Location
United States
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Sand
Best season
September to October (outside plover nesting season, warmest weather)
About Laguna Creek Beach
Laguna Creek Beach is a remote sandy beach on the north coast of Santa Cruz County, about six miles north of Santa Cruz and south of Davenport, within Coast Dairies State Park (administered with Wilder Ranch State Park). Laguna Creek reaches the sea here through a marshy lagoon that closes behind a sand bar in summer, and the beach is framed by low bluffs, old farm fields and a rocky shore to the north, with Sandhill Bluff just to the south. The light-coloured sand is fairly broad: the southern part is more open, while the north end is better sheltered on windy days. Because it is out of sight of the highway and reached only on foot, part of the beach has long been used for clothing-optional sunbathing alongside surfers, kite-surfers and birders; local birders note that some of their members avoid it for that reason. Western snowy plovers nest here and much of the sand may be fenced off during the nesting season. There is no shade, no water and no facilities, and the surf is cold with rip currents.
Getting there
Park in the small free dirt lot on the inland side of Highway 1 at about milepost 26, just north of the Laguna Road junction. Cross the highway carefully at the north end of the lot, follow the path through dense vegetation to the railroad tracks, then walk west down to the beach, about 10 minutes. No facilities, no wheelchair access, and no regular public transport to the trailhead.
What visitors say
Guides and local birders describe Laguna Creek as a quiet, wild beach where surfers, birders and clothing-optional sunbathers coexist comfortably, with nude use concentrated away from the main path. It is much less busy than Bonny Doon to the north. Visitors mention the short but awkward walk across the tracks, fog and wind on many summer days, and cold, rough water with rips. Plover fencing can close large parts of the beach in spring and summer.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Nudity is prohibited in the California state park system and in 2012 State Parks posted 'Nudity In The State Park System Is Prohibited' signs at Laguna Creek, Bonny Doon and Panther beaches. Enforcement since has generally been complaint-driven, so nude use is tolerated rather than permitted. Seasonal snowy plover closures also restrict where you can go.
Naturism at Laguna Creek Beach sits under United States's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: United States public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 36.9832, -122.1557
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in United States
Frequently asked questions
Is Laguna Creek Beach clothing-optional?
Informally. Part of the beach is used for nude sunbathing, but nudity is prohibited in California state parks and anti-nudity signs were posted in 2012.
Where do I park?
In the small free dirt lot on the east side of Highway 1 just north of Laguna Road, then cross the highway and the tracks on foot.
Are there toilets?
No. There are no facilities; the nearest services are in Davenport.
Why is the beach fenced off?
Western snowy plovers nest here, and much of the beach may be closed during nesting season.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Members’ reviews
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