Santa Cruz County
Bonny Doon
Rural hillside living above the coast. Vineyards, wildflower meadows, and ocean views on large, private lots. For those who want space and solitude close to town.
Living in Bonny Doon
Bonny Doon is a rural, unincorporated community spread across the ridgeline above Santa Cruz's north coast. Known for its vineyards, open meadows, and eclectic mix of residents, the area offers true country living with views stretching from redwood forests to the ocean. Homes sit on multi-acre parcels, and the community has a creative, independent spirit. Bonny Doon attracts buyers who want land, privacy, and a connection to the natural landscape.
What We Love
- 01 Multi-acre parcels with big views
- 02 Bonny Doon Vineyard and wineries
- 03 Close to north coast beaches and UCSC
- 04 Creative, independent community
- 05 Dark skies and wildlife
Education
Schools in Bonny Doon
Ratings for every public and private school, from GreatSchools and Niche.
Public
GreatSchools
| School | GreatSchools rating |
|---|---|
| Santa Cruz High High | |
| Mission Hill Middle Middle | |
| Bonny Doon Elementary Elementary · K-6 | |
Private
Niche
| School | Niche grade |
|---|---|
| Gateway School Private · K-8 | |
Getting to Work
Commute from Bonny Doon to the Bay Area
Rush-hour drive times on Highway 17 to Bay Area tech hubs.
| Employers | Peak drive time |
|---|---|
   Netflix, Zoom, Adobe +5 more Los Gatos to San Jose, Santa Clara | 55-70 min |
   Apple, Amazon, LinkedIn +2 more Cupertino to Menlo Park, Sunnyvale, Mountain View | 1h-1h 20m |
 Salesforce San Francisco | 1h 40m |
24 notable spots
Around Bonny Doon
Beaches, trails, markets, and places to eat, all within reach. Distances measured from Beauregard Vineyards .
Beaches
Bonny Doon Beach
3.4 mi, 8-min drive
- Davenport Beach 3.3 mi
- Shark Fin Cove 3.3 mi
- Panther Beach 3.6 mi
Surf Spots
Parks & Trails
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
4.7 mi, 11-min drive
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park 10.2 mi
- Wilder Ranch State Park 6.7 mi
- Fall Creek Unit 2.9 mi
Recreation
4.3 mi, 10-min drive
- Anahata Hot Yoga & Wellness Center 4.3 mi
- Skypark 6.6 mi
- Pasatiempo Golf Club 7.3 mi
Grocery & Markets
4.3 mi, 10-min drive
- New Leaf Community Market 8.1 mi
- Shopper's Corner 8.7 mi
- World Market 7.9 mi
Shopping & Dining
Costa Azul
3.3 mi, 8-min drive
- Hallcrest Vineyards and Santa Cruz Scrumpy Cider 4 mi
- Empire Grill 4.3 mi
- Rocky's Cafe 4.2 mi
Common Questions
What buyers ask about Bonny Doon
- What is Bonny Doon like as a place to live?
- Bonny Doon offers rural, private living on large parcels with a creative, independent community. The trade-offs include winding roads, limited cell service in some spots, and the need for well water and septic systems on most properties.
- Is Bonny Doon at risk for wildfires?
- Yes, like most rural Santa Cruz County areas, Bonny Doon is in a high fire-risk zone. The 2020 CZU fire affected parts of the community. Buyers should plan for defensible space, fire insurance, and emergency preparedness.
One Message Away
Tell me what you're looking for. I'm quick to respond.
Message received!
Thanks! I'll be in touch shortly.