🏆🏆🏆 Concrete Ship Beach — Sandy beach with the remains of a WWII concrete ship and a famous fishing pier
Seacliff State Beach in Aptos features a wide sandy beach with one of the most unusual attractions on the California coast — the remains of the SS Palo Alto, a concrete ship built in 1919 and intentionally grounded here in 1930 as a pleasure pier and dance hall. Though the ship has deteriorated, its hulk creates an artificial reef teeming with marine life. The beach also features a popular fishing pier, RV-friendly camping, and calm waters for swimming.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Aptos, CA (Santa Cruz County) |
| Entry Fee | $10 per vehicle |
| Unique | SS Palo Alto concrete ship (1919) |
| Camping | RV-friendly beachside sites |
| Pier | Fishing pier open to public |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk on the concrete ship?
No — the ship’s deck is closed due to structural deterioration. You can view it from the pier and beach. The ship serves as an artificial reef visible through the water.
Why was a ship made of concrete?
During World War I, steel was in short supply — the government experimented with concrete ships. Twelve concrete ships were built, including the Palo Alto. They worked but were heavy and slow. After the war, the Palo Alto was grounded at Seacliff as a recreational pier. Storms have gradually broken it apart, but the hull remains a landmark.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park (a short drive away) and New Brighton State Beach (a short drive away).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for California state parks online at reservecalifornia.com.
🚢 Visit Seacliff State Beach
Concrete ship wreck, fishing pier, and RV camping — beach history in Aptos.
About Seacliff State Beach
Seacliff State Beach in Aptos features one of California’s most unusual attractions — the SS Palo Alto, a concrete ship built during World War I that was permanently beached here in 1930 as a recreational pier and dance hall. Though now deteriorating, the ship’s hulking remains create a dramatic focal point. The beach is one of the most popular on the Santa Cruz coast.
Things to Do
Fishing from the pier alongside the concrete ship, swimming, beach walking, camping (26 full-hookup RV sites steps from the sand), and exploring the tide pools. The beach is a popular starting point for the New Brighton-Seacliff Beach Walk. Excellent clamming in season.
Insider Tips
Concrete ship: Seacliff’s main attraction is the SS Palo Alto — a concrete ship built during World War I that was intentionally grounded as a fishing pier and entertainment venue in 1929. Pro tip: The ship is now too damaged to walk on (storm damage), but it’s visible from the beach and pier. Fishing pier: The pier extending to the ship remains popular for fishing — perch, halibut, and rockfish are caught regularly.
Best Time to Visit
Fall: Warmest weather in Santa Cruz County. Summer: Beach camping and fishing. Spring: Whale watching from the pier. Winter: Storm watching — dramatic waves hit the concrete ship.
Wildlife & Nature
Seacliff State Beach — in Aptos — features the SS Palo Alto, a concrete ship built during World War I (1919) and intentionally grounded here as an amusement pier in 1930. The ship — one of only a few concrete ships ever built — has deteriorated into a dramatic artificial reef attracting pelicans, cormorants, and sea birds. Brown pelicans roost on the hull. Sea otters float near the pilings.
Nearby Attractions
Aptos — adjacent — has the Aptos Village with shops and restaurants. Capitola — 3 miles north — has the charming seaside village. Santa Cruz — 7 miles north — has the Boardwalk. New Brighton State Beach — 2 miles north. Forest of Nisene Marks SP — 3 miles east — has the epicenter of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.
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