Located in the Opal Cliffs neighborhood of Santa Cruz County, Privates Beach is a narrow strip of beach area situated below a bluff-top park called the Opal Cliffs Park. The beach has light brown sand, which rarely stays dry due to constant contact with water during advancing tides. The bluff side shoreline has been fixed with boulder embankments to prevent erosion. A portion of the beach allows clothing optional visitors, which is how the beach got its name. For a long time the beach was the subject of a legal battle between the local resident’s association Opal Cliffs Recreation District and the California Coastal Commission – the local resident’s association Opal Cliffs Recreation District closed public access to the beach and demanded a whopping $100 entry fees. The beach is currently open to all during the daytime, while it is closed off during the night to ensure the safety of local residents. The beach area is accessible from the park via a flight of wooden stairs present near the park area. The beach and the adjoining park have no lifeguard or any other amenities except some sitting areas. The beach allows pets on leash, although they are forbidden on weekends and national holidays.
