Waddell Creek Beach
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About Waddell Creek Beach in Davenport, California
Waddell Creek Beach is the northernmost beach in Santa Cruz County. This wide sandy beach is part of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, the oldest and one of the largest state parks in California. The Waddell Beach area is the only part of this massive park that is on the ocean. Most of the park is made up of inland hills with trails and camps geared toward hikers, bikers, and backpackers. Hikers have several trail options that begin at Rancho Del Oso across the Highway 1. Mountain bikers and equestrians can ride the Skyline to the Sea Trail which begins there too. The beach north of the parking lot is also state property, but it gets very narrow between the water and the highway. Strolling south of the parking lot you will find Waddell Creek and some more beach and dunes to explore. This area is known for windsurfing and kiteboarding so if conditions are right you’ll have a great show put on by the pros that ride the wind here (sails up north and kites middle and south). Next to the Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center there is a self-guided nature trail and the Theodore J. Hoover Natural Preserve for birdwatching on the wetlands of Waddell Creek.
- Address
- 3600 Highway 1
Davenport, CA 95017 - Park Name
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Rancho del Oso, Theodore J. Hoover Natural Preserve
- Other Names
- Waddell State Beach
- Owner
- State Park
- Pet Details
- No dogs allowed on the beach
- Fees
- Fee for parking
- Activities
- Windsurfing, Kiteboarding, Surfing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Equestrian Use, Backpacking, Driftwood, Bodyboarding, Birdwatching, Fishing, Beachcombing, Camping
- Amenities
- Trails, Nature Trail, Campground, Restrooms
Nearby Beaches
Big Creek Beach (Las Trancas)
0.6 miles away
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Greyhound Rock Beach & Fishing Access
1.2 miles away
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Cove Beach at Ano Nuevo State Reserve
1.8 miles away
Cove Beach, a.k.a. New Years Creek Beach, is a public access beach at the south end of Ano Nuevo...
Nearby Attractions
Ano Nuevo Elephant Seal Tours
1.9 miles away
The only way visitors can see the elephant seals at Ano Nuevo State Park in California is to take...
Nearby Lodging
Costanoa Coastal Lodge and Camp
4.8 miles away
Costanoa Lodge is a eco-friendly glamping destination along the San Mateo Coast north of Davenport, CA. It’s located in...
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