Bonny Doon Beach

Boony Doon Beach is a stunning beach backed by dunes and otherwise surrounded by high cliff walls. A creek, Liddell Creek, flows through a tunnel in the rock wall at the back of the beach and flows around the south end of the beach to the ocean. From the parking area 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 from 8 AM 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 want to hike around, 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).

This beach might soon be known as Bonny Doon State Beach, a future California State Park in the Coast Dairies Ranch property acquisition, and hopefully the beach’s reputation will improve.

Note that swimming here can be dangerous due to rip currents.

Address

Cabrillo Hwy and Bonny Doon Rd
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Park Name

Coast Dairies State Park, Bonny Doon State Beach

Owner

State Parks

Pet Details

No dogs allowed on the beach

Fees

Free parking

Activities

Sunbathing, Photography

Amenities

Dunes, Trails, No Facilities

Links

Surfing Info & Web Cams
Water Temps
Tide Chart