15 Beaches near San Jose, CA [+ Parking, Amenities, Local Tips]

The best thing you can do to escape the busy city and unwind in nature is to go to one of the best beaches near San Jose, CA. 

There are plenty of amazing options to choose from, whether you are planning a family vacation or going on a solo trip. 

We’re here to help you as we live in California and have visited these amazing beaches.

Every beach has its own unique charm, amenities, and unique characteristics that make the location worthy of a day playing in the sand and the crashing waves. 

If you are unsure which beach near San Jose you should go to, here is our list covering all the details you need to know when selecting the perfect option for your next trip to the shore. 

15 Best Beaches near San Jose, California

1. Santa Cruz Beach

• Distance/Drive Time from San Jose, CA: 33.2 mi, 41 mins
• Best For: Those who want to be active (volleyball courts available), families with kids
• Amenities: Restrooms
• Parking: $20 for gated parking, metered street parking is also available
• Pets Allowed: No
• Accessibility: Drive-up 

Santa Cruz Beach is one of the best beaches in Northern California. The nearby boardwalk houses an amusement park, restaurants, and craft breweries, making this a popular tourist spot. 

This beach is popular, so expect to see large crowds in the summer and on holidays. Lifeguards are available year-round to ensure the safety of beachgoers. 

If drive time is your primary concern, Santa Cruz beach is the closest beach to San Jose, CA, making it a fast option for a short day trip. 

If you are looking for a smaller and less crowded option for a beach in Santa Cruz, you can check out Mitchell’s Cove Beach. 

This option is less than three miles from Santa Cruz’s main beach and offers a more natural setting with tide pools and beautiful rock formations in the water.

Local Tip: Check the beach’s water quality before you visit if you plan to go swimming. The water quality, at times, has received very poor ratings.

2. Cull Canyon

• Distance/Drive Time from San Jose, CA: 34.7 mi, 39 mins
• Best For: A day having a picnic with a swimming lagoon
• Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, hiking trails, BBQs
• Parking: Free
• Pets Allowed: Yes, but not in the swimming area
• Accessibility: Drive-up

This popular man-made swimming hole with a sandy beach offers an easy option for beating the heat near San Jose.

This swimming lagoon is located inside the Cull Canyon Recreation Area, which offers multiple picnic areas with BBQs for family day at the park or a kid’s birthday party.

A few covered picnic areas also sit right on the water, which can be secured by arriving early.

There is a fee to use the swimming area of $2 for kids 1-15 and $4 for those 16 to 61 years old. 

This beach near San Jose is very popular on hot days, weekends, and holidays.

Make sure to book a reservation, as there is a cap on the number of visitors admitted at any given time.

3. Capitola Beach

• Distance/Drive Time from San Jose, CA: 35.7 mi, 42 mins
• Best For: Those looking for a beach with lots of amenities closeby 
• Amenities: Restrooms
• Parking: Metered street parking
• Pets Allowed: No
• Accessibility: Drive-up

Capitola Beach is a charming sandy beach complete with a long pier, beachside restaurants, and boutique shops. 

This adorable stretch of beach is lined with colorful townhomes called the “Capitola Venetians” that overlook the beach. 

This Bay Area beach gets tons of visitors, especially when the weather is warm and sunny. 

If you’re looking for a warm beach near San Jose, then this is a good option. This beach is perfect for every kind of beachgoer. 

If you want to go swimming, the water near the pier is calm and easy to navigate. If you are more of a thrill seeker, head to the east end to go surfing. 

The wharf is a perfect spot for those who want to go fishing and sightseeing. 

This California beach town offers a complete experience as you can spend the day at the beach and stay for drinks and food at one of the many great restaurants and bars in the area. 

Local tip: Make sure to arrive before 10 am to secure a good parking spot because the parking lots near the beach fill up quickly. 

4. Natural Bridges State Beach

• Distance/Drive Time from San Jose, CA: 34.9 mi, 44 mins
• Best For: Those who want to explore tidepools, those looking for picturesque landmarks, those looking for a quiet beach with free parking, and those who also want to go hiking
• Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, hiking trails
• Parking: $10, free parking available nearby
• Pets Allowed: No
• Accessibility: Drive-up

Natural Bridges State Beach is perfect for those looking for a stunning location for photography.

The natural rock arch near the shore is one of California’s most photographed beach icons. 

If you are visiting with your family, spend some time exploring the tidepools that appear during low tide. 

You can also hike the Natural Bridges Monarch Trail to view the butterflies and birds that call this beach their home. 

It can get crowded in the summer and on holidays, but it is quiet and peaceful the rest of the year. 

If you are looking for a beach near San Jose that is a scenic destination and offers all the fun of a day at the beach, this may be your perfect option. 

Local tip: There is plenty of free parking on the roads outside of the park if you don’t mind the walk.

💡 Do you plan on visiting other state beaches or state parks? Then it might be worth getting a Golden Poppy Pass. You can buy it here. Here is the list of the parks included.

5. New Brighton State Beach

• Distance/Drive Time from San Jose, CA: 36.5 mi, 46 mins
• Best For: Families with kids and those looking for a fun dog-friendly beach 
• Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, hiking trails
• Parking: $10
• Pets Allowed: Yes (on a leash)
• Accessibility: Drive-up

What once was a Chinese fishing village is now a great beach for those who are looking to escape the hectic city life. Pack your bags and spend the night at New Brighton State Beach. 

Camping at this beach is very comfortable because the campground is located on a hillside that is shaded by towering trees. 

This beach near San Jose is also perfect for swimming because the waters are calm and lifeguards are present in the summer.

If you hike towards the north end of the beach, you will be greeted by steep cliffs and a narrow and rocky shoreline. 

Towards the south, you can walk for miles and eventually reach Seacliff State Beach. 

Local tip: Bring a lot of quarters. The campground has showers that you can use for 50 cents per two minutes. 

6. Seacliff State Beach

• Distance/Drive Time from San Jose, CA: 38 mi, 47 mins
• Best For: Those looking for a fun dog-friendly beach, and those who want to go camping near the beach 
• Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, hiking trails
• Parking: $10
• Pets Allowed: Yes (on a leash)
• Accessibility: Drive-up

Seacliff State Beach has everything you could ask for in a beach, including a long sandy shore, picnic areas, a campground, a Pier, and even a concrete ship from World War I.

Known for its gentle surf, which is perfect for swimming, this beach is a favorite among beachgoers, especially during the warmer months. 

If you want to spend the night here, multiple campsites can accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers. 

After enjoying the water, head to the end of the pier to take a closer look at the USS Palo Alto, which is now home to hundreds of birds. 

Local tip: If you don’t mind walking for a few minutes to reach the beach, there is a large parking lot nearby where you can park for free. 

7. Four Mile Beach

• Distance/Drive Time from San Jose, CA: 38 mi, 49 mins
• Best For: Those looking for a quiet beach away from the crowds, those who want to go surfing, and those who want to explore tidepools 
• Amenities: Restrooms, hiking trails
• Parking: Free
• Pets Allowed: No
• Accessibility: Hike-in

Located four miles from western Santa Cruz via Highway 1, Four Mile Beach is the largest and most accessible beach at Wilder Ranch State Park. 

To reach the beach from the parking lot, you will need to hike the Ohlone Bluffs Trail to reach the beach from the parking lot. 

Take this time to enjoy your surroundings as you pass by railroad tracks and wetlands. 

This beach is hidden from Highway 1 and does not get many visitors, giving it a very private feel. 

This is one of the best beaches near San Jose if you’re looking to get away from the crowds.

Surfers love this area as well. If you are going with your kids, check the tide charts before your visit so that you can go tide pooling. 

Local tip: Three Mile Beach and Strawberry Beach are also accessible by taking the trail that runs along the top of the bluffs. These beaches are more secluded, and both are clothing-optional. 

8. Rio del Mar Beach

• Distance/Drive Time from San Jose, CA: 39.2 mi, 46 mins
• Best For: a quieter alternative to the beaches in the North in Capitola and Santa Cruz
• Amenities: Restrooms, bonfire pits, picnic tables, lifeguards (summer)
• Parking: $10
• Pets Allowed: Yes
• Accessibility: Drive-up

Rio del Mar Beach is located on the north end of Monterey Bay in the town of Aptos, which is part of a 31.5 mile stretch of sandy shoreline that is only broken up by Moss Landing channel entrance.

