

Please Note: New Brighton SB does not have hike-in campsites.

Guided hikes and other in-person park programs have resumed in Santa Cruz-area State Parks! Pre-registration is required. Visit www.santacruzstateparks.as.me to see the schedule and make reservations.

Visiting New Brighton

New Brighton State Beach 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