SeacliffState Beach - California |
Seacliff State Beach is a state beach park on Monterey Bay, in the town of Aptos, Santa Cruz County, California. It is located off Highway 1 on State Park Drive, about 5 miles (8 km) south of Santa Cruz. The beach is most known for the concrete ship SS Palo Alto lying in the water. North of Seacliff State Beach is New Brighton State Beach.
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location
maps
Boundary Map of the Mother Lode BLM Field Office area in California. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Vintage 1948 USGS 1:250000 Map of Santa Cruz in California. Published by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Vintage 1947 USGS 1:250000 Map of San Jose in California. Published by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Vintage 1957 USGS 1:250000 Map of San Francisco in California. Published by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
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https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=543
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seacliff_State_Beach
Seacliff State Beach is a state beach park on Monterey Bay, in the town of Aptos, Santa Cruz County, California. It is located off Highway 1 on State Park Drive, about 5 miles (8 km) south of Santa Cruz. The beach is most known for the concrete ship SS Palo Alto lying in the water. North of Seacliff State Beach is New Brighton State Beach.
Seacliff &
New Brighton
State Beaches
Our Mission
The mission of California State Parks is
to provide for the health, inspiration and
education of the people of California by helping
to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological
diversity, protecting its most valued natural and
cultural resources, and creating opportunities
for high-quality outdoor recreation.
Long stretches of bluffbacked sandy beaches
invite visitors to play
on the beach, watch a
glorious sunset, or stroll
peacefully along the shore.
California State Parks supports equal access.
Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who
need assistance should contact the park at
(831) 685-6500. If you need this publication in an
alternate format, contact interp@parks.ca.gov.
CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001
For information call: (800) 777-0369
(916) 653-6995, outside the U.S.
711, TTY relay service
www.parks.ca.gov
Seacliff State Beach
201 State Park Drive, Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 685-6500
New Brighton State Beach
Park Avenue off Hwy. 1, Capitola, CA 95010
(831) 464-6329
© 2002 California State Parks (Rev. 2016)
A
t Seacliff State Beach, a
mile-long expanse of soft sand
connects this popular recreation
spot with New Brighton State Beach,
where wooded bluffs provide
unparalleled views of Monterey
Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
AREA HISTORY
The Ohlone Indians thrived for thousands
of years on the area’s natural resources.
The riches of the ocean, rivers, and forests
provided plentiful sources of food—from
fish, shellfish, and game to edible plants
and seeds. Their numbers were severely
reduced by illness and cultural changes
brought to California by European settlers,
yet some Ohlone descendants continue
their ancient traditions and crafts today.
Spanish colonization led to the
establishment of Mission Santa Cruz. After
Mexico broke away from Spain in 1821, the
land was subdivided into Mexican land
grants (ranchos).
SEACLIFF STATE BEACH
Known by 1833 as Rancho Aptos, Seacliff
developed into a bustling shipping port with
the building of the Castro-Spreckels wharf.
During the mid-1920s, landowners built
summer homes on the bluffs above Seacliff
and the area to its south, Rio del Mar. On the
north side of Seacliff, 1920s tourists enjoyed
upscale camping facilities.
Seacliff became one of California’s first
state beaches in 1931. For more than 80
thwarting future plans for
expansion. Today, the stripped,
abandoned SS Palo Alto is unsafe
and closed to the public, as is
part of the pier near the ship.
NEW BRIGHTON STATE BEACH
In the 1850s, Thomas Fallon
SS Palo Alto
acquired part of Rancho Soquel
years, beachfront camping, picnicking,
and turned it into a resort he named New
fishing, and interpretive walks have been
Brighton, in honor of his favorite English
among the park’s most popular activities.
seaside retreat. New Brighton became
a state beach in 1933. Fishing, camping,
THE CEMENT SHIP
hiking, and swimming are now favorite family
Seacliff’s famous fishing pier extends out to
activities at New Brighton State Beach.
a unique concrete tanker, the SS Palo Alto. It
New Brighton, once known as China
was built during World War I, when wartime
Beach, was the site of a driftwood Chinese
steel shortages created a demand for alternate
fishing village during the 1870s and 1880s.
shipbuilding materials. However, when the
The village inhabitants proved invaluable
war ended, so did the need for new ships.
in building the California railroads, and
The SS Palo Alto never saw wartime service.
the village of China Beach provided fish,
In 1930 the Seacliff Amusement
produce, laundries, chefs, and laborers.
