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Opal Cliffs
ℹ️Practical info — Opal Cliffs
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Parking is highly restricted and mostly residential; utilize public lots in nearby Capitola or Pleasure Point.
- Access to the famous 'Privates Beach' requires a key; consider visiting other nearby public beaches.
- The coastal path along East Cliff Drive is shared with cyclists and skaters, keep an eye out.
- Pleasure Point is fantastic for watching experienced surfers from the cliffs.
🍽 Food
Grab a fresh, Hawaiian-style poke bowl from a spot near Pleasure Point.
Start your morning with locally roasted coffee from a cafe along Portola Drive.
Enjoy wood-fired pizza at one of the relaxed local eateries after a day at the beach.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
The nearby 41st Avenue is the hub for high-quality surfboards and wetsuits.
Find stylish coastal clothing in the small boutiques near Capitola Village.
A peaceful spot where a coastal lagoon meets the ocean, great for a quiet walk.
Stroll along the bluffs at sunrise for a serene view of the Monterey Bay.
Water temperature…
Opal Cliffs is an upscale coastal neighborhood in Santa Cruz County, perched on dramatic bluffs overlooking the Monterey Bay. Known for its premier surf breaks, the area is a focal point of Northern California surf culture. The 38th Avenue Coastal Access serves as a primary gateway for locals to reach the waves at Pleasure Point. For a more secluded experience, Private's Beach (accessible via a key-gate for residents and guests) has a quiet escape, while the nearby Private's Nude Beach caters to a long-standing local tradition of clothing-optional sunbathing. Moran Lake Beach provides a unique ecological setting where a freshwater lagoon meets the Pacific, surrounded by a park that is excellent for picnics. The residential streets of Opal Cliffs are lined with architectural marvels ranging from mid-century beach cottages to contemporary luxury estates. Walking along East Cliff Drive is a favorite pastime, offering panoramic views of surfers below and dolphins in the distance. The community is conveniently located between the fun-filled Capitola Village and the bustling Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, providing the well-suited balance of serene residential life and nearby coastal entertainment.
- Location: United States
- Top sights: Mon Ami Art Studios · Private's Nude Beach · Pleasure Point Beach County Park
- Nearby: Seacliff (6 km)
- Population: ~10.189 (2017)
Geography
Facts
- State: California
- County: Santa Cruz
- Feature: High coastal bluffs
- Culture: Iconic surfing destination
- Beach Access: Key-gate system (Private's)
- Climate: Mild maritime
- Neighborhood: Pleasure Point
- Vibe: Upscale residential
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Sights in the town Opal Cliffs (6)
Frequently asked questions
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Opal Cliffs: where is it located?
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