Santa Cruz Wharf

Available daily from June – August at Tower 1 on Cowells Beach from 10AM - 5PM. First come First served.

• Beach Wheelchair Program

Accessibility ramp and MobiMats are put out seasonally (April-October, weather dependent) at Cowell Beach

Learn more about reserving the Wharf Commons.

Get all the latest updates on construction projects happening on the Santa Cruz Wharf!

• 2024 Wharf End Repair Project
• 2025 Wharf Bents 103-104 Repair Project
• 2025 Wharf End Interim Repair Project
• Eastside Resiliency Project
• Main Beach Public Restroom Renovation

Significant Projects for Parks and Facilities

Please call the Parks and Recreation Administration office for reservation and event permit information at 831-420-5270.

All Car Shows require a permit under Santa Cruz Municipal Code 10.65.050

Brief Outline

1. Car shows are “public gatherings” and fall under this section. Santa Cruz Municipal Code 10.65.050
2. Car Shows on the Santa Cruz Wharf are operating on public property, or within a city park, or other city-owned open space.
3. Car Shows that last for more than an hour on the Santa Cruz Wharf.
4. Car Shows on the Santa Cruz Wharf obstruct, delay or interfere with the normal flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

Shows are restricted from May - September do to increase demand for parking and utilizing Wharf Businesses.

Events in the Commons Area

NO MOTORIZED PERSONAL WATERCRAFT (MPWC) 

No MPWC (including e-hydrofoils and jet skis) within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and/or City waters within 300 yards of mean high tide line. 

See 15 CFR § 922.132(a)(7) & SCMC Ch. 9.66 for federal and local prohibitions and exceptions. 

Motorized hydrofoils (e-foils) are illegal and considered dangerous at Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz, due to high-traffic, beginner-friendly conditions, and regulations within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. E-foils and motorized personal watercraft are prohibited in the surf zone. The sharp foils and propellers present significant danger to the high volume of beginner surfers at Cowell's.

US Coast Guard Policy

Only Service Dogs are allowed on the Wharf. (S.C.M.C 8.14.200)

Check out the following videos for some unique looks at the Santa Cruz Wharf! Visit our Surf Cam, Tides & Weather page for more!

Attention Vessel Owners: Anchoring within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) is not prohibited if you maintain a proper anchor watch (one crew member aboard the vessel at all times) [Title 15, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 922.132 (a)(9)]. We recommend and ask that you always moor or anchor on the east side of the Wharf (Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk side). Vessels must remain 200ft from the Wharf at all times.

• Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration U.S. Department of Commerce Superintendent's notice(PDF, 285KB)

A public boat landing is located on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk side of the Wharf across from Santa Cruz Boat Rentals. Operational Season is open April - October, please call 831-420-5725 to confirm it is open.

Safety Information: List and locations of where to find flotation devices in an emergency(PDF, 173KB).