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Panther Beach, Santa Cruz, California – Review, Things to Know, & Directions

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Are you planning on visiting Panther Beach anytime soon? We extensively reviewed this hidden gem in Santa Cruz, as well as things to know and directions to the beach.

Panther Beach

Panther Beach is a public beach in Santa Cruz, California, near the hamlet of Davenport. The beach is nicknamed “hole-in-the-wall beach”  because a tall, wide opening in one section of the golden cliff creates a picturesque arch.

Panther Beach shows the wide opening in one section of the Golden Cliff. This is why it is nicknamed “hole in the wall beach.

Location and Direction

Many people find it hard or a bit tricky to locate as it is situated in a secluded place. Well, this is one reason we came up with this article.

Panther Beach is located a few miles west of Santa Cruz, California.

From Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, It is 17 minutes by driving along Cabrillo Highway. And about 40 minutes by public transport and an hour by Cycling.

Panther Beach Map
Google map directions from the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History

If you are already west of Santa Cruz, look for a small parking area on the side of the highway. Walk along some railroad tracks, southeasterly, until you see the sign for the beach, and then start working towards that path. Voila!

Things to Know Before Going to Panther Beach

There are some safety tips or things we want you to keep in mind before coming.

Some things to know before going are as follows:

Hard route to the beach

Keep in mind that it is a bit tricky to locate Panther Beach. However, you’ll eventually make your way there if you follow the actual location and direction guide we disclosed in this article.

Do not go rock climbing

We strongly advise avoiding rock climbing when you visit Panther Beach, even if you see people climbing the rocks there. This is illegal and could also lead to severe injuries.

Bring your swimsuits and surfboard

If you want to engage in other aquatic activities at the beach, you should bring your swimsuits and surfboard.

Other things to know before going are that pets are not allowed on Panther Beach, there are no public restrooms, you shouldn’t bring any glass bottles to the beach, etc. 

Review of the Panther Beach

The amenities available at the Beach include Rock Arch, Caves, and Creeks. There are no facilities. However, the beach has a free parking space.

Panther Beach
Rock Arch of the Panther Beach

Activities or things to do at Panther Beach: Sunbathing, Beach exploration, and rock climbing are some of the things you could do here.

Pet details: Dogs or pets are prohibited on the Beach.

Other names you can call it: You can call this beach many different names, like Yello Bank Beach, Yellow Bank, and Yellow Bank Creek.

Note: When the beach is at low tides, it is accessible through an opening in the rock wall on the South end. This route is safe except at high tides or extreme surf.

Tips for Visitors 

The best time to visit the Panther beach is between September and March for the perfect sunny beach day. Some of the top attractions closer to this location that you can explore are:

  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (Amusement park)
  • Santa Cruz Wharf (Fishing pier)
  • The Mystery Spot (Tourist attraction)

Panther Beach, Santa Cruz, California, is a remote beach north of Santa Cruz. It is a great destination to dig your toes into the warm sand and soak up the sun.

However, we discussed some safety tips in this article that you need to pay attention to for a memorable and safe beachside vacation or getaway.