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Courts are first come, first serve but reservations are encouraged.

Sun, sand and beach volleyball! Our courts will make your casual beach party or tournament a success. Eighteen (18) beach volleyball courts are available for rent on the Main Beach in Santa Cruz. All courts have professional grade nets and different heights for men and women. The courts are frequented by both amateur and professional players of the sport and host several national tournaments. Parking and restrooms are both located nearby on Beach St.

2024 Beach Volleyball Tournament Packet(PDF, 3MB)

Packet includes:

• Tournament Policy
• Facility Application
• Conditions of Use
• Court Map
• Insurance Requirements

Court Map(PDF, 397KB)

Courts on Main Beach may be used first come, first serve or reserved. Volleyball courts on Cowell Beach are first come, first serve only.

Court reservation requests must be made a minimum of 30 days in advance. Check court availability online or by calling 831-420-5270 during business hours.

When visiting our city beaches, please follow the rules below. Rules have been established to enhance your beach experience, preserve the environment and provide for your safety and the safety of others around you. Thank You!

• If you are driving to these beaches, to the Boardwalk or Wharf you might want a closer look at the roundabout at Ocean Street and Front Street.
• Propane and Butane barbecues are allowed if they have stable legs that can be raised six inches off the ground and the gas cylinder is not exceeding 20 pounds. As of 2016, coal-burning barbecues are not permitted.
• Glass is not allowed.
• Alcohol and Smoking are not allowed.
• Dogs and other Pets are prohibited.
• Please clean up after yourself so that others may enjoy the beauty of these beaches.
• Fireworks are not allowed.
• Open flames, including candles, tiki torches and Sky lanterns are not allowed.
• Camping is not permitted.
• Campfires are not allowed on Main or Cowell beaches. They are allowed in fire rings at the following State Beaches:
  • New Brighton State Beach: 831-464-6330
  • Twin Lakes State Beach: 831-427-4868
  • Seabright State Beach: 831-427-4868
• Wildlife is best left alone and unfed. If an animal is in distress or needs aid you can contact one of the following:
  • Marine Mammal Center: 831-633-6298
  • Native Animal Rescue: 831-462-0726

Reserve the beach for everything from sporting events to weddings or corporate events. Call 831-420-5270 or email us.

Visit the Fire Department website for Beach Wheelchair information.

Main Beach is open 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. Cowell Beach has a 12:00 am to one hour before sunrise curfew.

If you are driving to these beaches, to the Boardwalk or Wharf you might want a closer look at the roundabout at Ocean Street and Front Street.

A permit is required to conduct commercial surfing lessons in the City of Santa Cruz. For surf school regulations see Ordinance (13.14)(PDF, 43KB). Note that all surf schools are required to have their students and instructors wear colored vests while conducting lessons. Permitted surf schools with their vest colors are as follows:

• Adventure Out - Red
• Club Ed - Blue
• Richard Schmidt Surf School - Purple
• Surf School Santa Cruz - Gray

To report violations or for questions about concerns on the ordinance, call the Parks and Recreation Department at (831) 420-5270.

Parking

Amenities

• Public bathrooms
• Public transit nearby
• Lifeguards
• Rentals
• 18 Volleyball Courts

Visit the Fire Department website for Beach Wheelchair information.

Location

Lifeguard Headquarters
#1 Municipal Wharf
831-420-5715

Lifeguard Service

• Area serviced- Cowell Beach to the San Lorenzo River
• Summer Service- Memorial Day-Labor Day- Daily from 10AM-7PM
• Spring Service- Easter- Memorial Day- weekends 10AM-7PM
• Fall Service- Labor Day-October- weekends 10AM-7PM

Service hours may vary depending on the weather conditions.

Launching Personal Non-Motorized Vessels (Three Areas)

You may launch from Cowell Beach as follows:

• Launches are permitted depending upon launch conditions, and at the discretion of the Lifeguard on Duty
• Launches, as allowed, shall be performed at the far west end of Cowell Beach to the right of the post marked “SUP”
• Once launched, watercraft shall proceed upon the most direct course out of the designated swim area marked with swim buoys
• Upon returning to shore the same route shall be followed
• No Launching is permitted when the “Black Ball Flag” is flying from Lifeguard Tower

You may launch from Main Beach as follows:

• Launches are permitted depending upon launch conditions, and at the discretion of the Lifeguard on Duty
• Launches, as allowed, shall be performed directly in front of the Ideal Bar & Grill deck
• Once launched, watercraft shall proceed upon the most direct course out of the designated swim area marked with swim buoys
• Upon returning to shore the same route shall be followed
• No Launching is permitted when the “Black Ball Flag” is flying from Lifeguard Tower

You may launch seasonally from the Wharf as follows:

• From Public Landing #1 located across from Santa Cruz Boat Rentals
• Launching and docking at Public Landing #1 may only be performed during hours of daylight (one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset)
• The Public Landing is typically operational April – October, depending upon ocean conditions
• Please call Wharf Headquarters to confirm the dock is accessible (831-420-5725)

Please exercise caution and check ocean conditions prior to launching your vessel

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