Lighthouse Field State Beach in Santa Cruz, at the north end of Monterey Bay, is a 38-acre protected coastal park established in 1978 and also known as Its Beach. Overlooking Steamer Lane, a prominent local surf break, it combines shoreline and blufftop parkland and includes the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum in a lighthouse dating from 1967. A natural rock arch marks the beach’s northern end, while monarch butterflies winter there and sea lions and black swifts are commonly seen nearby. With trails, picnic areas, and other public amenities, the beach supports year-round recreation and also hosts Santa Cruz’s annual Christmas Caroling under the Stars.