The Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf is a 2,745-foot public pier offering boat rentals (motorized skiffs ~$50/hour, kayaks by the hour or day) and a public boat landing (open April-October) on the beach boardwalk side.

The wharf provides parking ($1/hour winter rate, $12 daily max), dining and shopping amenities, and direct access to Cowell Beach for water activities; call 831-420-5725 for wharf operations or 831-420-5270 for recreation reservations.