Whether you're dipping a toe in the water or just chilling out on the shoreline, New Brighton State Beach is a lovely place to spend time with the kids. Why not bring a picnic and a rug and make a day out of it?

This stretch of coastline is in Aptos, a place that has so much going for it! Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Main Beach, and Santa Cruz Surfing Museum are other fine sightseeing choices close by when you've had your fill of New Brighton State Beach.

Things to do

Santa Cruz Beach Hill to Mission Hill Loop Via Downtown

Beach Hill to Historic Downtown Santa Cruz Loop

$45

per adult

Self Guided UC Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Unlock Secret Stories

UC Santa Cruz: Personalized Self-Guided App Tour

$5

per traveler

Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill

$45

per adult

Redwoods Forest Bathing

$89

per adult

Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

$139

per adult

100% of travellers recommend

Santa Cruz Surf Walk: History and Culture Tour

$45

per adult

See all activities in Aptos

Plan a trip to see New Brighton State Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

Dream Inn

Lockhaven

$334

per person

Sep 5 - Sep 7

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip flight included

Denver (DEN) to Los Angeles (LAX)

7/10 Good! (73 reviews)

The Sofia Hotel

Downtown San Diego

$719

per person

Sep 5 - Sep 12

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip flight included

Dallas (DAL) to San Diego (SAN)

8.6/10 Excellent! (2,428 reviews)

The hotel was an older hotel, very pretty old brick building. The inside is a bit worn but comfortable. The rooms have all the amenities that you will need. The location is excellent, can walk to many different parts of the city with ease. Everyone we encountered was very nice and helpful. I would stay here again.

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2026

SIRTAJ - Beverly Hills

South of Wilshire

$530

per person

Oct 26 - Oct 31

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip flight included

Denver (DEN) to Los Angeles (LAX)

8.2/10 Very Good! (1,014 reviews)

Browse tours and tickets to explore New Brighton State Beach

Tours & day trips

See all 17 activities

Santa Cruz Spooks & Shadows Ghost Tour

Free cancellation available

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 4 activities

Santa Cruz: Wine Tasting Experience

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

See all 4 activities

Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa Cruz

Free cancellation available

History & culture

See all 4 activities

Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

Free cancellation available

Stay near popular New Brighton State Beach attractions

New Brighton State Beach

8.8/10 (47 reviews)

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, New Brighton State Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Aptos. While in this walkable area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

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