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New Brighton State Beach
Between the tree-covered bluffs and soft sand beaches, this beach is the ideal setting for a day outdoors.
Plan Around New Brighton State Beach
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New Brighton State Beach Details
Between the tree-covered bluffs and soft sand beaches, this beach is the ideal setting for a day outdoors. It overlooks Soquel Cove, a small inlet on Monterey Bay that is home to various land and sea creatures. Flounder, halibut, and mackerel swim through the waves, while larger marine animals like dolphins, sea otters, and whales can also be spotted further out. Migrating shorebirds can also be spotted in fall and winter as they hunt for anchovies in the shallow waters. Come for a short hike along the coast or a long weekend camping atop the bluffs. Make sure to stop by the Pacific Migrations Visitor Center (open in spring and summer) to learn more about the natural habitats and resident creatures of the beach.
Difficulty
Open
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
N/A
Region
State Parks
Nearby Parks Around New Brighton State Beach
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Nearby Points of Interest Around New Brighton State Beach
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1.3 mi away
Seacliff State Beach
This state beach may have beautiful golden shores and towering cliffs, but it also has something most other beaches do not a sunken concrete warship.
1.5 mi away
Capitola Beach
Famous for its rainbow-colored bungalows, delicious seafood restaurants, and charming boutique shops, this beach feels more Mediterranean than Californian.
3.7 mi away
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
An astounding 80% of this 10,000-acre park is covered in a dense redwood forest, which is impressive considering the lands history.
4.5 mi away
Twin Lakes State Beach
This mile-long stretch of beach overlooks the sparkling Monterey Bay, making this a scenic place to spend the day swimming or picnicking.
4.9 mi away
West Cliff Drive
This winding 3-mile bike and walking trail feature one of the best views of the Santa Cruz coast.
