Running along West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz, California

Destinations West California Santa Cruz, California

Running along West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz, California

Running along West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz offers a perfect combination of breathtaking views, coastal breezes, and a well-maintained path that attracts both locals and visitors. This iconic route showcases the best of Santa Cruz, along with its natural beauty and vibrant energy. Known for its stunning ocean vistas and accessibility, West Cliff Drive provides an unparalleled running experience, whether you’re a seasoned runner or out for a casual jog.

Adventure Guide To Running along West Cliff Drive

Start Point: Natural Bridges State Beach
Begin your run at Natural Bridges State Beach, famous for its unique rock formations and migrating monarch butterflies (in season). The beach offers free parking options nearby and a serene starting location with flat terrain, perfect for warming up. The spot is family-friendly, making it convenient if you're running with companions.
Midway: The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum at Lighthouse Point
Roughly halfway along the path (about 2.5 miles from Natural Bridges), runners will encounter Lighthouse Point, home to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. This area provides panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and is a favorite spot for whale watching during migration seasons, especially from December to April. Stop briefly to recharge while enjoying the sight of surfers riding the iconic Steamer Lane waves.
End Point: Cowell Beach and Santa Cruz Wharf
Finish your run near Cowell Beach, by the entrance to the Santa Cruz Wharf. This area buzzes with activity, from kayakers to beachgoers. The wharf itself offers opportunities to reward yourself post-run with fresh local seafood or a quick drink while enjoying views of the coastline.

Local Insights

The 3-mile path (one way) is paved, making it suitable for all levels of runners. It’s common to spot seabirds, sea lions, and occasionally dolphins when running along the route.
The low incline and even surface are manageable, but the ocean breeze can add some resistance—come prepared for variable weather conditions.

Visitor Tips

Best time to run: Early mornings or late afternoons provide cooler temperatures with fewer crowds.
Parking: Free street parking is available near Natural Bridges and other points along West Cliff Drive.

Adventure Map

Reviews

Rod Ressella year ago

As you stand atop the towering lighthouse, the salty sea breeze whips around you, carrying with it the sweet tang of seaweed and brine. You take a deep breath, feeling your lungs fill with the crisp, refreshing air. Looking out towards the horizon, you see an endless expanse of deep blue water stretching out as far as the eye can see. The ocean sparkles and shimmers under the bright sun, its surface rippling gently in the breeze. As you gaze out over the water, you see a small pod of dolphins leaping and playing in the waves, their sleek bodies glinting in the sunlight. In the distance, a lone sailboat bobs up and down on the swells, its white sails billowing in the wind. To your left, a rocky coastline stretches out into the water, its craggy cliffs rising up from the waves. You can see the white foam of the waves crashing against the rocks below, sending up plumes of spray

Nora Stefanescu2 months ago

I love this lighthouse and the promenade. The sunset here was stunning.

Kimi & Lucy2 months ago

Beautiful afternoon! Is people/nature watching your thing? Musicians playing guitar surf music added to the good vibes as we watched 20+ surfers catch waves. Birds in perfect formation flew overhead. A small minus was the lack of parking on a Sat. We waited 15 min. by following some German tourists to their space. They only wanted the BMWs to park, but when they were out of sight, we waved the Harleys to gather. Doh. Kidding aside, we liked the walk and hangout with friends at the point.

Nova Marie6 months ago

A great spot with so many different views! Many different beach access points. I love the lighthouse gift shop and muesam when its open. This area is so well loved by locals and visitors alike. Gotta get here early on a nice day, sometimes you’ll end up waiting for a parking spot.

Ingrid Hill7 months ago

This was a very busy place today as there was live music being offered on the lawn and the weather was gorgeous. The harbor was dotted with tons of sailboats. Surfing museum was already closed when we arrived.