Seacliff State Beach and SS Palo Alto
Iconic concrete shipwreck meets expansive sandy shores, offering unique photo ops and wildlife viewing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter family vibe
Seacliff State Beach and SS Palo Alto
Best Time
Quieter family vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic concrete shipwreck meets expansive sandy shores, offering unique photo ops and wildlife viewing.
"The ship wreck makes a great photo backdrop. Good place to walk the dog or bring the kids."
📸 Shipwreck Photo Op
The SS Palo Alto makes a great backdrop for photos.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Consider street parking if the main lot is full; it might be a short walk.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
SS Palo Alto (The Cement Ship)
Offshore, visible from the beach
An iconic, historic concrete tanker, now a unique landmark and artificial reef.
Seacliff State Beach
Aptos, California
Expansive sandy shores perfect for family strolls, beachcombing, and wildlife spotting.
Wildlife Viewing
Ocean waters and shoreline
Spot seals, otters, and potentially whales or great white sharks from the shore.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan for the Cement Ship
+1Parking and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Shipwreck Photo Op
The SS Palo Alto makes a great backdrop for photos.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Consider street parking if the main lot is full; it might be a short walk.
🚶♀️ Beach Access
Check for any closures on beach access points or bathrooms due to storm damage.
🍽️ Nearby Eats
Several casual dining options like pizza and Mexican food are available nearby.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Shipwreck Photo Op
The SS Palo Alto makes a great backdrop for photos.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Consider street parking if the main lot is full; it might be a short walk.
🚶♀️ Beach Access
Check for any closures on beach access points or bathrooms due to storm damage.
🍽️ Nearby Eats
Several casual dining options like pizza and Mexican food are available nearby.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Seacliff State Beach for its relaxing, family-friendly atmosphere and the unique visual of the SS Palo Alto shipwreck. Many enjoy the opportunity for wildlife viewing and the convenience of picnic areas. Some recent storm damage has affected the pier and facilities, and parking fees apply.
"I have been visiting this beautiful beach for years now. It’s so beautiful and so relaxing! 😎 it’s away from most tourist areas and had a nice family vibe. It’s usually more quiet after the Labor Day holiday. I come here to fish and relax with the family. If you are looking for food there’s a few places nearby pizza, Mexican food, and a pub! There are other places on the other side of the freeway as well."
Joe “Goldenkryptonite” Carrillo
"Very nice beach, clean and family friendly.
You need to pay $10 parking fees.
You can park next to the beach and the parking lot that you see next where you pay it is an over flow parking if you didn't find parking down next to the Beach you can go up again and park there and use the stairs to go down.
Bathrooms are clean and there is a lot of bathrooms.
Also there is a picnic tables first come first serve with shade they are amazing."
Hiba Hashlamoun
"Clean, narrow beach. Got video of a juvenile humpback whale feeding just offshore! At least two of the bathrooms are closed for maintenance (June 2025). Lots of picnic tables, many need maintenance. Amazing views from upper parking lot. Seals and otter play in the surf, and you can sometimes spot a young Great White shark."
Karen Tracey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Seacliff State Beach is located in Aptos, California, just south of Santa Cruz. You can reach it via Highway 1. The day-use parking lot is directly accessible from the highway.
Yes, there is a day-use parking lot with a fee. If the main lot is full, there's overflow parking further up, accessible via stairs down to the beach.
Overnight parking in the day-use lot is generally not permitted and may result in towing or ticketing. It's best to park on adjacent streets if you need to stay overnight.
From Highway 1, take the Seacliff State Beach exit. Follow the signs to the park entrance and the day-use parking area.
Information on public transport options can be limited. It's advisable to check local transit schedules or consider ride-sharing services if you are not driving.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a day-use parking fee. The cost is typically around $10, but it's always a good idea to check the official California State Parks website for the most current pricing.
Seacliff State Beach is generally open from dawn to dusk. However, specific hours for facilities like restrooms might vary.
No, the SS Palo Alto is unsafe and closed to the public. You can view it from the beach, but you cannot board it.
