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Scott Creek

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Surfing, kite surfing and sunning at Scott Creek Beach, 20 minutes north of Santa Cruz.

“Free parking,” “no people” and “beach” are three things you don’t often hear spoken in the same sentence in California. But about three miles north of Davenport and 15 miles north of Santa Cruz on Highway One is Scott Creek Beach, the rare place that fits that bill.

The beach itself is roughly a half-mile long, situated between two large bluffs. On the north end is a rocky point that makes for a pretty consistent right depending on the swell direction. A strong northwest in the winter will have that thing reeling head high to double overhead with the weaker southern swells in the summer keeping it a mellow 3-5 feet on good days. Be careful on a low tide, because as you drift north there are a handful of unexposed rocks that could ruin your day.

More central on the inside section is a long line of peaky beach break that can be a bit temperamental. Depending on a number of factors (tide, swell, wind, etc.), it can be your best friend or a dodgy wall of closeouts. There’s so much sand moving around that you can get it great one day and have the same conditions the next, and it will line up in a completely different spot. But that’s what keeps it interesting.

On the southern end of the beach is another section of beach break that is hit-or-miss as well. On smaller days it can be a really good spot for beginning surfers who don’t want the stress of 50-plus people huddled around a single break in town.

The beauty of Scotts is really the ability to escape the hordes of tourists that descend from the Bay Area each summer. Because of its remote location, the beach will never become a go-to destination for sunscreen-clad, cooler-toting beach mongols (I just made that word up). Heavy winds and a thick marine layer (at times) also keep it off the radar.

While there’s nothing like a still, sunny day up north, howling on-shore winds can blow the place out, so check the report before making the trip. Those windy days also make for great kite surfing.

Open from sunrise to sunset, Scott Creek is a great place to surf, hang out or just take in the scenery. Rugged landscapes and an endless view of the Pacific remind anyone who sets foot in the sand why Northern California is such a unique and amazing place.

LOOK OUT FOR Wildlife—tons of birds, dolphins, seals and even whales. On the other hand, it’s not uncommon to see a dead seal wash up onshore. Seals don’t typically die of old age, if you know what I mean…

DON'T FORGET TO BRING A jacket. It can go from sunny and warm to windy and cold within an hour, so don’t be the whiny kid that forgets his jacket and wants to go home early.

RULES
-No pets (So lame.) Editor's note: Although in this case, it's a good idea to leave Rex at home, since endangered snowy plovers nest on open parts of this beach.
-No fires
-No overnight camping
-No alcohol. Nobody’s going to search your cooler, but you can get a ticket if you’re not discreet.

And pick up your trash!

—Joe Garza


Directions: From Santa Cruz, follow Highway One 15 miles north of Santa Cruz (3 miles past Davenport). Scott Creek Beach is in a dip between two hills. Parking is along the highway, but careful when crossing the street because, you know, it’s a highway.


NEARBY SURFING
Four-Mile Beach

NEARBY BEACHES
Greyhound Rock
Ano Nuevo State Park
Panther Beach

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