New Panther Beach Parking Opens Near Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument

The county's Regional Transportation Commission has completed a new 52-space parking lot to improve access to the North Coast Rail Trail.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:23pm

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A bold, geometric illustration depicting the sweeping vistas of the North Coast cliffs and coastline, with smooth gradients of earthy greens and blues creating a sense of scale and grandeur.The new Panther Beach parking lot provides improved access and convenience for visitors to explore the stunning North Coast landscapes and trails.Santa Cruz Today

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission has opened a new 52-space paved parking lot near Panther/Yellowbank Beach, located about a mile from the Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument. The parking lot is part of the ongoing North Coast Rail Trail project, which aims to establish a 7.5-mile multiuse trail between Wilder Ranch State Park and Davenport.

Why it matters

The new parking lot and associated visitor amenities will enhance public access and convenience to the North Coast Rail Trail, which is part of a larger 32-mile Coastal Rail Trail project stretching down to Watsonville. The project aims to improve multimodal transportation options and outdoor recreation opportunities along Santa Cruz's iconic North Coast.

The details

The new parking lot features 52 spaces, including 3 accessible spaces and 4 motorcycle spaces, as well as bicycle racks, benches, and a new restroom facility. The project was primarily funded by a federal grant with local matching funds from the Measure D transportation sales tax passed by Santa Cruz County voters in 2016. The California Coastal Conservancy and Land Trust of Santa Cruz County also contributed financially.

  • The North Coast Rail Trail Segment 5, which includes the new Panther Beach parking lot, broke ground in 2024.
  • The full North Coast Rail Trail is anticipated to open to the public this fall.
  • Work on the next phase of the project, a Highway 1 pedestrian overpass connecting the trail to Cotoni-Coast Dairies, is not scheduled to start until 2028.

The players

Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission

The county agency responsible for planning, funding, and implementing transportation projects, including the North Coast Rail Trail.

Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument

A 5,800-acre national monument located along the North Coast of Santa Cruz County, offering hiking, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor recreation opportunities.

Measure D

A 30-year half-cent sales tax passed by Santa Cruz County voters in 2016 to fund local transportation projects, including the active transportation/coastal rail trail category that contributed to the North Coast Rail Trail.

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What they’re saying

“Construction of the new parking lot and associated visitor amenities that support the North Coast Rail Trail demonstrates the RTC's commitment to multimodal access to the trail and is consistent with the multi-agency vision for new facilities in the project area.”

— Sarah Christensen, Executive Director, Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission

What’s next

The full North Coast Rail Trail is anticipated to open to the public this fall, while work on the next phase of the project, a Highway 1 pedestrian overpass connecting the trail to Cotoni-Coast Dairies, is not scheduled to start until 2028.

The takeaway

The new Panther Beach parking lot is an important step in improving multimodal access and outdoor recreation opportunities along Santa Cruz's iconic North Coast, as part of the larger Coastal Rail Trail project that aims to connect communities and enhance sustainable transportation options.