Twin Lakes State Beach

About

The beach has a mile of sandy shoreline and is popular for swimming and picnicking. It’s located next to the Santa Cruz Harbor and is one of the area’s most popular local beaches.

Adjacent Schwan Lake Park offers easy walking trails through a natural preserve of old oaks and coastal grasslands. It’s a good location for dog-walking, bird watching and scenic views of the lake and bay.

Operating Hours

Day-Use Area Sunrise to Sunset

Directions

From Highway 1, take Soquel Avenue to 7th Avenue. 7th Avenue dead-ends at Twin Lakes State Beach. Public access to Schwan Lake Park is via the Simpkins Family Swim Center off of 17th Avenue.

Check the Santa Cruz METRO schedule for public transportation options.

Things to do

Beach Area

Enjoy boogie boarding, surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, swimming and other beach activities.

Hiking Trails

Explore Schwan Lagoon, which is a good spot for birding.

Bonfires

Fire rings are provided at this beach. Bonfires are only permitted inside of those rings.

Accessibility

Beach wheelchairs are available for use on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are recommended. Contact the State Park Special Events Office at SCD.specialevents@parks.ca.gov or 831-400-8519, Tuesday to Friday excluding holidays, between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm. Email is preferred.

Fees and Passes

Street parking is available and is now free.

Services

Restrooms
Outdoor showers
Fire pits
Lifeguard on duty (summers only)
Beach wheelchairs are available to borrow for day use. Learn more and make a reservation.

History

Twin Lakes State Beach is in the unceded homelands of the Awaswas-speaking Ohlone Tribe known as the Uypi, who stewarded these lands since time immemorial. Centuries of colonial violence led to the removal and displacement of the Uypi. Today, their descendants continue their stewardship and presence here, in partnership with State Parks.

Schwan Lake and Woods Lagoon (now the Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor) were known historically as Twin Lakes.

Regulations

Dogs are permitted on leash.
Fires must be confined to fire rings provided.
Alcohol is not allowed on the beach or in day-use areas.
A fishing license is required.

Recreate Responsibly

Before you visit, check the Recreate Responsibly page to protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these measures during your visit.