Waddell State Beach

Waddell State Beach or also referred to as Waddell Creek Beach in Santa Cruz is an exposed beach and reef break that has unreliable waves and offshore winds that blow from the northeast. This location tends to receive distant groundswells and the ideal swell angle is from the southwest. The beach break provides left and right handers which are best around high tide. Even when there are waves the location is not likely to be crowded. Visitors are advised to watch out for sharks, rocks and rips in this location.

Waddell Beach is known to be the local hangout for windsurfers but few seem to ever be found at the location. The beach at times is deserted but during the warm weather season becomes a hotspot for the adventurers. A series of Backpack Trail Camps are spaced along the six mile trail, with three being located within easy hiking distance from the Rancho del Oso park headquarters, located not far (under half a mile) from Waddell Beach. A fee is charged and reservations often required for camping space which, we were told, gets busy on most weekends. Serious hikers enjoy this section of trail and beach as the end of the Skyline to the Sea Trail which runs for 30 miles.