As the summer heats up, it’s the perfect time to spend some time on or near the beach. Year after year, the beaches of Santa Cruz see countless people staying active, enjoying sports and other activities. Beach volleyball, a popular sport, is a great way to get up and get out, while also spending some time on the sunny sands.
For those new to beach volleyball (or for those new to the area and unsure where to begin!) here’s a guide to all of the Santa Cruz beaches suitable for the sport.
Main Beach, Santa Cruz
Along Santa Cruz's coast, right by the wharf, is the Main Beach: a popular destination for tourists and residents alike. It offers a multitude of things to do, not limited to sun tanning, building sand castles, and swimming—though dipping your toes in the water is often far more preferred on account of the waves. Additionally, the Boardwalk and the Santa Cruz Wharf, two of the most famous landmarks in the city. offers shops, restaurants, and entertainment for guests.
The Main Beach has eighteen volleyball courts (plus two reserve) on the sand, just off of Beach Street between the public restrooms/change rooms and Cocoanut Grove. Because of the amount of space provided and its central location (easily accessible to those in the area), Santa Cruz’s Main Beach is one of the top places in the city to play. The courts are available on a first-come, first serve basis—though they can also be reserved beforehand.
Seabright Beach, Seabright
Not necessarily a volleyball enthusiast’s first option, Seabright is a well-known neighborhood east of the San Lorenzo River, recognized for its beautiful bungalows and luxury homes, as well as its swimming and surfing beach.
Because there are fewer courts—five in total—Seabright Beach is a particular favorite for those who want a quieter, more exclusive experience. Nevertheless, despite the fewer courts available, this beach usually isn't as crowded as others around the area. However, the conditions aren’t always the best and the courts themselves are located upwards, towards the road—though some have said that this is the ideal destination during the off-season!
Twin Lakes State Beach, Twin Lakes
Further east is the community of Twin Lakes. This area is home to the Santa Cruz Harbor, the Schwan Lagoon, and a number of small beaches—alongside its quaint neighborhoods, of course.
Twin Lakes State Beach has four volleyball courts, positioned on the end closest to the Walton Lighthouse. Like the others, these are free to use, but because of the limited amount of courts, it may not always be possible for players to grab a court. While the courts at Seabright Beach are a good distance away from the water (and other beachgoers), the courts at Twin Lakes State Beach are situated between a restaurant and (oftentimes) boats on the sand, so it can be a bit more cramped in comparison to other destinations in Santa Cruz.
Capitola State Beach, Capitola
One of the most popular beaches around, Capitola State Beach is known for its unique, colorful buildings and its iconic wharf. It’s also a great place to soak up some sun. Capitola State Beach has the least amount of courts, with anywhere from one to three, depending on the season.
Because this area is often relatively busy with beachgoers, those who are interested in playing some beach volleyball might not have as much space as they would like. Despite this, when the conditions are favorable, Capitola State Beach’s excellent location and amenities makes this an ideal place for a couple of rounds of beach volleyball—with places to grab some food afterwards.
Beach Volleyball Clubs
While surfing might be Santa Cruz’s claim to fame, there are some beach volleyball clubs in the Santa Cruz region, ranging in experience levels and different age groups, including junior clubs for kids and teens just starting out. While some of these clubs are simply for fun, others do compete in tournaments or train specifically for professional leagues.
The two major organizations are the Santa Cruz Beach Volleyball Club, which offers different programs and does compete in tournaments. The Main Beach Volleyball Club is the junior program for kids between the third and eighth grades. They also offer camps and private lessons.
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