5 of the Best Beaches Near San Jose, California
Looking for the perfect beach day trip from San Jose? You’re in luck! With stunning spots like Santa Cruz and Carmel just a short drive away, there are plenty of amazing beaches to explore. Here are the 5 best beaches near San Jose, California that guarantee an unforgettable day by the ocean.
1. Santa Cruz Main Beach
Distance from San Jose: 32 miles (45 minutes)
Things to Do:
Santa Cruz’s Main Beach is a fun beach near San Jose and perfect for a day by the Pacific Ocean. The beach is great for lying in the sand, swimming, surfing, and playing beach volleyball. It is also near the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, an amusement park with fun rides like a wooden roller coaster, Ferris wheel, and gondola.
2. Natural Bridges
Distance from San Jose: 35 miles (approx. 45 minutes)
Things to do:
Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz is a stunning coastal park known for its unique rock formations, including the iconic natural bridge. The beach is a great spot for picnicking, tide pooling during low tide, and walking along the shore. From October to February, thousands of monarch butterflies migrate to the eucalyptus grove in the park, making it one of the best places to view these beautiful insects.
3. Pebble Beach
Distance from San Jose: 75.9 miles (approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes)
Things to do:
Pebble Beach Golf Course is located on the Monterey Peninsula and is one of the most famous golf courses in the world. It’s a prime location for spectacular ocean views, beautiful beaches, and amazing scenic drives along the 17-mile drive. This is a spectacular area to view some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
The 17-mile drive is on the way to Big Sur along Highway 1. Click here to check out my amazing day trip itinerary from San Francisco to Big Sur.
4. Carmel Beach
Distance from San Jose: 75 miles (approx. 1 hour 16 minutes)
Things to do:
Carmel Beach, located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, is a beautiful stretch of soft sand beach with lots of activities. From just relaxing to surfing and bodyboarding to checking out the tide pools, there are plenty of ways to have fun. This beach is also dog-friendly, so bring your dog along for the fun!
5. Half Moon Bay State Beach
Distance from San Jose: 41 miles (approx. 50 minutes)
Things to do:
Half Moon Bay State Beach is a scenic stretch of coastline comprising four beaches: Francis Beach, Venice Beach, Dunes Beach, and Roosevelt Beach. There are a variety of outdoor activities that visitors can enjoy, from hiking and horseback riding to sunbathing and swimming (though be aware that the water is cold and the rip currents can be strong). This beach also has great picnic areas to sit, eat, and enjoy the view. The town of Half Moon Bay, near both San Francisco and San Jose, offers many great things to do.
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