Seacliff State Beach

Seacliff State Beach is a coastal strip along the northern edge of Monterey Bay with sandy shores and steep cliffs that drop to the Pacific Ocean. The beach combines natural rock formations with man-made structures that add character to the landscape.

The beach gained notice during World War I when the concrete ship Palo Alto was built and positioned along the shore as an experimental structure. The vessel remained and gradually became embedded in the coastal setting over the passing years.

The beach draws locals and visitors who come to watch the ocean, walk along the water, and explore tide pools during low tide when sea creatures become visible.

The beach provides restrooms, picnic areas with grills, and marked parking spaces run by California State Parks. Planning a visit during low tide makes it possible to reach tide pools and see more of the rocky areas along the shore.

The submerged concrete ship Palo Alto now serves as an artificial reef drawing a variety of marine life to the site, making it an unexpected underwater habitat. Divers and snorkelers discover a functioning ecosystem built around this century-old structure.

Location: California

Operator: California Department of Parks and Recreation

Website: https://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=543

GPS coordinates: 36.97220,-121.91400

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:42