Lighthouse Field State Beach

Lighthouse Field State Beach is a protected beach in the state park system of California, United States. It is located in the city of Santa Cruz at the north end of Monterey Bay. The beach overlooks the Steamer Lane surfing hotspot. It also contains the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, housed in a 1967 lighthouse.^[1] The 38-acre (15 ha) site was established in 1978.^[2]

Lighthouse Field State Beach
Show map of California Show map of the United States
Location	Santa Cruz County, California, United States
Nearest city	Santa Cruz, California
Coordinates	36°57′7″N 122°1′42″W
Area	38 acres (15 ha)
Established	1978
Governing body	California Department of Parks and Recreation

Natural history

Lighthouse Field State Beach is a wintering ground for migrating monarch butterflies. Other resident animals include California sea lions and American black swifts.^[1]

Recreation

Steamer Lane is a famous surfing location. Each Christmas the park hosts Santa Cruz's annual "Caroling under the Stars" event.^[1] The park is free to visit year-round, and offers walking trails, wildlife viewing, picnic areas, public restrooms, and outdoor showers.^[1]

• 
  Surfer monument
• 
  Closeup of the monument
• 
  Lighthouse Point
• 
  Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse

See also

• List of California state parks
• Natural Bridges State Beach