Panther Beach(Yellow Bank Beach, Yellowbank)

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. 

Panther Beach provides a lot of fun activities including beachcombing, fishing, hiking, biking, sunbathing, surfing, kite-surfing, surf-skimming, bodysurfing, tide pooling, wildlife watching, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and boating. The beach has a variety of rock formations including arches, cliff walls, and caverns which you can explore. The coastline along the beach also offers some excellent tidepools. You can also comb the beach for a variety of interesting shells during low tide. The water here, under favorable conditions, can offer some pretty exciting waves for a thrilling surfing session. However, be aware of the strong rip currents and the rocks near the water while surfing or swimming here. The beach is a popular spot for rock climbers due to its jagged cliffs which provide an attractive opportunity to rock climbers. The cliffs here were once the practicing grounds of the eminent rock climber Chris Sharma. However, rock climbing is illegal under local regulations as the rocky terrain near the beach can inflict some serious injuries. The adjacent Hole-In-The-Wall-Beach provides a more secluded beach area along with more rock formations and tidepools. If you like to hike or bike, the Coast Dairies State Park offers a variety of hiking and biking trails near the beach to explore the wetlands, grasslands, and other sandy areas near the beach. You can also check out the bluff side near the beach which offers a delightful view of the Pacific Ocean and from where you can watch out for whales, dolphins, seals, and marine birds. There are also designated fishing sites around the beach area, where you can fish with a proper permit.

You can access the beach via a walking trail starting from the parking spot for Panther Beach to the beach area. The walk may get difficult as much of the walking trail has eroded away and you need to get down a steep bluff side area in order to access Panther Beach. The parking lot for the beach is free and situated along California State Highway 1, from where you can access the walking trail to the beach.

Panther Beach provides a lot of fun activities including beachcombing, fishing, hiking, biking, sunbathing, surfing, kite-surfing, surf-skimming, bodysurfing, tide pooling, wildlife watching, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and boating. The beach has a variety of rock formations including arches, cliff walls, and caverns which you can explore. The coastline along the beach also offers some excellent tidepools. You can also comb the beach for a variety of interesting shells during low tide. The water here, under favorable conditions, can offer some pretty exciting waves for a thrilling surfing session. However, be aware of the strong rip currents and the rocks near the water while surfing or swimming here. The beach is a popular spot for rock climbers due to its jagged cliffs which provide an attractive opportunity to rock climbers. The cliffs here were once the practicing grounds of the eminent rock climber Chris Sharma. However, rock climbing is illegal under local regulations as the rocky terrain near the beach can inflict some serious injuries. The adjacent Hole-In-The-Wall-Beach provides a more secluded beach area along with more rock formations and tidepools. If you like to hike or bike, the Coast Dairies State Park offers a variety of hiking and biking trails near the beach to explore the wetlands, grasslands, and other sandy areas near the beach. You can also check out the bluff side near the beach which offers a delightful view of the Pacific Ocean and from where you can watch out for whales, dolphins, seals, and marine birds. There are also designated fishing sites around the beach area, where you can fish with a proper permit.

If you're looking for a restaurant, Humble Sea Brewing Co. serves a vibrant range of refreshing alcoholic drinks including India pale ales and Beers, along with serving delicious side dishes including pizzas. Another more family-friendly option is Malabar Restaurant which serves fusion South Asian cuisine and is known for its unique dishes like kofta Colombo and banana blossom salad. Another great dining option is Linda’s Seabreeze Cafe, which is 16 minutes away and serves delicious breakfast dishes and refreshing coffee.

If you are looking for a hotel near Panther Beach, then there are many great nearby options. The 4-Star Casablanca Inn offers luxurious suites along with several amenities including an in-house restaurant and a lounge. The more affordable 2-Star Pelican Point Inn is 18 minutes away, offers spacious rooms, and is conveniently close to some of Santa Cruz’s best restaurants and beaches. The Carousel Beach Inn is also a great budget accommodation.