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Manresa State Beach

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Manresa has two entrance stations, one for day use beach access ONLY (Manresa Main) and the other for campground access and beach day use access (Manresa Uplands).

Manresa Main (DAY USE ONLY)

1445 San Andreas Road 

Watsonville, CA 95076

(831) 724-3750

FEES - There is a $10 vehicle day-use fee. [Regular Sized Auto: $10 (Senior $9, age 62 or older); Bus Parking (10-24 passengers): $50; Bus Parking (25+ passengers): $100]

Manresa Uplands (CAMPGROUND & DAY USE)

205 Manresa Uplands Road

Watsonville, CA 95076

(831) 761-1795

CAMPING—Tents only, no RVs. Campgrounds are open seasonally; mid-May through September. Parking for over 60 walk-in tent sites at Manresa Uplands is in a separate lot near the campground, vehicles are not allowed in the campgrounds. Pets must not be left unattended in campsites. One vehicle is included in camping fees. Additional funds may be collected on site for up to ONE additional vehicle at a nightly rate. Visit Reserve California to make campsite reservations.

General Information:

Manresa State Beach rewards visitors with sweeping views of bluff-backed sand and sea, including the Santa Cruz Mountains to the northwest and the forested hills of the Monterey Peninsula to the southwest. Sunset and Manresa state beaches are approximately one mile apart on Highway 1.

FISHING—Starry flounder, California halibut, barred surf perch, striped bass and surf smelt can be caught at Manresa. A sport-fishing license is required.

PICKNICKING— There are picnic tables along the top of the bluff which offer panoramic ocean views.

OCEAN SAFETY - dangerous rip currents, frigid water and deep offshore drop offs make surfing and swimming hazardous for any but the most experienced surfers.

ALCOHOL - is not permitted on the beach or in the day-use area.

DOGS - are allowed on a leash at Manresa State Beach. Dogs are allowed in the campground on a six-foot maximum leash. For a list of other locations you can take your dog in Santa Cruz County, please click here.

FIRES - are allowed only in park fire rings.

DRONES - are not allowed in the park. To protect wildlife and cultural resources, and for the safety and welfare of visitors and staff, the park is closed to the use of Model Aircraft, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), and Gliders in flight.

WESTERN SNOWY PLOVERS - use both Sunset and Manresa state beaches and their foredune areas for nesting, rearing of young, and winter habitat. This bird builds its nest directly on the beach sands. Disturbing a posted plover nesting area is a violation of federal law.

BEACH WHEELCHAIR - Available upon request on a first come, first served basis

Additional Information

Good For
Families
Dogs
Wheelchairs
Activities
Hiking
Windsurfing
Geocaching
Body Surfing
Birdwatching
Dog Walking
Fishing
Fat Biking
Picnicking
Road Biking
Sightseeing
Walking
Stand-up Paddling
Tent Camping
Whale Watching
Wildlife Watching
Rules & Regulations
Dogs Permitted With Restrictions
Dogs On Leash
Fishing Permits Required
Junior Lifeguard Program
Special Event Permits
Club Ed Surf Camp

The beach at Manresa Uplands State Park Campground is where Club Ed campers make their home for a week of surfing and camping. A special place to Club Ed because the waves are very consistent, and out of the way from the general summer crowds.

Club Ed Surf Camp Website

surf@club-ed.com

831-464-0177

Campground Host Volunteer Opportunities

Manresa Uplands State Beach & Campground 

Santa Cruz District is looking for enthusiastic campground host. The campground is nestled in 200’ high sand dunes, sprinkled with coyote brush, coastal sagebrush, and lizard tail plants overlooking the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary. The campground site is developed and has full hook-ups. If you are interested in becoming a camp or maintenance host for Manresa Uplands State Beach and Campground please send your VIPP Application to us via e-mail; SouthPajaroCH@parks.ca.gov.

Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks (Friends) is a vital partner with California State Parks, creatively working to ensure our cherished local parks and beaches are thriving and available to all. Friends’ innovative and collaborative community partnership provides support and investment for education, equity and inclusion, conservation, facilities improvements, historic preservation and cultural events.

Seasonal Employment Opportunities

State Parks relies upon the hard work of seasonal employees, and a seasonal position is a great way to begin a career with State Parks. The Santa Cruz District of California State Parks includes parks along the coast from Watsonville to Daly City and parks in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The Santa Cruz District hires Interpretive/Public Education employees in the springtime to work in the campgrounds during the summer and hires Maintenance and Visitor Assistance employees year-round according to park operational need. These listings are for Interpretation/Public Education, Maintenance and Visitor Assistance positions in the Santa Cruz District of California State Parks.

For further job information in the Santa Cruz District, please call the district office at (831) 335-6318.

Santa Cruz District employment opportunities

Visitor Service Aide with Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks Job Opportunities

Visitor Service Operations with California State Parks

Create a CalCareers account to apply online

Fill out a Standard State Application to apply in person or e-mail applications to SantaCruz.Seasonals@parks.ca.gov

Maintenance Aide

For more information call (831) 335-6318.

Seasonal Interpreter

The Santa Cruz District recruits seasonal interpreters in early spring, to work during the summer (mid-May through Labor Day in September). Interpreters provide high quality educational experiences for the public by researching, developing, promoting, and conducting natural and cultural history programs.

Flexible part-time to full-time work.

For more information, email SCD.Interp@parks.ca.gov.

Hours of Operation

8 AM to Sunset

Overview

  • Get Directions
    2096.29 mi Away
  • Lat/Lng
    36.92536, -121.85765
  • Size
    144.85 Acres

Contact Information