Day on the Beach

Saturday, July 13th, 2024

We look forward to seeing you
at Day on the Beach.

"Day on the Beach" video from our friends at Time.com

YouTube video

Day on the Beach, 2019, courtesy of Focus Films LLC

day on the beach autism and joy

Join Us For Our Annual Fun, Free, & Accessible Adventure

Day on the Beach is the highlight of each year, when more than 300 people with special needs, 400+ family members and friends, and over 250 enthusiastic volunteers team up to share a full day of adaptive sports—kayaking, outrigger canoeing, SCUBA diving, beach wheelchair rides—and life-changing memories. Day on the Beach has given participants and volunteers an unforgettable experience of breaking through barriers to see dreams become reality. Our generous volunteers lay down over 170 pieces of plywood on frames, creating a unique 5,700 square foot platform on the sand that enables those with mobility issues to travel over it with ease to participate in all of our activities. We also offer beach wheelchair rides—an opportunity to explore the beach in a whole new way. Every year, we offer free live music and entertainment, free food, sandcastle building, and so much more. Participants of all ages—from four to 83 so far—have traveled from all around the country to attend. We hope you’ll take advantage of this special event, and to see you at the beach!

~ Santa Cruz Sentinel

Signup to receive notifications about Day on the Beach.

We will inform you as soon as enrollment is open.

Please feel free to join us on July 13th.
Check-in at the Volunteer Table and see where help might be needed!
Your support of this event is greatly appreciated! 

Your Adventure Options:

Beach Party

Enjoy FREE live
entertainment, lunch, and beach activities such as Frisbee Golf, Sand Castles, Bean Bag Toss, and much more!

Outrigger Canoeing

Get into a large outrigger canoe, and be paddled into the Bay by experienced outrigger canoe paddlers! Routes are to be determined, but will probably go thru Steamer’s Lane and along the wharf.

Kayaking

The front seat view of a 2-person kayak is a great way to see the Bay! You’ll be paddled into the Bay by an experienced kayaker. Depending on conditions, the kayak trips will either travel along the wharf and watch otters and sea lions, or you’ll paddle into Steamer’s Lane, the world-famous surf spot and take a chance at seeing dolphins.

SCUBA Diving

For the extreme adventure lover only, Day On The Beach is offering SCUBA diving! Get into a wetsuit and explore the ocean with certified dive instructors. You will dive a few
feet, just to get an introduction to the sport.

Beach Wheelchair Rides

Trek along the Pacific shoreline with one of our fat-tire beach wheelchairs.

Beach Chair Ocean Rides/ Flotation

Get into a wetsuit, grab a beach wheelchair or boogie board, and float off of Cowell’s Beach. Volunteers will be with you as you hang out with the otters and other swimmers, and gently watch the day go by.

Day on the Beach is FREE for all participants. Let’s keep it that way.

Still have questions?

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