Beaches near San Jose

When the Spanish founded San Jose, they had no idea (we assume) that it would one day house Silicon Valley. What they did know about was its perfect location a mere striking distance from beautiful coastline.

Beach bums will love the easy access from San Jose to local beaches on the Pacific Coast. Choose from sandy beaches, rocky beaches and popular urban beaches that will delight visitors of all ages.

Because San Jose itself is a bit further inland, you will need to take a short drive or a full day trip to see the nearby beaches, but it's absolutely worth it for the gorgeous views and relaxing atmosphere.

We've compiled a list of a few of the best beaches near San Jose depending on your interests so that you can map out your coastal adventures in plenty of time.

Wildlife Beach in San Jose: Ano Nuevo State Park

  • Visit this beach for an adventurous day out appreciating local wildlife and seeing the main attraction, the northern elephant seals.
  • You can join a guided walk through the reserve during breeding season or go on your own in Spring and Fall.
  • In addition to elephant seals, you can also see other native wildlife including sea otters and coastal birds.

Boardwalk Beach in California: Santa Cruz Main Beach

  • Enjoy the sights and sounds of an amusement park that spans the boardwalk at Santa Cruz Main Beach.
  • Lovely white sand draws plenty of visitors and locals alike to build sandcastles and enjoy a picnic while digging your toes in the sand.
  • Families can spend the afternoon swimming at Main Beach as lifeguards are often on duty to ensure everyone's safety.

Whale Watching San Jose Beach: Gray Whale Cove

  • North of San Jose is Gray Whale Cove, a dramatic beach that's known for the gray whales feeding right off the shore.
  • In addition to watching the whales offshore, you can also appreciate the sun's rays as the sands are perfect for a bit of sunbathing.
  • Proceed with caution, as the trail that takes you to the cliffs perfect for whale watching is called "Devil's Slide."