Beaches by San Jose, California

For travelers in San Jose, California, looking for a breath of fresh ocean air, there are two ways to reach the beaches of the Pacific Ocean. For a classic California beach experience complete with surfers, lifeguards, sand castles and even a roller coaster, the city of Santa Cruz is the way to go. For those looking to enjoy the unspoiled, natural beauty of the Pacific Coast, traveling north along the peninsula towards San Gregorio is a great option. Both spots are about an hour's drive from San Jose.

Things You'll Need

• Beach Towels
• Swimsuit
• Sunscreen
• Jacket or blanket -- just in case it is foggy!

Tips

1. Beaches Near San Jose, California

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     The Santa Cruz Wharf separates Main and Cowell beaches.

     
     

     At the very end of downtown Santa Cruz are Main and Cowell beaches. These are California beaches as imagined in pop culture: swaths of sandy beach, beach volleyball games, relatively gentile surf, lifeguards and Friday concerts during the summer. Main Beach sports Atlantic-City-style amusements along the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, including the Giant Dipper wooden rollercoaster, a local institution since 1924. Cowell Beach is just north of Main Beach, on the other side of the Santa Cruz Warf. Cowell Beach is known as the beach where beginning surfers learn to ride the waves.

     Directions: From San Jose, travel west on California State Route 17 toward Santa Cruz. Exit on Ocean Street, then follow the signs to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The route is about 35 miles.
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     Also in the city of Santa Cruz is Twin Lakes State Beach, about 2 miles south of Main and Cowell beaches. This is the beach where the locals go -- there is plenty of sand for sunning and the surf is great for bodyboarding. It also has plenty of restaurants and businesses nearby for a quick bite or if you forgot your sunblock. Twin Lakes State Beach is considered one of the best places in the city to watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean, and there are even fire pits to keep you warm as the sun disappears.

     Directions: From San Jose, travel west on California State Route 17 toward Santa Cruz. Exit on Ocean Street and go south on East Cliff Drive, then south again on Murray Street over Woods Lagoon. Go west on 7th Avenue until you hit the beach. The route is about 35 miles.
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     For a rustic, natural beach experience, consider the state beaches near San Gregorio. There is beach access both up and down California Highway 1, most of which is largely free of crowds. Two of the closest are San Gregorio and Pomponio state beaches, about 4 miles apart. During low tide, you can walk from one to the other. These are rugged beaches with high sandstone cliffs, driftwood piles at the back of the beach, as well as some saltwater estuaries. The sandy beaches are wide, a great destination for walks, tidepooling and birdwatching. The surf is rough at both beaches.

     Directions: From San Jose, travel north on U.S. Interstate 280 through Palo Alto to the Woodside Road/California State Route 84 exit. Travel west through La Honda and continue to San Gregorio and California State Route 1. The route is about 46 miles.