Cowell Beach

Cowell Beach is a large sandy beach on the west side of the Santa Cruz Wharf that is very popular for beach volleyball, lounging in the sun, or as a launch point for stand-up paddling. The beach is also known as a great place to learn how to surf, with many local surf schools based on the beach. The beach can get crowded with visitors on hot summer days. Lifeguards are on duty every day during the summer and on weekends in the Spring and Fall.