Corporation bought the ship and turned it
New settlers took the village away from the
into an elaborate amusement center. The SS
Chinese, and laws were passed to make it
Palo Alto was brought to rest in shallow water
illegal for the Chinese to fish, so the Chinese
near the beach, and a pier was built leading
moved south to Watsonville and beyond.
to the ship’s main deck.
A neon sign at the top of the bluff
WILDLIFE HABITATS
at Seacliff simply read The Ship.
Much as a reef does, the SS Palo Alto
Thousands dined at the Fish Palace
attracts an immense variety of marine
onboard, with its spectacular ocean view
life within its concrete wreckage, and
on three sides. In the elegant Rainbow
many of the same animals found on
Ballroom, diners then danced on a new
rocky shores live on it. Mussels,
white ash floor. Unfortunately, the
barnacles, sea stars, sea
Seacliff Amusement Corporation
anemones, ocean worms,
went bankrupt after only two
seasons of dining and dancing,
Sooty shearwater
Photo courtesy of NOAA
and rock crabs all cling to the sides and insides
of the ship and pier. Harbor seals and sea lions
line the deck, while pelicans and cormorants
perch on the bow. Pier anglers catch sole,
flounder, mackerel, halibut, lingcod, cabezon,
bocaccio (tomcod), kingfish, and occasionally
salmon and steelhead. During summer and
fall, sooty
Playas Estatales
Seacliff &
New Brighton
Nuestra Misión
La misión de California State Parks es proporcionar
apoyo para la salud, la inspiración y la educación
de los ciudadanos de California al ayudar a
preservar la extraordinaria diversidad biológica
del estado, proteger sus más valiosos recursos
naturales y culturales, y crear oportunidades para
la recreación al aire libre de alta calidad.
Los tramos largos de
playa arenosa con riscos
de fondo invitan a los
visitantes a jugar en la
playa, ver una gloriosa
puesta del sol o pasear en
California State Parks apoya la igualdad de
acceso. Antes de llegar, los visitantes con
discapacidades que necesiten asistencia
deben comunicarse con el parque llamando
al (831) 685-6500. Si necesita esta publicación
en un formato alternativo, comuníquese con
interp@parks.ca.gov.
CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001
Para obtener más información, llame al:
(800) 777-0369 o (916) 653-6995, fuera de los
EE. UU. o 711, servicio de teléfono de texto.
www.parks.ca.gov
Seacliff State Beach
201 State Park Drive, Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 685-6500
New Brighton State Beach
Park Avenue off Hwy. 1, Capitola, CA 95010
(831) 464-6329
© 2002 California State Parks (Rev. 2016)
paz a lo largo de la orilla.
E
n la Playa Estatal Seacliff,
una extensión de una milla de
arena suave conecta este punto
popular de recreación con la
Playa Estatal New Brighton,
donde riscos arbolados ofrecen
vistas incomparables del
Santuario Marino Nacional de
la Bahía de Monterrey.
HISTORIA DEL ÁREA
Los indígenas Ohlone prosperaron por miles
de años a base de los recursos naturales
del área. Las riquezas del océano, los ríos
y los bosques proporcionaban recursos
abundantes de alimento: desde pescado,
moluscos y animales de cacería a plantas
y semillas comestibles. Sus números se
vieron gravemente reducidos por las
enfermedades y los cambios culturales que
trajeron a California los colonos europeos;
sin embargo, algunos descendientes de
los Ohlone continúan sus tradiciones y
artesanías antiguas actualmente.
La colonización española llevó al
establecimiento de la Misión Santa Cruz.
Después de que México se separó de
España en 1821, el terreno se dividió en
concesiones mexicanas de tierra (ranchos).
