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    Palm Beach State Park

    4.6 (23 reviews)

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    Sunil R.

    This spot is further south of the Santa Cruz cluster of beaches and less busy. It's spectacular and there was not a single soul when I went there today. I spent a couple of hours here and it was awesome. There is a big parking lot and it's free.

    Michael G.

    Nice quiet and clean beach! Restaurants are only an exit or two away. A great place to chill do some email and recharge.

    Wes M.

    What the beaches of central Monterey Bay lack in striking backdrops (unless you really love you some farmed floodplains), they make up for in continuity. Take Palm Beach, which is really just the southern part of Sunset State Beach (creative naming department, eh?), which itself is just part of a single unbroken 12 miles of sand all the way up to New Brighton SB. However, if you walk about a mile south from the parking lot, the condos (which actually blend in pretty decently) fall away and you wind up on a spit backed by the mouth of the Pajaro River, which will eventually block your progress in another mile. And that's the end of the Bay Area (hey, if northwest Sonoma county is part of it, so is Santa Cruz. 10 counties forever!) But yeah, there's sand, sea, sky, and lots of it. So come on out and walk to your heart's content.

    Yan S.

    Awesome beach! It's located about 3 miles from the freeway at the very end of a long road surrounded with strawberry farms. Once you park, walk over the dunes to access the beach. This place was pretty well kept and secluded. The sand was also clear of debris with powdery sand. Simply beautiful.

    Stanley running from the incoming tide!

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    Ask the Community - Palm Beach State Park

    Review Highlights - Palm Beach State Park

    “I got there around 7pm on a weekend, there were some stragglers starting their bonfires, not many people on the CLEAN beach.”

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

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    At The Dunes - Son two, too many girls to count.

    At The Dunes

    4.2(63 reviews)
    0.3 mi

    Review of shorebird 55 (Let me begin by saying that this review was submitted to At the Dunes…read morerental agency but never posted on their site.) Pros: *excellent beach access * lovely ocean view Cons: *furniture, towels, sheets in generally rundown condition *master bedroom has 1 bedside table and 1 lamp. I ended bringing in a small corroded outdoor iron table and moving a lamp from the second bedroom. * one floor lamp in the entire living room. Generally poor lighting. *Peeling paint in bathroom *mold in bathroom corners *uncomfortable living room furniture-outdoor wicker, way past it's comfort usage. No support. *unwashed sheets in second bedroom, unwashed towel in master bath. ( the rental agency was very responsive about this) In this time of Covid, these discoveries made our stay uncomfortable. Was this place really sanitized before our arrival? My point here is that a rental at the beach, for $400+/ night, should be comfortable in all aspects. This was not. For a total of $1800 for four nights, I would have expected much more.

    Been coming here for quick getaways for more than twenty years. My parents became condo owners here…read moreperhaps a decade ago, and so I've seen how the rentals work from both sides - as a guest and as a owner. I won't talk about their rental since that seems too obvious a conflict of interest, but I would like to say that Pajaro Dunes is a very nice place to stay and recharge. Only about an hour's drive from San Jose, you can be away from the hustle and bustle in a matter of minutes. Parking is plentiful. They have carts you can use to haul your gear up to the residences. The dunes around the buildings are always kept up well and attractive. All of the rentals are just steps away from the beach and I believe all have balconies where you can lounge from the comfort of your place if you choose. Each rental offers different amenities; personally, I'd go for one with a jacuzzi, but that's just me! There's no need to venture anywhere when you're here (assuming you brought your food with you)... but Monterey is a short drive away and of course nice to explore. A great place to unwind! Love Pajaro Dunes!

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    At The Dunes
    At The Dunes - The sunset from our balcony!

    The sunset from our balcony!

    At The Dunes - Special Events

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    Special Events

    Manresa Uplands Campground - Beautiful sunset taken from the trail below campsites 17 / 20

    Manresa Uplands Campground

    3.7(46 reviews)
    3.8 mi

    I visited lupine campsites for a group of 6 adults, 1 toddler and 2 dogs. We booked 2 campsites and…read morewe booked our sites very last minute. We were a bit worried that our spots were going to be a far distance from the load/ unloading area. But they weren't too bad at all. I highly recommend bringing a wagon to load your items in and out faster or ask if you can barrow one of your neighbors wagons! Staff were nice and friendly. Restrooms were pretty clean. The beach is a quick 5-10 minute walk from most sites. I liked that there are plenty of stores in the area in case you forgot something at home. I would also recommend downloading map information before hand because reception is very spotty. We had campsites 45 & 54, the trees provided plenty of shade.

    My feedback about Manresa Uplands Campground…read more After visiting the day use area several times, my family and friends made it a tradition to camp there, and everything about our experience was perfect and relaxing. We especially appreciate the high quality of service and upkeep, including the informative attendant at the front gate, the well-maintained campground, and the helpful State Park day workers that we would run into occasionally. The restrooms and coin operated showers were maintained. A special note of thanks goes to the camp host, Andrew, and his black Labrador, Hoppy. Their effort, including driving around in the old golf cart to sell firewood bundles, was a perfect touch that enhanced our stay. We have returned multiple times and look forward to continuing this tradition. Thanks, Andy

    Photos
    Manresa Uplands Campground - Picnic area southside of the day use parking lot.

    Picnic area southside of the day use parking lot.

    Manresa Uplands Campground
    Manresa Uplands Campground

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    Best of Dunes - Da beach at sunst

    Best of Dunes

    4.3(29 reviews)
    0.3 mi

    Thank you Geneva for finding and returning my belongings that I carelessly left over 4th of July…read moreWeekend. I did have an enjoyable and relaxing time at Pajaro Dunes.

