Twin Lakes State Beach
State Park · Santa Cruz, California
Twin Lakes State Beach is a long, narrow sandy beach on the east side of Santa Cruz, in the Live Oak neighbourhood on Monterey Bay, split in two by the channel of the Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor. Just inland lies Schwan Lagoon, a freshwater lagoon with oaks and a lot of waterbirds, and the beach sits next to Blackpoint and the harbor mouth, where a small lighthouse stands on the jetty. This is an urban beach with houses, a road and a harbor at its back, not a wild shore. It is popular for sunbathing, swimming, volleyball and evening bonfires in the fire rings - confirm the current rules - and it fills on sunny weekends, while fog and cold water are normal even in summer. Parking is tight and the surrounding streets are permit zones. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a few miles west and is a separate attraction. Plan a few hours, arrive early, bring layers and treat the water with respect: it is cold, and currents run hard near the jetty.
E Cliff Dr & 7th Ave, Santa Cruz, California, 95062, United States
The beach is posted as open from about 6 AM to 10 PM, with no entry gate for walkers; confirm the current hours and whether fire rings are allowed after dark. Parking lots are small and are pay by the day or by the hour - confirm the machines and the rates - and streets nearby are restricted to residents' permit holders. Fog commonly covers the beach until late morning, and storms in winter can close sections of sand or move the lagoon outlet. Summer weekends are the busiest, and holiday weekends can fill every lot by mid-morning. Check the State Parks page and harbor notices on the day you go.
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