PLAYA ESTATAL SEACLIFF
Conocida hacia 1833 como Rancho Aptos,
Seacliff se desarrolló como un puerto
bullicioso de envíos con un edificio del
embarcadero Castro-Spreckels. A mediados
de la década de los veinte del siglo pasado,
En 1930, la Corporación de
Entretenimiento de Seacliff
(Seacliff Amusement Corporation)
compró el barco y lo convirtió
en un centro elaborado de
entretenimiento. El SS Palo Alto
se trajo para dejarlo en las aguas
SS Palo Alto
poco profundas cerca de la playa,
y se construyó un muelle que
llevaba a la cubierta principal del barco.
los terratenientes construyeron casas de
Una señal de neón en la parte superior
verano en los riscos que se encuentran
del risco en Seacliff indica simplemente
sobre Seacliff y en el área al sur, Río del
“The Ship” (“El barco”). Miles cenaron
Mar. En el lado norte de Seacliff, los turistas
en el restaurant Fish Palace a bordo,
de la década de los veinte del siglo pasado
con su vista espectacular del océano en
disfrutaban de instalaciones de lujo
tres lados. En el elegante salón de baile
para acampar.
Rainbow Ballroom, los comensales bailaban
Seacliff se convirtió en una de las primeras
después sobre un suelo nuevo de color
playas estatales de California en 1931. Por
fresno blanco. Desafortunadamente, la
más de 80 años, acampar frente al mar, hacer
Corporación de Entretenimiento de Seacliff
picnics, pescar y los paseos interpretativos
se declaró en bancarrota después de solo
han estado entre las actividades más
dos temporadas de cenas y bailes, lo que
populares del parque.
frenó los planes futuros de expansión.
EL BARCO DE CEMENTO
Actualmente, el SS Palo alto se encuentra
El famoso muelle de pesca de Seacliff
desvencijado y abandonado, no es seguro y
se extiende hasta un tanquero único
se encuentra cerrado al público, al igual que
de concreto, el SS Palo Alto. Fue
la parte del muelle cerca del barco.
construido durante la primera guerra
PLAYA ESTATAL NEW BRIGHTON
mundial, cuando la escasez de acero
debido a la guerra creó una demanda
En la década de los cincuenta del siglo
de materiales alternativos para construir
XIX, Thomas Fallon adquirió parte del
barcos. Sin Embargo, cuando terminó
Rancho Soquel y lo convirtió en un
la guerra, también terminó la
complejo al que llamó New
necesidad de barcos nuevos.
Brighton, en honor de su
El SS Palo Alto nunca prestó
servicio durante la guerra.
Pardela oscura
Foto cortesía de la NOAA
lugar de retiro en Inglaterra al lado del mar.
New Brighton pasó a ser una playa estatal en
1933. Pescar, acampar, ir de excursión y nadar
son actualmente las actividades familiares
favoritas en la Playa Estatal New Brighton.
New Brighton, una vez conocida como China
Beach, era el sitio de una aldea pesquera de
chinos duran
New Brighton State Beach
1500 Park Avenue, Capitola CA 95010
Information (831) 685-6442
New Brighton State Beach is a popular 93-acre campground and beach on the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary in
the city of Capitola. The bluff top campground and beach day-use areas center around aquatic activity. The small
protected pocket beach is perfect for swimming, kayaking, sunbathing, beach walking and surf fishing.
With over 100 developed campsites, hook-up sites for RVs, a visitor center/museum, campfire center and large
beach parking lot for day use, New Brighton State Beach has remained a favorite destination for generations.
CAMPGROUND RULES AND REGULATIONS
PARK FEES are due and payable upon entry into
the park. Fees include entry for one vehicle and one
legally towed vehicle/trailer. Additional vehicles not
towed in will be charged an extra vehicle fee.
Campers registering with discount passes—e.g.
Disabled Discount Pass (DDP) or Distinguished
Veteran Pass (POW)—must present discount card
and picture ID at check-in time. Discount pass holder
must be present when registering and while camping.
Registration tags are non-transferable. Day use
passes are not valid in campground.
OCCUPANCY is limited to eight people per campsite.
The maximum consecutive stay is seven days. When
the maximum stay is over, the person(s), equipment,
and/or vehicle(s) must vacate the campground for a
period of 48 hours before returning.
