Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
California
60

California State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
California
Central Coast & Central Valley Region
Zmudowski Beach State Park
Zmudowski Beach State Park © Gary OToole
Valley Quail © stateparks.com
Valley Quail
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
ZMUDOWSKI BEACH STATE PARK
The beach is a popular fishing area, featuring perch, kingfish, sole, flounder, halibut, bocaccio (tomcod), jacksmelt, lingcod, cabezon, salmon, steelhead and occasional rockfish.

The beach features the Pajaro River estuary, where a natural preserve has been set aside.

The sandy beach is also popular with bird watchers and equestrians. Horses are only allowed near the waterline. Swimming and water sports are hazardous because of strong rip-currents.
History of the Area
Located in Monterey County, California, the park is named after Martin Zmudowski - a Polish immigrant and local farmer. Established as a state beach in 1950 by Governor Earl Warren, it spans over 140 acres of land. The area was previously inhabited by Ohlone Native Americans before European settlement occurred. Today it's popular for fishing, bird watching and picnicking with facilities including parking lots and restrooms provided.



Trails
- Zmudowski Beach Loop Trail: A 1.5-mile loop trail, easy difficulty level, offers views of the beach and ocean.

- Pajaro River Estuary Nature Walk: An approximately one mile long walkway along the river estuary; provides opportunities for bird watching.

- Dune Boardwalk Path: Short wooden boardwalk through sand dunes leading to a viewing platform with panoramic vistas of Monterey Bay coastline.

- Wetlands Observation Deck Route: This short path leads you from parking lot area towards an observation deck overlooking wetland habitats; ideal spot for wildlife enthusiasts.

- Coastal Bluff Hike Waypoint : Unmarked but well-trodden pathway that runs parallel to shoreline offering stunning coastal scenery; length varies depending on how far hikers choose to go.

- Fishing Access Point Track : Roughly half-a-mile track providing access points for fishing in Pajaro River mouth ; not strictly a hiking route but can be used by walkers too.

- Birdwatching Spur Trails : Several small offshoots from main trails lead into more secluded areas perfect for quiet contemplation or observing local avian species up close ; lengths vary between few hundred yards each .

Note that some paths may overlap or intersect at various points within park boundaries allowing visitors flexibility in planning their own routes based on personal preferences and physical capabilities .

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
write a review
Share On

Area Campgrounds
Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
1186 San Andreas Road
Watsonville, CA
800-562-7701
Marina Dunes RV Park
3330 Dunes Drive
Marina, CA
831-384-6914
Marina Dunes RV Park
3330 Dunes Drive
Marina, CA
831-384-6914
Moss Landing KOA Express
7905 Sandoldt Road
Moss Landing, CA
Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA
1186 San Andreas Road
La Selva Beach, CA
Beach RV Park
2505 Portola Drive
Santa Cruz, CA
831-462-2505
Cabana Holiday Resort
8710 Prunedale North Road
Salinas, CA
831-663-2886
Betabel RV Park
9664 Betabel Road
San Juan Bautista, CA
831-623-2202
Seacliff Center Trailer Park
234 State Park Drive
Aptos, CA
831-688-3813
Monterey Vacation RV Park
1400 Highway 101
Aromas, CA
831-726-9118
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
The beach is located 20 miles northwest of Monterey off Highway 1. Take Stuve Road and turn to Giberson Road.
Area Shopping
businesss listing main photo
Monterey Bay Pictures - Monterey Bay, CA
Photography
Specializing in high-quality, hard-to-find California scenic and travel location stock photos and fine art prints.
17.1 miles from park*

state route ranger badge
California
60

California State Parks

X