New parking lot opens along Highway 1 near Panther Beach, expanding North Coast access

A new paved parking lot has opened along Highway 1 near Panther Beach, expanding public access to the North Coast ahead of a larger trail project’s completion, transport officials said. 

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission announced Monday the opening as part of the ongoing North Coast Rail Trail project, which will eventually create a 7.5-mile multi-use path between Wilder Ranch and Davenport.