You may see a few photos from nearby locations here. Many shoots span multiple spots in the same session.
Seacliff State Beach
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Where we shoot, on a map
Long sandy beach in Aptos with sandstone cliffs and the iconic cement ship offshore.
Long sandy beach in Aptos with sandstone cliffs and the iconic cement ship offshore. Accessible parking right at the sand. Quieter than Capitola; the cliffs work as a natural backdrop in most light. For sessions, the setting works best when there's a clear plan: which light, which path in, what the weather is doing. Chris's note on this location is in the field below — every destination here gets a real, photographer-tested read rather than a glossy travel description.
The lay of the land
Getting here
A few things about Seacliff State Beach
Paid or free lot adjacent to the sand; can fill up on weekends.
Dog-friendly in most areas; leash rules vary by season.
West-facing — chase the golden hour through blue hour, especially clear winter evenings.
Exposed — wind picks up in the afternoon. Bring layers + a hair-tie if it's a coast cliff.
Seacliff State Beach also appears as Rio del Mar / Seacliff.