Monterey State Beach or Santa Cruz Beach today?
Monterey, California · Santa Cruz, California — 42 km apart
Updated 1:00 AM PDT
55Monterey State Beach
vs
72Santa Cruz Beach
Santa Cruz Beach today, 17 points ahead (55 vs 72). They are 42 km apart.
Which one, for what
- Monterey State Beach does not lead on any activity today.
- Go to Santa Cruz Beach for swimming, families with kids — swimming 51 vs 46.
| Activity | Monterey State Beach | Santa Cruz Beach | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Now | Monterey State Beach | Santa Cruz Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Water temperature | 65°F | 64°F |
| Wave height | 6.1 ft | 5 ft |
| Air temperature | 54°F | 52°F |
| Wind | 4 mph | 5 mph |
| UV index | 0 | 0 |
| Next tide | High 1:18 AM | High 1:12 AM |
| Water quality | Graded B | 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 Monterey State Beach or Santa Cruz Beach today?
Santa Cruz Beach, on today's conditions — 72 against 55.
How far apart are Monterey State Beach and Santa Cruz Beach?
About 42 km in a straight line. Far enough apart that conditions can genuinely differ between them.
Which is better with kids, Monterey State Beach or Santa Cruz Beach?
Santa Cruz Beach today — 52 against 46 on our family score, which weights calm surf and UV most heavily.