PARKING: Campsites are designed to accommodate
a maximum of two vehicles. Vehicles must be parked
completely inside the campsite with all four wheels
on the pavement to prevent damage to tree roots and
plants. Additional vehicles may be parked in the overflow
lots at the campfire center or near the visitor center.
HOOK-UP SITES and premium bluff-top sites are
available for an additional fee.
No effluent, gray or fresh water may be discharged
onto the ground. Do not wash vehicles or hose down
campsite. Recreational Vehicles (RVs) may use the
sanitation station near the visitor center to discharge
waste and fill water tanks.
CHECK-OUT TIME is noon. Check-in time is 2 p.m.
Campers arriving early will be directed to park in the
beach day-use lot until the site is verified empty
(usually after the noon camp check). When checking
out early, campers should inform entrance station staff
to receive a refund for unused days.
SPEED LIMIT: The maximum speed limit is 15 mph.
Please remember that California Vehicle Codes apply
to all roadways within the park. Please drive safely.
VALUABLES: Keep all valuables locked up and out of
sight. Portable generators should not be left outside at
night. Please report all suspicious activity to park staff.
DOGS must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet
and under human control at all times. Dogs must be
confined to a vehicle or tent at night. Please clean up
after your pets.
QUIET HOURS are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Generators
may be operated only between the hours of 10 a.m.
and 8 p.m.
FIRES/FIREWOOD: Fires are allowed only in stateprovided fire rings. Beach bonfires are permitted in
seasonally placed, state-provided fire rings. Firewood
is available for purchase from the camp host. Do not
gather firewood in the park.
ALCOHOL and glass containers are not allowed
beyond your campsite. No alcohol is allowed on
the beach.
RESERVATIONS can be made up to seven months
in advance by calling (800) 444-7275 or by visiting
our website at www.parks.ca.gov.
Unreserved campsites will be sold first-come,
first-served.
Discover the many states of California.TM
CAMPING RESERVATIONS: You may make camping reservations by calling (800) 444-7275 (TTY 800-274-7275).
To make online reservations, visit our website at www.parks.ca.gov
ALTERNATE FORMAT: This publication can be made available in alternate formats.
Contact interp@parks.ca.gov or call (916) 654-2249.
New Brighton State Beach
Your Site # __________
CAMPGROUND IS OFF-LIMITS FOR DAY USE
LEGEND
##
Accessible Campsite
Entrance
Station
Oak
Accessible Feature
Service
Yard
Trail
Potable
Water
Bike Campsite
Campfire Center
CH
45
44
46
Camp Host
Visitor
Center
Group Campsite
Hookup Site
(campground 47
overflow ) 48
49
52
Parking
Premium Campsite
Restrooms
67
66
68
RV Sanitation Station
Showers
Trail
69
Train Tracks
Map not to scale
62
59
77
71 72 74
78
76
73 75
se
t Tr
ai l
65
63
61
57
93 92
94 95
111
110 34
109 108
31
107
30
50
106
51 96 97
105
27
53 98
104 25
99 100
102
101
103
23
58
84 83
86 85 89
80 81
87 88 90
79 82
Beach Trail
un
Be
Da
yU
ach se
Lot
70
64
60
54
55
56
2
CH
S
Beach
91
(campground
overflow )
Special Event
Ramada
5
4
3
1
9
36
38
29
28
7
8
35
33
32
26
24
6
40
37
39
41 11
12
42
13
43
15
18
19
1
10
2
3
14
17 16
20
22 21
Edge of bluffs
Manresa State Beach
Sunset State Beach
Pacific Ocean
For Emergencies Dial
9-1-1.
© 2011 California State Parks
Seacliff State Beach
201 State Park Drive, Aptos, CA 95003
Information (831) 685-6442
Seacliff State Beach is one of the most popular beachfront campgrounds in California. Home of the 435 foot S.S.
Palo Alto, Seacliff State Beach campground offers RV campers 26 full hookup sites and 37 non-hookup sites. With
nearly two miles of shoreline on the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary, a visitor center museum, fishing pier, and
group picnic area with barbecue grills, it’s no wonder Seacliff State Beach is such a favorite destination!
