
Walton Lighthouse
Iconic beacon at Santa Cruz Harbor, offering stunning sunset views and a scenic jetty walk.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Unforgettable sunset views

Walton Lighthouse
Best Time
Unforgettable sunset views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic beacon at Santa Cruz Harbor, offering stunning sunset views and a scenic jetty walk.
"A serene and picturesque spot for a peaceful walk and enjoying the beauty of the coastline."

🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Arrive before sunset for the best light and photo opportunities.
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking can be limited, especially during peak times. Consider arriving early or walking from nearby.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Walton Lighthouse
Seabright Beach, Santa Cruz
Iconic coastal beacon offering stunning sunset views and a picturesque backdrop for photos.
Santa Cruz Harbor Jetty
Adjacent to Seabright Beach
A scenic walk with great views of Monterey Bay and boats entering/leaving the harbor.

Seabright Beach
Santa Cruz
A family-friendly beach perfect for relaxing, playing, and enjoying the coastal atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Sunsets
Beach Access & Jetty Stroll
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Arrive before sunset for the best light and photo opportunities.
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking can be limited, especially during peak times. Consider arriving early or walking from nearby.
🚶♀️ Jetty Walk Essential
Stroll the jetty for harbor views and a closer look at the lighthouse.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
A great spot for a dog-friendly walk along the jetty and beach.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Arrive before sunset for the best light and photo opportunities.
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking can be limited, especially during peak times. Consider arriving early or walking from nearby.
🚶♀️ Jetty Walk Essential
Stroll the jetty for harbor views and a closer look at the lighthouse.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
A great spot for a dog-friendly walk along the jetty and beach.
📸 Drone Views Welcome
Capture breathtaking aerial shots of the lighthouse and coastline.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Walton Lighthouse as a serene and picturesque spot, perfect for sunset views and relaxing walks along the harbor jetty. The dog-friendly nature and family-friendly beach add to its appeal, though parking can be a challenge during peak times.
"Come for the lighthouse, stay for the tetrapods! A nice dog friendly stroll out to the end of the jetty protecting the harbor.
Great views along Monterey Bay as well as a point to see the boats coming and going from the harbor.
If you’re out this way and feeling peckish, Aldo’s is a great outdoor lunch spot."
Jeff Meyer
"Beautiful place to walk and relax, we came walking since Santa Cruz Broadway by the beach and was very cool, once there, sit, relax and enjoy =)"
Jeff Walker
"Walton Lighthouse in Santa Cruz is a serene and picturesque spot located at the end of the Santa Cruz Harbor jetty. My family and I enjoyed a peaceful walk along the jetty, taking in the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding harbor. The lighthouse itself, though modest in size, adds a charming touch to the coastal scenery. It’s a great place to relax, watch the waves crash against the rocks, and enjoy the fresh sea breeze.
The area is well-maintained, with clear pathways and plenty of opportunities for photography. Whether you’re visiting for a quiet moment of reflection or simply to admire the beauty of the coastline, Walton Lighthouse offers a tranquil escape from the busier parts of Santa Cruz. Parking can be a bit limited, especially during peak times, but the short walk to the lighthouse is well worth the effort."
Jonathan Phan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Walton Lighthouse is located at the end of the Santa Cruz Harbor jetty, accessible from Seabright Beach. You can drive and park nearby, though parking can be limited. Many visitors enjoy walking along the beach or from the Santa Cruz Boardwalk area.
Yes, there is parking available near Seabright Beach and the Santa Cruz Harbor. However, it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during popular sunset times. Arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! Many visitors enjoy a scenic walk along Seabright Beach or down the harbor jetty to reach the lighthouse. It's a pleasant stroll with great coastal views.
While direct public transport to the lighthouse itself might be limited, you can take buses to Santa Cruz and then walk or take a short taxi/rideshare to Seabright Beach or the harbor area. Check local Santa Cruz transit schedules for routes.
For photography, consider walking along the jetty during the golden hour for stunning sunset shots. Drone photography is also popular here for unique perspectives.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Walton Lighthouse and the surrounding beach and jetty areas are publicly accessible and do not require an entrance fee or ticket.
The lighthouse and surrounding public areas are generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. There are no specific 'opening hours' as it's an outdoor public space.
Seabright Beach is a public beach and does not have an admission fee. You can enjoy the beach and walk to the lighthouse freely.
The Walton Lighthouse is an active aid to navigation and is typically not open to the public for interior tours. Visitors can admire it from the outside and the surrounding jetty.
General public access rules apply. Be mindful of the environment, pack out what you pack in, and respect any posted signage. It's a popular spot, so be considerate of other visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hour, just before and during sunset, offers the most spectacular lighting for photos of Walton Lighthouse. Sunrise is also a beautiful, less crowded option.
You can capture stunning landscape shots of the lighthouse against the ocean, dramatic sunset and sunrise scenes, views of boats in the harbor, and candid shots of people enjoying the beach. Drone photography offers unique aerial perspectives.
The end of the harbor jetty provides a classic viewpoint looking back at the lighthouse. Seabright Beach offers wider beach shots, and walking along the jetty provides varied angles.
While the lighthouse itself is lit, night photography might be challenging due to ambient light and safety on the jetty. However, capturing moonrises behind the lighthouse can be spectacular.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the lighthouse and its surroundings. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant shots of boats or wildlife. A tripod is essential for low-light sunset/sunrise photography.
🎫 🏖️ Beach & Activities
Seabright Beach is great for relaxing, sunbathing, building sandcastles, and enjoying the ocean. The adjacent jetty is perfect for a leisurely walk. Skimboarding is also popular, especially during certain tide conditions.
Yes, Seabright Beach is very family-friendly, offering a safe environment for children to play on the sand and in the shallow waters. The nearby lighthouse and jetty add to the adventure.
Swimming is generally permitted at Seabright Beach, but always be aware of ocean conditions, currents, and any posted advisories. Lifeguard presence may vary by season.
Yes, Walton Lighthouse and the surrounding jetty are dog-friendly, allowing for enjoyable walks with your pets. Seabright Beach also generally allows dogs, though specific leash rules may apply.
Tetrapods are concrete structures used to protect shorelines from erosion and wave action. They can be found along the jetty near Walton Lighthouse, adding an interesting element to the coastal landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Pet Owners
📸 Photographers & Sunset Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Walton Lighthouse
Many visitors find the walk along the jetty to be a highlight, offering expansive views of Monterey Bay and the bustling harbor activity. It's a place where you can relax, feel the sea breeze, and watch the waves crash against the protective tetrapods. The lighthouse provides a sense of place and a touch of maritime history to the Santa Cruz coastline, making it a must-visit for those exploring the area.
Experiencing Seabright Beach and the Jetty
The jetty extending out to the lighthouse is more than just a path; it's an experience in itself. Walking along it offers panoramic views of the Monterey Bay, the Santa Cruz coastline, and the boats navigating in and out of the harbor. It's a dog-friendly area, making it a perfect outing for pet owners. The presence of tetrapods along the jetty adds a unique, rugged element to the landscape, providing interesting textures and shapes for photography.
Photography Tips for Walton Lighthouse
For those with drones, the aerial perspective offers breathtaking views of the lighthouse, the harbor, and the coastline, showcasing the unique layout of the area. Don't forget to experiment with different angles from the jetty and the beach. Capturing the moonrise behind the lighthouse can also yield stunning, unique shots. Remember to check the tide charts if you're interested in beachcombing or capturing specific tidal conditions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit