Santa Cruz, California, United States of America

3 Mile Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park

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.

Discover ideal places to stay near 3 Mile Beach and enjoy the natural beauty of Wilder Ranch State Park.

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.

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.

Find the best nearby activities

What to do near 3 Mile Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park?

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.

3 Mile Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park: Weather Today

📅 Saturday, July 26, 2025
Today at 3 Mile Beach might be good for activities other than swimming. The air temperature will reach a high of 18.8 °C. Expect mostly cloudy skies. The wind might be a bit strong at times, so consider that when planning your activities. The sea temperature is 14.4 °C, which is too cold for swimming. The UV index will be high at 8.1, so be sure to apply sunscreen.
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Air

Low / High13.2°C/18.8°C
Feels Like (High)18°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature14.4 °C
Wave Height0.9 m
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Rain

Rain Chance1%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:09/20:20
Sunshine Hours12.0 hrs
UV Index8.1
Cloud Cover54%
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Wind

Speed32 km/h
Gusts40.3 km/h
DirectionNW

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