Carmel Beach or Santa Cruz Beach today?

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California · Santa Cruz, California — 46 km apart

Updated 1:00 AM PDT

55Carmel Beach vs 72Santa Cruz Beach

Santa Cruz Beach today, 17 points ahead (55 vs 72). They are 46 km apart.

Which one, for what

ActivityCarmel BeachSanta Cruz BeachBetter
Swimming 46 51 Santa Cruz Beach
Families with kids 46 52 Santa Cruz Beach
Walking & shelling 59 59 tie
Surfing 92 90 tie

Conditions side by side

NowCarmel BeachSanta Cruz Beach
Water temperature66°F64°F
Wave height6.6 ft5 ft
Air temperature53°F52°F
Wind1 mph5 mph
UV index00
Next tideHigh 1:15 AMHigh 1:12 AM
Water qualityGraded A+Graded A+

Both readings taken at the same moment, from the same sources, so the comparison is like for like.

Frequently asked questions

Should I go to Carmel Beach or Santa Cruz Beach today?

Santa Cruz Beach, on today's conditions — 72 against 55.

How far apart are Carmel Beach and Santa Cruz Beach?

About 46 km in a straight line. Far enough apart that conditions can genuinely differ between them.

Which is better with kids, Carmel Beach or Santa Cruz Beach?

Santa Cruz Beach today — 52 against 46 on our family score, which weights calm surf and UV most heavily.