Scott Creek Beach
| |
(0)
Print
Rating: B
At Scott Creek near Davenport, surfers, nature lovers, and naturists share the water and sand of an exceptionally clean beach. Surfers usually ride breakers off the north end of the shore from October to May. The site has a lovely lagoon for bird watchers to explore. For even more nature action, stop at nearby Año Nuevo State Reserve to look for elephant seals.
Tip: before swimming at Scott Creek, check for possible riptides offshore.
Legal status:
County land.
How to find it:
Scott Creek is three miles north of Davenport, off Highway 1, and 15.5 miles north of the junction of Highways 1 and 17, in Santa Cruz. It's also 35.8 miles south of the intersection of Highways 1 and 92 in Half Moon Bay. Check for Swanton Road, shown on some maps. There are two turnouts for parking. You can walk to the beach from either north or south of the bridge.
The beach:
Frequently deserted, half-mile-long Scott Creek Beach is at the bottom of a small bluff. At the north end a submerged reef creates one of the finest surfing spots in northern California.
The crowd:
The beach is usually quiet, but the two turnouts, which hold 60 to 100 cars between them, fill up quickly on peak summer days.
Problems:
Wind; undertow; cold water; a pipeline offshore detracts from the view
Select an Area: |
Also from this author
Rat trapCities, activists, and animal lovers push for less toxic ways to control rodents
