The best walks and hikes around Seacliff

Dog policies vary by park. While dogs are generally permitted on leash on the paved path at Seacliff State Beach, they are not allowed on the beach itself. For more extensive, dog-friendly hiking, The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park allows dogs on leash on the main fire roads, but not on the narrower single-track trails.

Seacliff State Beach has a paid day-use parking lot. However, it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Some street parking is available in the nearby residential areas of Aptos and Rio Del Mar, but be sure to check for any posted restrictions. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.

Yes, the Seacliff area offers several easy walks perfect for families. The Seacliff State Beach Pier loop from Rio Del Mar is a gentle 2.6-mile (4.2 km) stroll along the coast, offering great views of Monterey Bay. It's mostly flat and suitable for all ages.

Yes, you can find waterfalls within The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. The hike to Bridge Creek waterfalls is a popular choice, though it's a more challenging 10.6-mile (17.1 km) trek. The reward is a series of beautiful, cascading falls in a lush forest setting.

They offer very different experiences. Hiking at Seacliff State Beach consists of flat, coastal walks along sandy shores and paved paths with open ocean views. In contrast, The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park provides a shaded, woodland environment with trails that wind through redwood groves and follow creek beds, featuring more significant elevation changes.

Absolutely. For a challenging loop, the Wooden Bridge Over Aptos Creek – Terrace Trail loop from Seacliff is a 12.2-mile (19.7 km) route that takes you through varied terrain. For a much shorter and easier option, the Sunset/Beach Trail loop at nearby Brighton State Beach is a lovely 0.7-mile (1.2 km) walk.

Yes, The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is the place to go to see redwoods. The park is home to second-growth redwood groves, and many of its trails, especially those along Aptos Creek, will take you through beautiful stands of these towering trees.

The ship is the S.S. Palo Alto, a concrete-hulled tanker built for World War I that was never used in battle. After the war, it was towed to Seacliff and repurposed as an amusement pier with a dance hall and cafe. Today, only the deteriorating hull remains as a landmark and an artificial reef for marine life. The pier leading to it was removed after severe storm damage in 2023.

The trails in this region are highly regarded by the komoot community, with over 1,000 visitors contributing to an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the mix of scenic coastal walks and the serene, forested paths through the nearby redwood groves.

Any of the coastal bluff or beach trails at Seacliff State Beach offer fantastic, unobstructed views of the sunset over Monterey Bay. The Sea Cliff Coastal Bluff Trail in nearby Del Mar is another popular spot, known for its elevated perspective as the sun dips below the horizon.

There's a wide variety of trails to explore, with over 60 routes mapped on komoot. These range from short, easy beach walks to more strenuous, difficult hikes in the adjacent state parks, offering something for every fitness level.

Seacliff State Beach experienced significant damage from storms in early 2023. The historic pier leading to the S.S. Palo Alto was destroyed and has been removed, and parts of the campground and seawall were also impacted. While the beach is open, it's wise to check the official Seacliff State Beach website for the latest updates on facility access before your visit.