The Manresa State Beach is a state park and protected beach in Watsonville, California. It is best known for its scenic expansive beach.

Composed of a great mix of sea and sand, the Manresa State Beach is also a popular recreation area. it has quite a number of outdoor activities which includes camping, fishing, swimming, scuba diving, surfing, hiking, and picnicking. You may need to take on four flights of stairs to get in and out of the beach area, though.

Located a couple of minutes outside the city of Santa Cruz, the Manresa State Beach can provide an excellent alternative from the crowds in the progressive city. Just remember to read reviews first, especially if you plan to go camping at the site, as raccoons tend to be quite a hassle.