New Brighton State Beach
🏆 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.
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