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
