Overview
Seacliff State Beach is often recognized by the crumbling WWI vintage tanker, the SS Palo Alto, that sits at the end of the fishing pier. The beach is a popular swimming spot with a long stretch of sand backed by bluffs. There are covered picnic facilities and a visitor center. Take the State Park Drive exit from Hwy 1 and proceed west through the neighborhood of Aptos to the entrance. Phone (831) 685-6500 for more information.

Historic winter storms in early 2023 destroyed over half of the fishing pier, significant sections of the seawall, much of the fill material on which the campground was built, and more than half of the Promenade Trail. Efforts are underway to restore public access. For more information, visit the Seacliff State Beach FAQs webpage.

Picnic Area
Many accessible picnic sites under shade structures are available in the South End Day Use Area. Accessible parking and restrooms are available.

Trails
The Promenade Trail south of the pier is usable for approximately 0.3-mile (one-way). Sections of the original asphalt trail are still intact. Some sections of the trail have been re-routed around damaged portions of the trail. Trail surface of the re-routed sections are a mixture of compacted aggregate and native soil. Accessible parking and restrooms are available in the South End Day Use Area.

Beach/Shore Access
Parking, comfort stations and outdoor rinsing showers in the Rio Del Mar Beach area are accessible.

Beach wheelchairs are available for use, free of charge. Reservations at least five business days before your visit are recommended, but not required. Online reservations can be made by visiting the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks Beach Wheelchairs website. For more information or assistance, please phone Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks at (831) 429-1840 or email parks@thatsmypark.org. For requests less than five business days, please phone the park directly or phone the Santa Cruz District Special Events Office at (831) 335-8497 or email SCD.specialevents@parks.ca.gov.

Exhibits/Programs
The Seacliff visitor center & park store features natural and cultural history interpretive exhibits, a tidepool tank, an aquarium, and a selection of souvenirs and educational items for sale. Parking and route into the visitor center & park store are accessible.