This stretch of beach is a popular alternative for those looking to escape the crowded beaches in Santa Cruz which is just 15 minutes away.

The relaxed vibe is perfect for a long walk along the shore or for a bonfire on the beach while watching the sunset.

Bring some binoculars, as this is an easy spot to watch the grey whales as they make their great migration up and down the coast.

9. Manresa State Beach

• Distance/Drive Time from San Jose, CA: 42.7 mi, 51 mins
• Best For: Those who want to go surfing, those looking for a dog-friendly beach
• Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables
• Parking: $10
• Pets Allowed: Yes (on a leash)
• Accessibility: Drive-up

Popular beaches on both sides of Manresa State Beach leave this expansive beach free from crowds. This, along with its well-maintained facilities, make this location a local favorite. 

This simple beach near San Jose is perfect for families who want to spend the day near the ocean.

The wide shores are perfect for walking, sunbathing, kite flying, and building sand castles. 

You can also bring your dog with you as long as you keep them on a leash. 

If you decide to go swimming, be extra cautious of sneaker waves and rip currents. As with all beaches in Northern California, expect the water to be chilly. 

Local tip: Wildlife viewing is amazing here. Migrating gray whales, bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, seals, and sea otters often make an appearance. 

10. Panther Beach (Hole in the Wall Beach)

• Distance/Drive Time from San Jose, CA: 41.1 mi, 52 mins
• Best For: Those looking for the best sunset views, those who want to explore tidepools, and those who want to go surfing. 
• Amenities: None
• Parking: Free
• Pets Allowed: No
• Accessibility: Hike-in (steep trail)

Panther Beach is not home to any kind of wild cat despite its name. Instead, you will find a nice patch of sand nestled up against golden sandstone cliffs. 

The hike down to this beach may be a bit challenging, but it is worth it. 

Wait for the tide to fall to know this beach’s secret. During low tides, a hole in the golden cliffs becomes visible and forms an archway to a more secluded area. 

This spot is clothing-optional and a great place to go tide-pooling.   

Before you leave, make sure not to leave anything behind aside from your footprints in the sand. 

Local tip: Pack your camera. From the amazing geological features to the crashing waves and breathtaking sunsets, this beach is a photographer’s heaven. 

11. Shark Fin Cove

• Distance/Drive Time from San Jose, CA: 42.2 mi, 53 mins
• Best For: Those looking for a quiet beach with free parking, those looking for a quiet beach away from the crowds with breathtaking views
• Amenities: Hiking trails
• Parking: Free
• Pets Allowed: No
• Accessibility: Hike-in (steep trail)

Named after the colossal rock formation located off the shore, Shark Fin Cove is a hidden gem surrounded by green cliffs and crashing waves. 

After viewing the fin from above, head down to the beach and explore everything it has to offer. 

The cove is small, but this does not diminish its beauty. Since this beach is not crowded, it is perfect for lazy afternoons in the sand while listening to the sounds of the ocean. 

This beach in the Bay area also has a sea cave that you can explore during low tide. 

Make sure to pack your camera to capture the amazing geological features of Shark Fin Cove.  

Local tip: The trail to the beach is steep and has no handrails. Wear sturdy shoes with traction to easily and safely hike down to the cove. If visiting in the early summer, stop by this strawberry farm for some fresh picked berries.

12. Gray Whale Cove State Beach

• Distance/Drive Time from San Jose, CA: 49.2 mi, 54 mins
• Best For: Those looking for a quiet beach with free parking, and breathtaking views 
• Amenities: Hiking trails
• Parking: Free
• Pets Allowed: No
• Accessibility: Hike-in (steep trail and steep stairway)

Despite being located in an area known as the “Devil’s Slide”’, Gray Whale Cove State Beach is a heavenly place tucked at the foot of a small valley. 

This beach is a great place to catch a glimpse of migrating gray whales. 

After admiring the view from above, make your way down the wooden stairwell and lounge at the tranquil beach. 

Spend some time enjoying the sun while listening to the crashing waves. 

Explore the area more by hiking the Gray Whale Cove trail. You can also visit the swing set on top of the bluff and view an old WWII bunker. 

Local tip: Despite being a state park, the north end of the beach is a clothing-optional area. Check it out if you are feeling adventurous. 

13. San Gregorio State Beach

• Distance/Drive Time from San Jose, CA: 44.4 mi, 58 mins
• Best For: Those wanting a beach picnic with sweeping views, those looking for a quiet beach away from the crowds
• Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables
• Parking: $8
• Pets Allowed: No
• Accessibility: Hike-in (steep trail)

If you are looking for a scenic spot where you can enjoy a picnic with your family and friends, head over to San Gregorio State Beach. 

Located on the bluff above the beach is a picnic area with an amazing birds-eye view of the shore, ocean, and surrounding cliffs.  

The best time to visit this location is during the summer when the sandy beach is at its fullest. 

A sandbar also forms at the mouth of San Gregorio Creek during this season and remains until fall. 

If you venture north of the creek, you will be able to find caves to explore and fossils to investigate in the sandstone cliffs. 

Local tip: Wear warm clothing when you visit this beach because it can be cold and foggy, especially during summer mornings. 

14. Pescadero State Beach

• Distance/Drive Time from San Jose, CA: 48.7 mi, 1 hr 2 mins
• Best For: Those who want to go tide pooling and birdwatching
• Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, and hiking trails
• Parking: $8
• Pets Allowed: No
• Accessibility: Drive-up

Are you looking for a beach close to San Jose, CA, with long sandy shores and less crowded? 

Take a stroll on Pescadero State Beach’s mile-long shoreline while checking out its tide pools and enjoying the fresh ocean breezes. 

You can also take a hike in the Pescadero Marsh, which is visited by over 230 species of birds. 

Leave your mark on this beach by building a driftwood sculpture and end your day by watching a glorious golden sunset. 

Local tip: Make sure to stop by Duarte’s Tavern, which is a 2-minute drive from the beach, for the famous Olallieberry pie.

15. Pomponio State Beach

• Distance/Drive Time from San Jose, CA: 46.5 mi, 1 hr
• Best For: Families with kids and those looking for a quiet beach away from the crowds 
• Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables
• Parking: $8
• Pets Allowed: No
• Accessibility: Hike-in

There are a lot of beaches close to San Jose that are beautiful, serene, and, most importantly, not crowded. 

Pomponio State Beach is no exception, as it is a quiet and peaceful place that is surrounded by lush hillsides and towering cliffs. 

The best activity you can do here is going on long beach walks. Walking northward will lead you to San Gregorio State Beach, and the south route will take you to Pescadero State Beach.

The best time to visit here is when the tide is low. The shores are on the narrow side, which is why it is best to go exploring when the water levels have gone down. 

Local tip: There are caves in the area that are only visible during low tide. Check the tide charts before your visit if you want to check them out.  

16. Waddell Beach

• Distance/Drive Time from San Jose, CA: 50.6 mi, 1hr 2 mins
• Best For: Those who want to go windsurfing and kite surfing 
• Amenities: Restrooms, hiking trails
• Parking: $8
• Pets Allowed: No
• Accessibility: Drive-up

If you are looking for beaches close to San Jose where they can enjoy extreme water sports, you should head to Waddell Beach. 

The steady winds blowing in this area make this spot a perfect location for wind and kite surfers.

This beach is also a popular surfing spot. If you are not interested in trying these extreme sports, watching the colorful kites from the shore is also a worthwhile activity. 

Big Basin Redwoods State Park is located across the highway, where you can enjoy hikes and birdwatching in the wetlands of Waddell Creek. 

Local tip: This beach is exposed to strong winds. Pitching tents and umbrellas are not impossible, but it will be very challenging. 

17. Año Nuevo State Park

• Distance/Drive Time from San Jose, CA: 54.3 mi, 1 hr 11 mins
• Best For: Those who want to go hiking, and go wildlife viewing 
• Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, hiking trails
• Parking: $10
• Pets Allowed: No
• Accessibility: Drive-up

If you enjoy wildlife viewing, you should plan a trip to Ano Nuevo State Park to catch a glimpse of the largest mainland breeding colony of northern elephant seals. 

