Please note that Pajaro Dunes is private property. However, we are delighted to share that the Bird Club and Pajaro Dunes Management have reached an agreement that once again welcomes birders to visit the area. We are grateful to the management for their continued partnership, and we ask all visitors to be respectful of the property and its residents so we can preserve this wonderful opportunity for years to come.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Please follow this code of conduct:
- No activities other than birding are permitted.
- Visiting hours are 8am to 4:30pm, available any day of the week — with the exception of weekends that fall during major holidays (Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas and New Years weeks). Participants in the Christmas Bird Count are welcome during the Christmas holiday.
- On your first visit bring a signed copy of the Access Agreement and give it to the gatehouse staff. This will be kept on file at the gatehouse for future visits.
- Obtain a parking pass at the gatehouse. The gatehouse staff will validate that that you are on the Visitor Roster.
- You can bring a guest but they must remain with you during your visit. A guest can be younger than eighteen years old but will be the full responsibility of the SCBC registered visitor.
- Please park near the Gatehouse, Sandpiper Center, or Pelican Visitor areas only.
- Feel free to walk along any streets, boardwalks, or stairs leading to the beach — just be mindful to stay clear of the areas around private homes.
- Pets: Not allowed
APPLY FOR ACCESS
Follow these steps
- If you wish to bird at Pajaro Dunes, you must be a current member of the Santa Cruz Bird Club.
- Download a copy of the Pajaro Dunes Access Agreement link here:PD-Bird-Waiver-Agreement-12-2025 read and sign it.
- Complete an Access application. Link: https://forms.gle/3UnsG2gNhJ5jodTt5
- Keep a copy of your signed agreement and turn it into the gatehouse staff on your first visit. This will be kept on file at the gatehouse for future visits. The Access Agreement has no expiration date but can be withdrawn at any time.
ENROLLMENT PERIOD.
Please complete your application by end of day August 15,2026.
VERIFICATION.
The Bird Club will verify that your membership is current, and if so, notify you that your name is on the approved list. Watch for an email from June Langhoff, the SCBC Field Trip Coordinator. She will contact you after August 15.
ACTIVATION DATE.
The SCBC Visitor Roster will become active on the first day of September 2026. Please do not attempt to bird at Pajaro Dunes before the activation date.
NEXT ENROLLMENT.
The next enrollment period is July 1 – August 15, 2027 for access to Pajaro Dunes on September 1, 2027.