PANTHER beach The rocks and tide pools of Panther Beach, set near Santa Cruz, Calif., offer a unique hands-on marine experience for visitors. Though the beach may be difficult to find off of Highway 1, this seclusion has helped keep the beach quiet, clean and less crowded. Panther Beach’s serene beauty makes it an ideal place for private gatherings with friends, sunbathing and sightseeing. Other beautiful but lesser-known beaches (around the same distance) are Sunset Beach in Watsonville and Tunitas Creek Beach in Half Moon Bay.
• Address: 10 Miles off Highway 1 N. Santa Cruz, CA 95067 • Time: About 1 hour away • Price: Free!
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