The dunes and sandy beaches of the park are the perfect breeding locations for these giant mammals. 

The park boasts a diverse ecosystem serving as the habitat for numerous plant and animal species. 

If you are an avid birdwatcher, you will also love this location because it is part of a major bird migratory route. 

Instead of a swimsuit, the recommended outfit for this beach is layered clothing, hiking shoes, and a water bottle so that you can hike the Atkinson Bluff and Whitehouse Creek Trail loop. 

Local tip: If you want to view the northern elephant seals during their breeding season (December to March), book your tour tickets in advance because slots are limited. Reserve here!

18. Monterey State Beach

• Distance/Drive Time from San Jose, CA: 68.6 mi, 1 hr 5 mins
• Best For: Those who want a day at the beach away from the tourists in Monterey
• Amenities: Porta Potties, picnic tables,
• Parking: Free
• Pets Allowed: Yes
• Accessibility: Drive-up

Monterey State Beach offers a perfect diversion away from the touristy attractions, restaurants, and breweries around Cannery Row and the Old Fishermans Wharf.

The beach is very wide, with soft sand that is separated from the highway by large sand dunes, which offer a fun place to explore.

The beach is located across the bay from Monterey, and this beautiful stretch of beach offers a great view looking back at the city.

The only downside is that the facilities are very limited, with no picnic or BBQ facilities and porta potties for those that need a restroom.

The good news is that there are several great restaurants and two of Monterey’s best coffee shops within one mile of the beach.

19. Carmel Beach

• Distance/Drive Time from San Jose, CA: 75.1 mi, 1 hr 14 mins
• Best For: For watching the sunset after exploring the charming town of Carmel 
• Amenities: Restrooms, sitting benches, paved beach walk
• Parking: Free but limited
• Pets Allowed: Yes
• Accessibility: Drive-up

One of the best things to do in Monterey is to escape to the charming beach town of Carmel, which is located less than four miles away.

This gorgeous stretch of beach offers breathtaking sunsets and soft white sand, with a backdrop of windblown cypress trees that separate the ocean from the town.

The beach is flanked on one side by the Pebble Beach Golf Course and stretches one mile to the south end of the Carmel Bay.

The best way to get great views of the ocean is to go for a walk along the Carmel Beach Walk, which sits above the sand and snakes along the shore.

Make sure to stop by one of the coffee shops in Carmel to have something to sip on while watching the crashing waves.

San Jose Beaches Map

Click this Interactive Map to see the best beaches near San Jose, CA.

FAQs: Beaches in San Jose

What is the closest beach to San Jose?

While there is no beach in San Jose, the closest option is Santa Cruz Beach which is 33 miles away via Highway 17.

Santa Cruz is home to several amazing beaches, which are just are just a few miles further, including Mitchell’s Cove Beach, Seabright Beach, and Twin Lakes State Beach.

If you’re just looking to cool off, you can visit Cull Canyon, which is a popular man-made swimming hole with a sandy beach.

How far is San Jose, CA from the beach?

The nearest beach to San Jose is Santa Cruz Beach which is about 45 minutes away, depending on traffic.

If you are hunting for more secluded beaches, the travel time from the city should be around an hour. 

Does San Jose have a beach?

There are no beaches in San Jose, California. If you are a beach lover, you have nothing to worry about because there are a lot of beautiful beaches near the city that are less than an hour’s drive away. 

The Bay Area, including San Jose, is surrounded by multiple beaches that are easy to reach.

Wrap-Up: Beaches near San Jose, CA

Even though the city is located inland, beach lovers don’t have anything to worry about because there are a lot of beaches near San Jose, California. 

Whether you are going on a planned beach trip with your family or a spontaneous excursion with your friends in the capital of Silicon Valley, the sandy shores and crashing waves are less than an hour away. 

So grab your swimsuit and pack your bags; it’s time to go to the beach!

Related:

• Beaches near Sacramento
• Black Sand Beach in San Francisco