Main Beach
108 Beach St
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Cowell Beach
21 Municipal Wharf 
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Cowell Beach closed midnight to one hour before sunrise.
Beach visitors are allowed to cross the beach to access the water. 

Lifeguard Headquarters
#1 Municipal Wharf 
831-420-5715

Lifeguard service is provided daily in summer months (Memorial Day-Labor Day) and on the weekends in spring (Easter-Memorial Day) and fall (Labor Day-October).  Service hours are 10:00 am - 7:00 pm but may vary depending on the weather conditions.  Service area is from Cowell Beach to the San Lorenzo River.

Surf Schools
A permit is required to conduct commercial surfing lessons in the City of Santa Cruz. For surf school regulations see ordinance (13.14). Note that all surf schools are required to have their students and instructors wear colored vests while conducting lessons. Permitted surf schools with their vest colors are as follows:
Adventure Out - Red
Club Ed - Blue
Richard Schmidt Surf School - Purple
Surf School Santa Cruz - Gray/Silver
To report violations or for questions about concerns on the ordinance, call the Parks and Recreation Department at (831) 420-5270.

Amenities
Public bathrooms
Public transit nearby 
Lifeguards 
Rentals
16 Volleyball Courts

Helpful Information
When visiting our City beaches, please follow the rules below. Rules have been established to enhance your beach experience, preserve the environment and provide for your safety and the safety of others around you. Thank You!

• Propane and Butane barbecues are allowed if they have stable legs that can be raised six inches off the ground and the gas cylinder is not exceeding 20 pounds. As of 2016, coal-burning barbecues are not permitted.
• Glass is not allowed.
• Alcohol and Smoking are not allowed.
• Dogs and other Pets are prohibited.
• Please clean up after yourself so that others may enjoy the beauty of these beaches.
• Fireworks are not allowed.
• Camping is not permitted.
• Campfires are not allowed on Main or Cowell beaches.
  They are allowed in fire rings at the following State Beaches:
  New Brighton State Beach       Twin Lakes State Beach
  831-464-6330                              831-427-4868
  Seabright State Beach
  831-427-4868
• Wildlife is best left alone and unfed. If an animal is in distress or needs aid you can contact one of the following:
  Marine Mammal Center            Native Animal Rescue
  831-633-6298                              831-462-0726

Reserve the Beach 
Reserve the beach for everything from sporting events to weddings or corporate events. Call 831-420-5270 or email us. Visit the Fire Department website for Beach Wheelchair information. Main Beach is open 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. Cowell Beach has a 12:00 am to one hour before sunrise curfew. If you are driving to these beaches, to the Boardwalk or Wharf you might want a closer look at the roundabout at Ocean Street and Front Street.

Informational Links 
Junior & Little Guards
Main Beach Volleyball 2020 Tournament Guide
Main Beach Volleyball Tournament Application Packet
The Surfing Way: Surf Etiquette Brochure 
Beach Safety 
Water Quality 
National Weather Service Marine Forecast
Best Beach Towns