Coast Dairies State Park - Bonny Doon Beach(Bonny Doon State Beach)

Nearby dining options include the Davenport Roadhouse, a cozy establishment offering American cuisine and a casual atmosphere with live music options. Another popular spot is Whale City Bakery, known for its relaxed setting and live music performances, serving a variety of American dishes and baked goods. For those seeking Mexican flavors, Costa Azul is a convenient choice, although it does not provide a direct website link.

The Davenport Roadhouse is noted for its historic charm, while Whale City Bakery offers a blend of comfort food and entertainment. Costa Azul provides a casual dining experience with fast service, ideal for tourists looking for authentic Mexican cuisine.

These restaurants offer a mix of local flavors and settings, perfect for visitors seeking a memorable dining experience in the Davenport area.

For accommodations, visitors can choose from several nearby hotels in Santa Cruz. The Sea & Sand Inn offers waterfront views and relaxed quarters with some rooms featuring private hot tubs. The Dream Inn provides modern beachfront accommodations with an outdoor pool and a restaurant on site. Another option is the Carousel Beach Inn, known for its free breakfast and bright rooms.

These hotels cater to a variety of tastes and preferences, from those seeking luxury amenities like hot tubs to more budget-friendly options with free breakfasts. They are all located in Santa Cruz, providing easy access to Bonny Doon Beach via a short drive.

Guests can enjoy ocean views, free Wi-Fi, and a range of amenities depending on their choice of hotel.

Bonny Doon Beach is a natural and relatively undeveloped area with no facilities like restrooms, showers, or picnic tables available on site. Visitors should plan accordingly, bringing necessary supplies and respecting the coastal environment. The beach's natural beauty is enhanced by unique sand dunes and rock formations, making it ideal for photography and sunbathing. Hiking trails on the bluffs offer scenic viewpoints of the surrounding coastline.

For those who prefer a casual and secluded beach experience, Bonny Doon provides a serene atmosphere with limited human impact, allowing nature to be the main attraction.

Visitors will need to explore nearby towns for additional services or amenities, such as dining and restrooms.

Popular activities at Bonny Doon Beach include sunbathing, photography, and exploring the nearby hiking trails. The beach's natural cove setting and unique rock formations make it a photographer's paradise. However, swimming can be hazardous due to strong rip currents, so it's advisable to exercise caution. The trails on the bluffs offer scenic views of the coastline and connect to other beaches like Panther Beach and Shark Fin Cove.

For those interested in hiking, the trails provide a great way to explore the surrounding landscape and discover historic farm roads and scenic overlooks.

Given its clothing-optional status, Bonny Doon Beach also appeals to those seeking a more relaxed, natural beach experience.

While Bonny Doon Beach itself does not offer specific disability access facilities like ramps or wheelchair rentals, nearby establishments like the Davenport Roadhouse provide wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms. However, accessing the beach involves walking down a sandy slope after crossing railroad tracks, which may pose challenges for those with mobility issues. Visitors should consider these factors when planning their visit to ensure accessibility needs are met.

The overall natural setting of the beach means that while it is less accessible in terms of infrastructure, it remains scenic and enjoyable for those able to navigate the terrain.

For more accessible amenities, nearby towns and hotels might be more suitable.

Parking at Bonny Doon Beach is available in a long, paved lot off Highway 1 at the intersection with Bonny Doon Road. The parking is free, but it is advised to keep valuables secure as break-ins can occur. The parking area operates from 8 AM to sunset, providing ample space for day visitors. After parking, a short walk across railroad tracks and down a sandy slope leads to the beach, where Liddell Creek might require wading or crossing on a log to access.

The proximity of the parking lot to the beach makes it convenient for visitors to come and go throughout the day.

It's important to be mindful of the limited parking hours and potential for theft.

Bonny Doon Beach has a long history associated with its status as a clothing-optional beach, although this is now limited to the more secluded north end. The beach is part of a larger state park effort to preserve the coastline and has been involved in significant environmental conservation efforts. The Coast Dairies State Park property was acquired from a ranching company in 2006 to protect it from development, ensuring its natural beauty remains accessible to the public.

The nearby beaches and trails offer a glimpse into the rich geological and historical heritage of the area.

The beach's unique features and relaxed atmosphere make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Bonny Doon Beach is nestled within the larger Coast Dairies State Park area, which includes several other beaches like Panther Beach and Shark Fin Cove. Nearby attractions include the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, offering stunning botanical gardens, and Swanton Berry Farm, where visitors can pick their own berries. The park itself is part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, providing a haven for diverse marine life.

For those interested in exploring beyond the beach, these attractions offer a glimpse into the region's natural beauty and cultural offerings.

The scenic drive along Highway 1 also provides breathtaking views of the coastline, making the area a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers.