Santa Cruz, California
Sunrise and first light times for planning your dawn patrol session.
First light in Santa Cruz means glass, empty peaks, and the best conditions of the day before thermal onshores build. These 5 spots are worth the 5am alarm.
Sunrise
6:59 AMDay length: 12h 29m
+2 min vs yesterday
Sunrise
6:59 AM
First light: 6:29 AM
Sunset
7:28 PM
Last light: 7:58 PM
Data from 38th Avenue (Santa Cruz) · Updated daily
| Day | Sunrise | Sunset | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Today(Today) | 6:59 AM | 7:28 PM | 12h 29m |
| Tomorrow | 6:57 AM | 7:29 PM | 12h 32m |
| Wed, Apr 1 | 6:56 AM | 7:30 PM | 12h 34m |
| Thu, Apr 2 | 6:54 AM | 7:30 PM | 12h 36m |
| Fri, Apr 3 | 6:53 AM | 7:31 PM | 12h 39m |
Today(Today)
Sunrise
6:59 AM
Sunset
7:28 PM
Day Length
12h 29m
Tomorrow
Sunrise
6:57 AM
Sunset
7:29 PM
Day Length
12h 32m
Wed, Apr 1
Sunrise
6:56 AM
Sunset
7:30 PM
Day Length
12h 34m
Thu, Apr 2
Sunrise
6:54 AM
Sunset
7:30 PM
Day Length
12h 36m
Fri, Apr 3
Sunrise
6:53 AM
Sunset
7:31 PM
Day Length
12h 39m
5 spots
Sometimes called the Hook's little sister, 38th Avenue is a user-friendly right reef that handles south and west swells. It offers long rides at lower tide and is popular with longboarders and groms.
A reefy cove along West Cliff Drive that offers wedgy peaks and occasional barrels on W and NW swells. It's also a popular dog beach, so expect pups running around the sand.
The crown jewel of Santa Cruz's East Side, Pleasure Point is a long right point over reef offering multiple sections, from First Peak to Sewers. It's surfable year-round and accommodates longboards and shortboards depending on swell size.
Known locally as The Hook, Rockview offers a peaky right-hand reef break with playful sections that work on south and west swells. It's slightly more exposed than neighbouring Pleasure Point and has a punchier take-off.
One of California's most iconic waves, Steamer Lane is a series of right-hand reef points (Indicators, Middle Peak, and Slot). It offers long walls and powerful sections and is best tackled by experienced surfers comfortable with crowds and cliffs.
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Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.
Sometimes called the Hook's little sister, 38th Avenue is a user-friendly right reef that handles south and west swells. It offers long rides at lower tide and is popular with longboarders and groms.
Walk down the stairway at the end of 38th Avenue; watch your footing on slippery rocks.
Parking is limited along 38th Avenue and East Cliff Drive; arrive early or park farther away and walk.
A reefy cove along West Cliff Drive that offers wedgy peaks and occasional barrels on W and NW swells. It's also a popular dog beach, so expect pups running around the sand.
Climb down the bluff via a staircase and paddle out through the small channel on the west side.
Small parking area along West Cliff Drive; spaces fill quickly on swell days.
The crown jewel of Santa Cruz's East Side, Pleasure Point is a long right point over reef offering multiple sections, from First Peak to Sewers. It's surfable year-round and accommodates longboards and shortboards depending on swell size.
Take the staircases down from East Cliff Drive and paddle out through the channel between kelp patches.
Street parking along East Cliff Drive; expect to walk a bit and respect residents.
Known locally as The Hook, Rockview offers a peaky right-hand reef break with playful sections that work on south and west swells. It's slightly more exposed than neighbouring Pleasure Point and has a punchier take-off.
Use the stairway down the cliff and jump off the rocks or paddle around the point; be mindful of seaweed.
Parking along East Cliff Drive is limited; arrive early or park inland and walk.
One of California's most iconic waves, Steamer Lane is a series of right-hand reef points (Indicators, Middle Peak, and Slot). It offers long walls and powerful sections and is best tackled by experienced surfers comfortable with crowds and cliffs.
Jump off the cliff at the Slot or paddle from the beach at Indicators; time your entry to avoid sets.
Parking along West Cliff Drive can be tight; there is a pay lot at the Lighthouse Field State Beach.
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