Seacliff State Beach

Nestled between New Brighton State Beach and Rio Del Mar State Beach, the popular Seacliff State Beach offers RV parking, a beach front promenade and semi-sheltered picnic tables with barbeque pits. A promenade leads to the wharf and the iconic ruins of the SS Palo Alto. Originally a tanker built near the end of World War I, the SS Palo Alto was later converted into an amusement attraction that hosted dancing, dining, and swimming. Later, after a business bankruptcy, the ship's hull cracked and the business was abandoned; though it was usable as a fishing platform for some time, the ship is now unsafe and completely inaccessible.

From the wharf you can glimpse the passing wildlife: aside from the birds that congregate on the SS Palo Alto, dolphins, sea lions, and sea otters frequent this area, and the area is a great bet for sighting migrating gray whales during the spring and early summer. Fishing is permitted here, and the wharf hosts fish cleaning stations and rod holders. While the beach is dog friendly, alcohol and fires are not permitted. Also, avoid swimming in the stream runoff.