State Beach · California

Lighthouse Field State Beach

Location: Santa Cruz County, California
Nearest town: 1.5 miles south of Santa Cruz
Type: State Beach

About Lighthouse Field State Beach

A 38-acre stretch of coastal land overlooks Steamer Lane, a well-known surfing spot at the north end of Monterey Bay. The beach protects this shoreline area within the city of Santa Cruz and includes the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, which occupies a lighthouse built in 1967. The setting offers a view of surfers working the waves offshore.

Hours, fees, camping, reservations and closures are set by the park and change often. Check the official park site before you go.

Getting there

Lighthouse Field State Beach is in Santa Cruz County, California, 1.5 miles south of Santa Cruz. The Directions button takes you to the park's mapped location; the entrance may be elsewhere, so check the official site for the address to use.

State parks near Lighthouse Field State Beach

Within 60 miles, closest first, straight-line. All 213 in California →

Towns near Lighthouse Field State Beach

State parks near Santa Cruz, State parks near Watsonville, State parks near Pacific Grove, State parks near Morgan Hill, State parks near San Jose, State parks near Salinas

Facts from Wikidata, checked September 25, 2026. Distances are straight-line.