Beach Days.

Labor Day · Outdoorithm Collective · New Brighton State Beach

New Brighton State Beach - Santa Cruz

Saturday, August 30th - Monday, September 1st

Join us for a perfect end to summer at one of California's most beautiful coastal campgrounds! We're spending three days at New Brighton State Beach, where dramatic bluffs meet sandy shores and adventure is just steps away. From tide pooling and beach walks to exploring nearby redwood forests, this weekend offers the best of both coast and mountains.

Special thanks to Parks California (the official partner of California State Parks) for sponsoring this trip and helping us make the outdoors more accessible for families!

Space is limited to just 25 people, so register early to secure your family's spot for this coastal camping adventure.

What to Expect

Experience the Magic of the Monterey Bay Coast

This Labor Day weekend, join us for a celebration of summer's end at New Brighton State Beach, where dramatic coastal bluffs meet pristine sandy shores along the breathtaking Monterey Bay. This spectacular park offers the perfect blend of ocean adventures and peaceful retreat—a place where ancient cypress and pine forests provide cool, shaded gathering spaces just steps from sun-warmed beaches.

We'll be gathering at New Brighton's Group Camp, a spacious, welcoming site nestled among the trees where we can slow down, share meals, explore tide pools and sandy shores, and celebrate the last golden days of summer with a joyful, welcoming community.

Spots are Limited!

In it Together: Camping As Community🤝🏾
From the moment you arrive, you're part of our camping family. Whether it's setting up tents, preparing meals, or keeping an eye on the kids, everyone pitches in to support each other. You'll never feel like you're figuring it out alone—there's always someone ready to lend a hand or share their camping wisdom.

Our Trip Philosophy

➡️ Belonging in Nature: We believe that public lands are for everyone. We center the experiences of folks who have been marginalized from outdoor spaces, creating supportive environments where all feel welcome. Together, we're rewriting the narrative of who belongs in our beautiful natural world.

➡️ Community Empowerment: We thrive together. From setting up camp to preparing meals, we share responsibilities and wisdom across experiences and generations. Our collaborative approach builds confidence, develops outdoor skills, and creates meaningful connections that extend beyond each trip.

➡️ Restoration & Joy: We embrace nature's power to inspire awe and renewal. Our trips create spaces where families experience the wonder of starlit skies and sunrise moments, find joy in shared discoveries, and develop traditions that nurture wellbeing through the restorative qualities of the outdoors.

➡️ Stewardship & Legacy: We honor our responsibility to protect and preserve these lands for future generations. Through hands-on experiences and cultural connections to place, we inspire a lasting commitment to environmental care that becomes part of each family's outdoor practice.

What do Outdoorithm Collective trips look like?

Here’s a quick peak at our trips and our amazing community.

FAQs

  • No, there is no fee to attend. Outdoorithm Collective is run entirely on donations - please consider supporting this and future trips by making a tax-deductible donation online.

  • Please refer to the provided gear list! You will need to bring your own sleeping pad and sleeping bag, toiletries, clothing (think layers), drinks and snacks. We may not be able to accommodate dietary restrictions so please plan accordingly.

  • Breakfast and dinner will be provided starting with dinner on Saturday night thru breakfast on Monday morning. An optional lunch sandwich bar will be provided as well - please bring your own snacks, any supplementary food you need and drinks to share!

  • Please reach out to Sally directly at sally@outdoorithmcollective.org

Exploring New Brighton & Santa Cruz

Walking along New Brighton's coastal bluffs and beaches is like stepping into California's natural playground—where ocean breezes carry the salt air and every tide brings new treasures to discover. The dramatic meeting of land and sea creates an ever-changing landscape of sandy shores, rocky tide pools, and forested bluffs that have welcomed visitors for generations.

Popular Areas to Explore:

  • New Brighton Beach Trail (Easy) – A gentle 0.9-mile out-and-back trail that takes you from the campground down to the beautiful sandy coastline. Perfect for families and accessible for all ages.

  • Seacliff State Beach Walk (Easy) – A 3.2-mile stroll along the beach from New Brighton to Seacliff State Beach, where you can see the famous concrete ship. This flat, sandy walk offers stunning bay views and is great for beachcombing. Turn around at any point or go all the way for a 6+ mile walk.

  • Tide Pool Areas (Easy to Moderate) – Explore the rocky intertidal zones during low tide to discover sea anemones, hermit crabs, and other marine life. Best explored in the early morning or late afternoon.

  • Bluff Top Trails (Easy) – Short, scenic paths wind through the cypress and pine forest above the beach, offering peaceful spots to rest in the shade and glimpses of the coastline through the trees.

  • Forest of Nisene Marks State Park – Just 4 miles inland, this spectacular redwood forest offers 30 miles of hiking and biking trails through second-growth redwoods, including the easy Old-Growth Loop Trail and the popular Aptos Creek Fire Road.

  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – Only 7 miles away (11-minute drive), this iconic seaside amusement park features the famous Giant Dipper roller coaster, classic carnival rides, arcade games, and beachfront fun. Perfect for a family day trip during your camping weekend.

  • Monterey Bay Views – From various spots throughout the park, take in the sweeping views of this world-renowned marine sanctuary, where you might spot sea otters, seals, or migrating whales.

However you choose to explore, the outdoors will meet you exactly where you are.