Skip to content

About Hole-in-the-Wall Beach in Santa Cruz, California

Hole-in-the-Wall Beach is located immediately south of Panther Beach between Santa Cruz and the town of Davenport.

The only access to Hole in the Wall Beach is by walking south on Panther Beach and then passing through the “hole in the wall” in the huge rock fin which extends well into the surf. Access to the beach is easiest at low to medium tides, but if you don’t mind walking in the water it’s still possible at high tides. Avoid super high tides or periods of dangerous surf which can make access difficult. Time your run through the hole when the waves retreat. Consult a tide chart for the area to plan your trip.

Be forewarned that, due to its secluded location, HITW is considered a clothing-optional beach. Panther is too, but less so.

Note also that swimming is dangerous along this section of the Santa Cruz County coast due to rip currents and cold water.

Address
Cabrillo Hwy
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Park Name
Coast Dairies State Park
Owner
State Parks
Pet Details
No dogs allowed on the beach
Fees
Free parking
Activities
Sunbathing, Beach Exploration, Photography
Amenities
Rock Arch, No Facilities
Map of Hole-in-the-Wall Beach
loader-image
Bonny Doon, US
1:03 pm, Oct 12, 2025
weather icon 71°F
L: 67° H: 75°
clear sky
Humidity: 56 %
Pressure: 1012 mb
8 m/s WNW
Wind Gust: 8 m/s
UV Index: 0
Precipitation: 0 inch
Clouds: 0%
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 7:13 am
Sunset: 6:36 pm

Nearby Attractions

Nearby Lodging

Related Articles

Reviews

4.0
1 review(s)
Excellent0%
Very good100%
Average0%
Poor0%
Terrible0%
August 10, 2024

We were lucky that the tide was low when we visited panther beach so could go thru the hole. Otherwise we’d have just taken a photo of the arch and never known there was another beach on the other side.

Sherrie