beaches

Panther Beach

Duck through the hole in the wall at Panther Beach to get to a wide-open expanse of sand. Photo credit: Malikas99.

The magic and power of waves and rocks.

Rio Del Mar State Beach

Aptos Creek meets the Pacific Ocean at Rio Del Mar, sometimes creating a summertime lagoon. Photo by Garrett McAuliffe.

A vacation rental hotspot on the bay.

Año Nuevo State Park

Elephant seal mothers and pups at Ano Nuevo. Photo credit: MonicaSP54 on Creative Commons.

World-class wildlife viewing.

Cowells

A mob of longboarders on a sunny day at Cowells surf break. Photo credit: Hilltromper

Easygoing waves on the Westside.

Greyhound Rock

Looking down on long Greyhound Rock from the Highway 1 bluffs. Photo by Finitor on flickr.

Secluded coves and tidepooling on the North Coast.

Bonny Doon Beach

Bonny Doon  Beach: We call it "clothing optional optional."

Tan lines. Who needs 'em?

Moss Landing Surf Break

A guy in a wetsuit surfing a big, cold-looking wave in the afternoon. Photo credit: Patty Bruno.

Consistent, heavy beach break.

26th Avenue Surf Break

Skimboarder on 26th Avenue surf break in Santa Cruz. Photo credit: Mark Grissom.

Pleasure Point’s scrappy little brother.

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