Bonny Doon Beach in Santa Cruz, CA

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About Bonny Doon Beach in Santa Cruz, California

Boony Doon Beach is a stunning beach backed by dunes and surrounded by high cliff walls. A stream named Liddell Creek comes out of a man-made tunnel in the rock wall at the back of the beach and flows around the south end to the ocean. To access the beach, you might have to wade across the creek or cross on a log to reach the beach.

The beach is located at the intersection of the Highway 1 and Bonny Doon Road north of Santa Cruz and near the town of Davenport. There is a long paved parking lot along Highway 1 at this spot (parking hours are from 8am to sunset). Walk across the railroad tracks and down a sandy slope to the beach. Don’t leave valuables visible in cars at any time as break-ins are common unfortunately.

If you are interested in hiking, there are old double-track farm trails on the bluffs north and south of the beach. The northern trail leads to Shark Fin Cove and the southern one leads to views of Panther Beach and Hole in the Wall.

Bonny Doon has been considered a clothing-optional beach for years. Now that the state of California owns the property it seems that the clothing-free area is at the more secluded north end (beyond the big flat topped rock). Note that citations can be issued by park rangers if they visit the beach.

This beach might soon be known as Bonny Doon State Beach, a future California State Park in the Coast Dairies Ranch property acquisition. State park rules apply to this beach so these are all prohibited: dogs, glass containers, fires, alcohol, camping, horses, and vehicles on the beach.

Note that swimming here can be dangerous due to rip currents that form in the cove.

Address: Cabrillo Hwy and Bonny Doon Rd
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Park Name: Coast Dairies State Park, Bonny Doon State Beach, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Owner: State Parks
Pet Details: No dogs allowed on the beach
Fees: Free parking
Activities: Sunbathing, Photography
Amenities: Dunes, Trails, Stream, Viewpoints, No Facilities
Links: Water Temps
Tide Chart