Manresa Uplands State Beach & Campground

Surf camp was fun. Lots of families. The squirrels will steal your food if you are not careful, cotton tails. I've dolphins and otters out in the water, too. Quarter operated hot showers great for saving water.

First time at this beach, and it was pretty awesome. The stairs to the beach from the parking are a workout, to be honest. I'm not sure if there's easier access to get down if you have elderly. Water is cold but not freezing. Love to see the shells, rocks, and seaweed wash up on the shore, reminds me of the beaches in Hawaii. Killer view from the benches at the top before going down those stairs. It's better than Sunset Beach, and I think we'll be going to Manresa a lot more often.

This beach is more expansive and quiet compared to other beaches. I love the extra layers of rough waves here as well. However, when the waves meet the sand they calm to the likeness of a lake in some areas. There are some people fishing off the coast here. And sunsets are breathtaking... NOTE: When driving here & parking in the parking lot, you will need to be able to walk down & "feel the burn" up 175 stairs to enjoy this beach.

Loved this place but bring a Wagon! Here are my pros and cons: Pros: Clean bathrooms and Showers. However, there is no change machine and it only takes quarters and hot water is more like Luke warm. There is a store at KOA campground up the road opened until 8pm if you need change, food or ice. Great ocean views if you get a site facing the ocean. I stayed in spot #14 one night and loved it. This place has Lots of wild life, falcons, rabbits, squirrels, coyotes. There’s also a private beach that’s about 5-10min walk. Also your pass gets you into other state beaches, I recommend Manresa Beach about a 5min drive up the road. Cons: Bring a wagon/cart! There is no parking at your site. I didn’t know that and it took about 4 trips to get all my stuff to my space lol. There is a parking lot to temporary unload but you leave your car overnight in the upper parking lot which is just a few minutes away from your camping site depending on where you are. Some sites are very close to each other or smaller than others. Spot #24 was not my fav, it was not private and had too many walkways where kids and people just walked through my site. Sites that face the ocean like #13, 14, 15 are more private but overall most spaces are crowded to each other. Also it gets really moist in the morning and night, so recommend to cover your tent with a tarp to prevent extra moisture. But even with these minor cons, I loved this campground. Beautiful views, great beaches, and lots of wild life. Will definitely come back:)

A hidden gem with access to a great beach, just 15 minutes South of Santa Cruz. Choose your site carefully as some of the sites lack privacy (too close to another site or on a path to the showers/bathrooms). Showers require quarters to encourage water conservation (a great idea but I haven't carried change for several years now). Loved being lulled to sleep by the waves and recommend an October stay because of the luck of fog and with a little luck the absence of rain. P.S. The map you receive on check-in show a set of stairs to the beach. These were washed long ago. Use the beach trail instead.