Panther Beach

No matter what else people have to say about these twin beaches, their natural beauty is spectacular, with high rock towers and a rocky cliff. Some sources lists them as two separate beaches, but in fact, they're both in the same place, separated from by a rock wall with (guess what!) a hole in it. Hole in the Wall Beach is accessible only at low tide by going north from Panther Beach and through the hole. Check the high tide times and time your trip so you won't get stranded.

The photo above shows the rock wall that separates the beaches. You'll find pictures of both beach areas at the end of this guide.

Location

Santa Cruz County, north of the town of Santa Cruz Get a map and directions

Description

• These beaches are often quite sunny
• Rock towers, a wall of rocks, caves
• About 100 yards long and 70 yards wide
• Nice sand

Who's at Panther and Hole in the Wall Beach

A few people, about half of them nude

Panther and Hole in the Wall Beach Facilities

None

Panther and Hole in the Wall Beach Activities

Sunbathing, rock climbing. Swimming not advised because of riptides.

More Nude Beaches Within 25 Miles of Panther and Hole in the Wall

• Scott Creek: About 5 miles north
• Bonny Doon: About a mile north
• Laguna Creek: About half a mile south

Nudity Laws: Panther and Hole in the Wall Beach

Laws regarding nudity vary by location and fines are stiff in some places. We have not been able to find a link to Santa Cruz County nudity laws and the responsibility for knowing the law at Panther and Hole in the Wall beaches is yours.

Nude or naturist beach neophytes, please be respectful of others and read the Nude Beach and Topless Beach Etiquette guidelines before you go to a nude beach.