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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
Map of Waddell Creek Beach
Bonny Doon, US
4:03 am, March 29, 2024
temperature icon 46°F
L: 46° H: 54°
Feels like 42.53 °F overcast clouds
Wind gusts: 3 m/s
UV Index: 0
Precipitation: 0.04 inch
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 6:58 am
Sunset: 7:28 pm
Humidity 94 %
Pressure1012 mb
Wind 3 m/s

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