🏆 Official Guide: New Brighton State Beach — A popular coastal park in Capitola, California, featuring a blufftop campground with sweeping Monterey Bay views, a sandy beach, fossil-rich cliffs (Purisima Formation — ancient whale and shell fossils), the Pacific Migrations Visitor Center, and easy coastal walks to Capitola Village and Seacliff State Beach.
New Brighton State Beach sits on scenic bluffs above Monterey Bay near Capitola — one of California’s most charming beach towns. The park is a favorite for its tree-shaded blufftop campground with ocean views, its remarkable fossil cliffs, and its prime location for exploring the Santa Cruz coastline on foot.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 1500 Park Ave, Capitola, CA |
| Campsites | 100+ sites — tents + RVs (some premium ocean-view) |
| Beach | Sandy beach below bluffs |
| Fossils | Purisima Formation — ancient whale, snail, clam fossils |
| Dogs | Leashed in campground — NOT allowed on beach |
| Reservations | ReserveCalifornia — highly recommended |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Camping | 100+ blufftop sites in trees — ocean views, showers |
| Beach | Sandy beach — swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing |
| Fossil Hunting | Cliff fossils visible at low tide — collecting mammal fossils prohibited |
| Coastal Walks | Walk to Capitola Village or Seacliff State Beach at low tide |
| Wildlife Viewing | Otters, dolphins, whales visible from bluffs |
| Visitor Center | Pacific Migrations — natural + cultural history exhibits |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I collect fossils?
You can observe and photograph the remarkable fossils embedded in the Purisima Formation cliffs, but collecting mammal fossils is strictly prohibited in California state parks. Invertebrate fossils (shells, snails) may be collected in small quantities for personal, non-commercial use.
Can you walk to Capitola from the beach?
Yes — at low tide, you can walk the shoreline from New Brighton to Capitola Village (about 1 mile). The route involves navigating rocky areas, so check tide charts and wear sturdy footwear. The walk is not possible at high tide.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Seacliff State Beach (a short drive away) or The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at New Brighton State Beach
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Maximum 6-foot leash at all times; dogs may not be left unattended.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Dogs are prohibited on most state beaches; only beaches specifically designated as dog-allowed permit them (varies by park).
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are generally not allowed in buildings or cabins; overnight campers must keep dogs inside a tent or vehicle at night.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated dog-friendly trails and beaches vary park by park; misrepresenting a pet as a service animal is a misdemeanor.
Are dogs allowed at New Brighton State Beach?
Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.ca.gov. More: California state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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