3 Mile Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park, United States of America - Beach Guide, Info, Photos

3 Mile Beach is a beach located within Wilder Ranch State Park, situated in the western part of Santa Cruz, California, USA.

To access the beach, visitors must hike along the Ohlone Bluffs Trail from the Four Mile Beach parking lot or another trail located further south. The Ohlone Bluffs Trail leads to Strawberry Beach, which some visitors consider clothing-optional, but it is illegal and citations are being given.

Parking near the officially signed 3 Mile Beach trailhead, located across from the address 3050 Coast Road on California Highway 1, is limited. Visitors must avoid blocking the gate when parking.

It is important to note that 3 Mile Beach is not clothing-optional and does not offer any facilities. Visitors are advised to bring their own supplies and to be respectful of the environment.

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3 Mile Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park Photos Visitor Reviews Where to Stay near 3 Mile Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park? Where is 3 Mile Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park? 3 Mile Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park: Weather Today Beaches near 3 Mile Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the natural beauty of the beach, with sightings of whales, dolphins, and sea lions. Visitors enjoy the peaceful atmosphere for relaxing or outdoor activities like hiking and biking. However, some visitors complain about the difficulty of accessing the beach due to the hike required to get there.

Where to Stay near 3 Mile Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park?

Visitors to 3 Mile Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park often stay in the nearby city of Santa Cruz, which offers a range of accommodations and attractions beyond the beach itself. Many visitors come for the area's natural beauty and outdoor activities, making Santa Cruz a convenient base for exploring both the beach and the surrounding region.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is 3 Mile Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park?

Latitude: 36.9616177 / Longitude: -122.1127436

3 Mile Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park is located in Santa Cruz. The following map of 3 Mile Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park shows the exact location.

Nearby destinations:

3 Mile Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park: Weather Today

📅 Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Summary
Full Forecast

Today is a challenging day for a beach visit, and it is best to plan your activities elsewhere. The morning begins with thick, heavy fog that obscures the view, making it quite gloomy by the shore. The wind is blowing strongly, creating choppy conditions with significant waves that make entering the water dangerous. With a maximum air temperature of 20.5 °C and a frigid sea temperature of 13.4 °C, the water is far too cold for swimming. Even if the clouds thin out, the sun remains intense with a UV index of 8.2, so please take precautions if you are out and about. Given the combination of high winds, rough surf, and lack of warmth, it is not a suitable day for lounging on the sand or enjoying the ocean.

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Air

Low / High	12.6°C/20.5°C
Feels Like (High)	19.7°C

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Sea

Sea Temperature	13.4 °C
Wave Height	2.1 m

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Rain

Rain Chance	1%
Rainfall	0 mm
Rain Duration	0 h

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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset	05:48/20:27
Sunshine Hours	8.0 hrs
UV Index	8.2
Cloud Cover	41%

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Wind

Speed	32.8 km/h
Gusts	40.3 km/h
Direction	NW