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Off Hwy.
1 in Aptos, Seacliff State Beach is nearly two miles of long sandy beach
under sandstone cliffs. Good weather and nice facilities make this beach
popular with visitors. The pier ends in the concrete ship Palo Alto, which
was built at the Oakland shipyard in 1918 as a supply ship in World War
I. However, the war ended before she ever saw service. Eventually in 1929,
she was hauled to Seacliff Beach, sank and turned into an amusement center
complete with a dance floor, cafe, pool, and carnival booths. Storms have
taken their toll on the cement ship over the years and it is now mostly
fenced off from human access. Today the cement ship serves as a roost
for sea birds and a haul out for harbor seals.
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Seacliff
State Beach as seen from the parking lot above the beach.
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Facilities
include covered picnic areas with barbecues which are popular for celebrations,
such as birthdays, family reunions, and holiday parties. Both the pier
and park restrooms are wheelchair accessible. En route and regular trailer
campsites are available right next t o the beach. An interpretive center
has natural and local cultural history exhibits.
For more
information, call (831) 685-6444 or 685-6500 or check the Seacliff
State Beach website.
Directions:
- From
Hwy. 1 in Aptos, take the Seacliff exit towards the ocean.
- Follow
State Park Drive and it will lead straight into the park.
![[Seacliff map]](seacliff.gif)
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![[Seacliff State Beach Beach pano]](seacliff.jpg)
