Located a couple of miles west of the city of Santa Cruz, Panther Beach (which is officially known as Yellow Bank Beach) is a beach area located along the coastline of Coast Dairies State Park. The beach is connected to the adjacent Hole-In-The-Wall Beach via an archway that is located on the southern end of the beach area, which can be used to access Hole-In-The-Wall Beach during low tide. Another man-made tunnel can be found in the southern end of the beach, through which Yellow Creek flows into Panther Beach and forms a lagoon here. The beach has golden sand, which is formed from the erosion of yellow sandstones and a mixture of the local mudstone. A variety of rock formations are present on the beach and the surrounding shoreline. Panther Beach, along with the neighboring Hole-In-The-Wall Beach, is considered a clothing-optional area due to its secluded location. However, any act of public indecency is punishable under local regulations. The beach offers no lifeguards or other amenities except some walking trails and dogs are not allowed here.
