Best LGBTQ Beaches in Twin Lakes

Located in Santa Cruz, Santa Maria’s Beach – also known as Santa Mo’s – is situated in the Live Oak area of Santa Cruz and is one of the less crowded beaches in the area due to its secluded location. The beach area has light brown sand and is a rather small sandy area situated beside the much larger Corcoran Lagoon Beach. The beach is popular as a picnicking and bonfire spot as it offers a quieter beach experience away from the hustle and bustle of other crowded Santa Cruz beaches. The beach, unfortunately, has no lifeguards or other amenities but does allow pets on a leash. The beach is easily accessible - you need to take the access point to Corcoran Lagoon Beach at 21st Avenue and walk north along the coastal embankment to access the beach. If you continue further north, you can reach a rock shelf leading to Sunny Cove Beach (which is a dangerous place due to the rock’s slippery surface). There is no parking lot or area near the beach and on-street parking in the Live Oak neighborhood requires a paid parking permit, which can make parking here difficult.

Located at the southern end of the city of Santa Cruz, Twin Lakes State Beach is a mile-long and is situated between Schwan Lake and the Pacific Ocean. The beach has soft, light brown sand and is named after two water bodies that were present in its vicinity. One is Schwan Lake, which still exists today, and another was Woods Lagoon, which is now part of the Santa Cruz Harbor area. A small part of the Schwan Lake often flows into the ocean and forms a lagoon on the beach. The south end of the beach area gives way to Black’s Beach while to the north lie the Santa Cruz Harbor, Seabright Beach, and Santa Cruz Main Beach.

Located on the eastern side of Twin Lakes Beach, Sunny Cove Beach is situated in the Live Oak area of Santa Cruz County. The beach area is situated between two sandstone bluffs and is surrounded by rocky cliffs stretching out into the ocean along the shoreline. The beach area has beige-colored sand and the water here is infamous for rip currents, so we recommend avoiding swimming here. The beach area does not have lifeguards or any other amenities. However, it does allow access to dogs on a leash and provides trash cans and plastic bags for pet owners to ensure that the beach stays clean. This makes the beach a favorite spot among pet owners looking for a great time with their furry companions.