CAMPGROUND RULES AND REGULATIONS
PARK FEES are due and payable upon entry into the
camp at the same time in a single campsite. Awnings,
park. Fees include entry for one vehicle and one legally
bumpers and camping equipment must not extend
towed vehicle/trailer. Additional vehicles not towed in
over or into the walkway, roadway or adjacent sites.
will be charged an extra vehicle fee.
The maximum consecutive stay is seven days.
Campers registering with discount passes—e.g.
When the maximum stay is over, the person(s),
Disabled Discount Pass (DDP) or Distinguished Veteran
equipment, and/or vehicle(s) must vacate the
Pass (POW)—must present discount card and picture ID
campground for a period of 48 hours before returning.
at check-in time. Discount pass holder must be present
NON-RESERVATION SITES: A limited number of
when registering and while camping.
non-hook up campsites are sold by lottery each day
Campers must have Recreational Vehicles (RVs)
at 12:30 p.m. Prospective campers must be present
present when registering for a campsite. Registration
with their RVs before noon to sign up for the lottery.
tags are non-transferable. Day use passes are not valid
Remaining campsites will be first-come, first-served.
in campground.
SPEED LIMIT: The maximum speed limit is 15 mph.
CHECK-OUT TIME is noon. Check-in time is 2 p.m. When
When pedestrians are present even 15 mph might be
checking out early, campers should inform entrance
too fast. Use good judgment.
station staff to receive a refund for unused days.
DOGS must be kept on a leash no longer than six
RECREATIONAL VEHICLES (RVs): Only selffeet and under human control at all times. Dogs must
contained RVs are allowed in the campground. Selfbe confined to a vehicle or tent at night. Please clean
contained is defined by permanent working plumbing
up after your pets.
fixtures, flushable toilets and completely sealed,
QUIET HOURS are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Generators
permanently affixed fresh, gray and black water tanks.
may be operated only between the hours of 10 a.m.
Porta-potties, cassette toilets and portable holding
and 8 p.m.
tanks are not allowed.
FIRES: Fire rings in campsite must be raised up off
No effluent, gray or fresh water may be dumped
the ground to prevent damage to the asphalt. No
onto the ground. Do not wash vehicles or hose
fires on the beach. Beach bonfires are permitted in
down campsites.
state-provided fire rings seasonally placed at Rio del
HOOKUP SITES: Maximum RV length is 45 feet. RVs
Mar and New Brighton State Beaches.
must be backed in. For non-hookup sites, the maximum
ALCOHOL and glass containers are not allowed
RV length is 35 feet in Lot A and 45 feet in Lots B and C.
beyond your campsite.
Water and a sanitation station are available at nearby
New Brighton State Beach. Campers must bring their
DAY USE offers beach access, restrooms, outdoor
own raised fire rings and picnic tables.
showers and picnic tables. Day use is open from
8 a.m. to sunset.
OCCUPANCY/PARKING: Only one RV and a maximum
of eight persons allowed per campsite. No two RVs may
Discover the many states of California.TM
CAMPING RESERVATIONS: You may make camping reservations by calling (800) 444-7275 (TTY 800-274-7275).
To make online reservations, visit our website at www.parks.ca.gov
ALTERNATE FORMAT: This publication can be made available in alternate formats.
Contact interp@parks.ca.gov or call (916) 654-2249.
Seacliff State Beach
ites
LO
TC
Bea
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LO
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Oc
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Parking
Beach Gate
Trail
TB
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Fishing
Food Service
Camp
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LO
Pa
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eP
Camp
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Sta
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To
Ne
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righ
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Sta
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LEGEND
To Hwy 1
ark
Dr
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Visitor
Center
Da
Restrooms
Swimming
Park
Entrance
yU
n
Picnic Area
Corporation
Yard
se
Trail
Old
Ramada
Staircase
Moosehead
Trail
Maps not to scale
To Santa Cruz
te
Sta
k
Par
Dr.
All restrooms and most
campsites are accessible.
Accessible parking is
available in all lots.
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Beach
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