    Looking for a Very relaxing few days at Pajaro Dunes? We rented the beachfront home - 59 Avocet…read morefrom BestofDunes.com - light on the fees and heavy on the service. (So much more reasonable than other sites.) (before you pay the heavy prices at AirBNB or VRBO -reach out to Stacey at BestofDunes.com.) Walking into 59 Avocet could not be anything less than amazing! This place is incredible! Decorated with such care for the comfort of guests. I couldn't decide where to sit and watch the ocean - because not only is there Several seating areas - but each more comfortable than the next (my bad back was in heaven. ) Oceanview? Wow- just about anywhere you are in this house ! The giant floor to ceiling windows and open floor plan makes the views that much more Incredible. All I could say is - the photos don't do it justice. The deck with several tables, chairs and lounges had us out there Whale watching for hours. There's even a patio downstairs off One of the master bedrooms (yep there is 2 Master Suites (with Giant tubs!) If you want to get away for some chill time - THIS place is beyond Perfect - there was only two of us (myself and my Pool shark husband) yep - they have a pool table and a ping pong topper but 5+ couples could comfortably stay here (even more!) Perfect place for kiddies to play in a separate playroom, with a giant TV and a bazillion DVD's if that's your thing. I stopped counting how many TV's...and um 2 Kitchens? Yep, fully stocked with anything you want and too many type of coffee makers to mention (if you want to make a cake from scratch...even a mixer!) The only thing that stopped me from some moments of chill time was adventuring around this home, I kept finding more rooms and more special touches for guests! Tubs? Say Ahhhhh - cause there's actually 3 in this home! The stairs to get onto the beach are only steps away...but honestly - sitting out on the deck (or inside on one of the bazillion couches) ...well you just can't beat that. Yes, yes, you can rent this and other vacation homes at Pajaro Dunes from other sites, but I'm all about saving money and I love the secure feeling of a more personal touch when I rent vacation locations- BestofDunes.com gave me everything I needed (and more) for 3 days I will long remember. When I dream of winning the lottery, 'This' is the house I dream of buying the day after I cash my ticket in So future renters better be quick before it's mine ;) Until then -Definitely go to BestofDunes.com to rent at Pajaro Dunes if location and service is on top of your list! Thank you so much Stacey for making our stay special in this magical home possible-You Rock!! We Will be back!

    Photos
    Best of Dunes - There just aren't enough sunsets to enjoy on this deck

    There just aren't enough sunsets to enjoy on this deck

    Best of Dunes
    Best of Dunes - Dinner is ready!

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    Dinner is ready!

    Best Day Foundation - Who says kids with special needs can't surf?

    Best Day Foundation

    5.0(4 reviews)
    4.3 mi

    What may be just another ho-hum day at the beach to you is often the best day of their lives to…read moreothers. I don't know why exactly but I like helping special needs kids (sometimes, an adult or two). The smiles are all the reward one could ask for in giving up a little time to help make these young lives enjoy our great outdoors. And we're so lucky to live in Southern California with year-round beaches to play on. The Best Day Foundation (http://www.bestdayfoundation.org/) enables children with special needs to build confidence and self-esteem through safe, fun adventure activities that expand their potential and connect them with diverse populations in their community. Volunteers offer activities including surfing, bodyboarding, kayaking, outrigger canoeing, stand-up paddling and snow sports. I'm no skier so I stay on the shore. This organization cannot survive without donor support and volunteer staffing. All of their activities are provided at no cost to any parent, child or participating organization. They're unique in providing activities for children with special needs from 4 to 24 with any physical or developmental challenge including: Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, spinal cord injuries, cancer, sight or hearing impairments, and more. Not only does the Best Day Foundation make a difference in a child's life by giving them confidence to try new experiences, these programs also significantly impact the parents. "The look of freedom in his eyes is one I will remember forever..." Ian's mom, Rena. Parents can relax for a spell and know their loved ones are in good hands, or paws, as the case may be. Quite often at these special needs events, you might see a beautiful dog named Ricochet. He's a friendly girl (yes, Ricochet is a female) golden retriever and loves attention. Find her at http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CCQQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.surfdogricochet.com%2FWho%2520is%2520Surf%2520Dog%2520Ricochet.htm&rct=j&q=surf%20dog%20ricochet&ei=N0WrTYe6O4fgiALUg6DvDA&usg=AFQjCNFKldzyApJGPasPj56RSTPHhGyNwg&cad=rja Do you know a child or group of children who might like to participate? Would you like to earn some priceless smiles? Contact them or learn more on the website. Ph. (800) 309-2815; info@bestdayfoundation.org

    Some days you realize that all is in fact good in the world, and maybe you should get off your…read moreselfish narcissistic behind and give back a little. More often then not, when these days happen, I find myself up to my eye lids in saltwater, covered in neoprene trying to make it a Best Day for someone. Best Day Foundation is one of a handful of organizations which looks to encourage and celebrate the lives of children with special needs through action sports type activities. Not every parent is a born water woman or man, but that shouldn't mean that their child must go through life never to feel the incredible sensation of saltwater in their face and sand between their toes. Surfing, boogie boarding, kayaking... Best Day works to provide the best possible water mentors to make it the best day under the sun. You don't have to be a water person to volunteer. And I highly recommend it. It's the best thing you will ever do with a few hours of your time, I promise. If your child has special needs, please sign them up. I would love to see more happy smiling faces at the next Best Day!

    Photos
    Best Day Foundation - Wow, That was FUN!

    Wow, That was FUN!

    Best Day Foundation - Smiles for Miles

    Smiles for Miles

    Best Day Foundation - Best Day Surf Chairboard in action. Kids who use wheelchairs can now join us in the surf.

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    Best Day Surf Chairboard in action. Kids who use wheelchairs can now join us in the surf.

    Palm Beach State Park - parks - Updated October 2026

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