provided by
New Brighton, once known as China Beach or China Cove, was the site of a Chinese fishing village during the 1870s and 1880s. The village inhabitants proved invaluable in the building of the California railroad, and provided Santa Cruz with fish, produce, laundries, chefs and servants. However, commercial fishing slowed after dragnet fishing was outlawed in 1915. New Brighton became a state beach in 1933.
Picnicking, fishing, camping, hiking and swimming are favorite family activities at New Brighton State Beach.
Report a compliment or problem regarding park maintenance issues with the Park Observation Program.
Getting There
The beach is located four miles south of Santa Cruz and in the town of Capitola. The beach can be reached by taking the New Brighton/Park Avenue exit off Highway One.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
The beach is located four miles south of Santa Cruz and in the town of Capitola. The beach can be reached by taking the New Brighton/Park Avenue exit off Highway One.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
The weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended.
The weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended.
Operating Hours & Contact
The park is open from 8am until sunset.
Telephone: 831-464-6330
The park is open from 8am until sunset.
Telephone: 831-464-6330
Tips & Rules
• Day-use hours are from 8am to 10pm from May 1 to October 31 and 8am to 1/2 hour after sunset from November 1 to April 30. Campground quiet hours are from 10pm to 8am.
• Rollerblading and skateboarding are not allowed.
• The speed limit is 15 mph. Watch out for children, pedestrians and bicycles.
• Vehicles are not allowed on gravel or dirt walkways.
• Dogs (where allowed) must be on a leash no longer than six feet and always attended by their owners.
• Do not feed or leave food out for wildlife.
• A fishing license is not required to fish from the pier, but Department of Fish and Game limits apply.
• Alcohol is not allowed on the beach or in the day-use areas.
• Fires are not allowed on Seacliff’s beach. At New Brighton and Rio del Mar, fires must be confined to fire rings provided and attended at all times.
• No wood gathering. Purchase firewood at the entrance station or at the camp host site.
• No more than two vehicles will be permitted in each campsite.
• Day-use hours are from 8am to 10pm from May 1 to October 31 and 8am to 1/2 hour after sunset from November 1 to April 30. Campground quiet hours are from 10pm to 8am.
• Rollerblading and skateboarding are not allowed.
• The speed limit is 15 mph. Watch out for children, pedestrians and bicycles.
• Vehicles are not allowed on gravel or dirt walkways.
• Dogs (where allowed) must be on a leash no longer than six feet and always attended by their owners.
• Do not feed or leave food out for wildlife.
• A fishing license is not required to fish from the pier, but Department of Fish and Game limits apply.
• Alcohol is not allowed on the beach or in the day-use areas.
• Fires are not allowed on Seacliff’s beach. At New Brighton and Rio del Mar, fires must be confined to fire rings provided and attended at all times.
• No wood gathering. Purchase firewood at the entrance station or at the camp host site.
• No more than two vehicles will be permitted in each campsite.
Accessible Features
New Brighton State Beach has re-opened after a major upgrade of features that includes new accessible restrooms and more accessible campsites, including some sites with electrical hook-ups.
Camping: Four tent sites are accessible. There are 10 RV sites with hook-ups, and at least one of them is wheelchair accessible. Call the park for more information.
Beach/Shore Access: Beach wheelchairs are available.
New Brighton State Beach has re-opened after a major upgrade of features that includes new accessible restrooms and more accessible campsites, including some sites with electrical hook-ups.
Camping: Four tent sites are accessible. There are 10 RV sites with hook-ups, and at least one of them is wheelchair accessible. Call the park for more information.
Beach/Shore Access: Beach wheelchairs are available.
Community Trips
Start/Finish: Zipper Lips House (146 Magellan, Capitola)Beer Check: Overlooking Pot Belly BeachRA: Hairy PotterHares: dBASED and Zipper Lips
Surf City Hash House Harriers - Hash 486
New Brighton (historical), California, United States
Hashing | 2.9 miles
Hashing | 2.9 miles
Hares: Flacit Capicitor and Take it like a manStart: New Brighton State BeachReligion: Zipper Lips HouseBeer check: Near Railroad tracksRA: Hairy PotterTrail Notes:Hares lie and say there are 2 beer checks and there is only one. They also there will be sand and there is none.
