Davenport, California, United States of America

Bonny Doon Beach

Bonny Doon Beach is located in Bonny Doon, at the intersection of Highway 1 and Bonny Doon Road, north of Santa Cruz and near Davenport in the USA. The beach is surrounded by high cliff walls and backed by dunes, making it a picturesque location for a day out.

Visitors may need to cross Liddell Creek or use a log to reach the beach, as it flows through a tunnel in the rock wall at the back of the beach and around the south end to the ocean. The bluffs north and south of the beach have old farm trails that lead to Shark Fin Cove and views of Panther Beach and Hole in the Wall.

Bonny Doon has been considered a clothing-optional beach for years, with the clothing-free area at the more secluded north end. There are plans to make the beach a future California State Park in the Coast Dairies Ranch property acquisition.

Explore accommodation options near Bonny Doon Beach and enjoy the scenic beauty of its high cliff walls and dunes.

However, visitors should exercise caution when swimming here, as rip currents can be dangerous. Overall, Bonny Doon Beach is a great location for those looking to enjoy a day out in the sun and sand.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the beautiful and scenic nature of the beach, with trails leading to Shark Fin Cove and a view that is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Visitors appreciate the cleanliness of the beach, but some complain about the lack of crowds or advise others not to go.

Where to Stay near Bonny Doon Beach?

Visitors to Bonny Doon Beach often stay in the nearby towns of Santa Cruz and Davenport, which offer a range of accommodations from cozy inns to beachside hotels. Many visitors include the beach as part of a broader itinerary exploring the scenic Pacific coastline, rather than staying specifically for Bonny Doon Beach itself.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Bonny Doon Beach?

Latitude: 37.0004139 / Longitude: -122.1815798

Bonny Doon Beach is located in Davenport. The following map of Bonny Doon Beach shows the exact location.

Bonny Doon Beach: Weather Today

📅 Friday, July 24, 2026
Today is a challenging day for a beach visit, making it best to skip swimming or sunbathing at the shore. While the air temperature reaches 21.3 °C, the sea remains very cold at 14.9 °C, which is far too chilly for a comfortable swim. Expect blustery conditions with strong winds creating choppy waves of 1.6 m, which could make lounging on the sand quite restless. Although the sun will make appearances through the clouds, the UV Index is 8.15, meaning you must be extra careful with sun protection if you decide to take a walk. Given the combination of rough surf and brisk winds, it is safer to enjoy the coastal views from a distance rather than heading into the water.
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Air

Low / High13.3°C/21.3°C
Feels Like (High)19.1°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature14.9 °C
Wave Height1.6 m
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Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:07/20:22
Sunshine Hours13.8 hrs
UV Index8.15
Cloud Cover21%
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Wind

Speed37 km/h
Gusts48.6 km/h
DirectionNW

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