Dogs are generally allowed on Seacliff State Beach, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Always check local regulations for the most up-to-date rules.
No advance booking is typically required for day-use access. You pay the parking fee upon arrival.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy beachcombing, fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and simply relaxing on the sand. The shipwreck provides a unique backdrop for photos.
Restrooms are available, but some may be closed for maintenance or due to storm damage. It's wise to check current conditions if facilities are a priority.
Yes, it's considered family-friendly with a relaxed vibe, clean facilities, and plenty of space for kids to play. +1
You might spot seals, otters, and various seabirds. There's also a chance to see juvenile humpback whales or even young great white sharks.
Yes, there are numerous picnic tables, some with shade and barbecue grills, available on a first-come, first-served basis. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly within the state beach park. However, several casual dining options like pizza, Mexican food, and pubs are located nearby in Aptos.
Absolutely! Seacliff State Beach is a great spot for picnics. There are many picnic tables available, and you're welcome to bring your own food and beverages.
Grocery stores can be found in the nearby town of Aptos or in Santa Cruz, which is a short drive away, for stocking up on picnic supplies.
Yes, many of the picnic areas are equipped with barbecue grills, making it a perfect spot for a cookout. +1
Aptos offers a variety of casual eateries, including pizzerias, Mexican restaurants, and local pubs, providing convenient dining choices.
📸 📸 Photography
The SS Palo Alto shipwreck is the primary photographic subject. The upper parking lot also offers stunning panoramic ocean views.
Sunrise and sunset often provide beautiful lighting for the shipwreck and the ocean. Midday can be good for capturing the ship's unique texture.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with California State Parks for current rules and restrictions regarding drone operation in state parks.
Its unusual concrete construction and its history as a former amusement ship make it a distinctive and intriguing subject for photographers.
Yes, if you're lucky, you might capture images of seals, otters, or even marine life like whales or sharks from the shore.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep an eye on the water for marine life like seals and otters, which can be a thrilling sight for children.
📸 Photographers & History Buffs
The contrast between the decaying concrete ship and the natural beauty of the Monterey Bay is striking. The upper parking lot lookout also provides stunning panoramic ocean vistas. History enthusiasts will be fascinated by the story of the concrete tanker, its brief but varied past, and its current role as an artificial reef.
+1 While you can't get close to the ship, its presence alone is a powerful reminder of maritime history and engineering. Be sure to check the status of the pier, as its condition can affect viewing angles. 🎣 Anglers & Wildlife Enthusiasts
The waters here are rich with marine life, making it a great location for wildlife spotting. Look for seals and otters playing in the surf, and keep an eye on the horizon for migrating whales. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enigmatic SS Palo Alto: A Concrete Marvel
+2 It was intentionally grounded off Seacliff State Beach in 1929 and has since become a unique landmark and an artificial reef for marine life. Despite its historical significance, the ship is unsafe and closed to the public, so admire it from a distance. Recent storms have significantly impacted the ship and the pier that once connected to it. The pier was removed in 2023 after sustaining damage, altering the viewing experience.
+2 However, the SS Palo Alto remains a captivating subject for photographers and a testament to maritime history, offering a truly unique coastal sight. +1Visitors often express fascination with its unusual construction and its transformation from a functional vessel to a decaying, yet picturesque, relic. It's a reminder of a bygone era and a striking contrast against the natural beauty of the Monterey Bay.
+1Seacliff State Beach: More Than Just a Shipwreck
+1 The beach offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to some of the busier Santa Cruz attractions, making it a favorite for families and those seeking a peaceful escape. The beach is also a prime spot for wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for playful seals and otters in the surf, and with luck, you might even spot migrating whales or juvenile great white sharks offshore.
Recent storms have led to some closures and damage, particularly to the pier and some facilities. However, efforts are underway for cleanup and reconstruction, ensuring the beach remains a cherished spot for visitors.
The presence of picnic tables, some with shade and barbecue grills, makes it an ideal location for a family outing or a relaxed day by the sea. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit