Corcoran Lagoon Beach

Located in Santa Cruz County, Corcoran Lagoon Beach – also known as 21st Avenue Beach – is located in the Live Oak area of Santa Cruz County. The beach is situated between a freshwater lagoon and the Pacific Ocean, essentially acting as a sandbar between the two water bodies. The beach and lagoon are named after James Corcoran, a prominent early settler of the Santa Cruz County area. A creek running through Santa Cruz County often pools up on the beach area and forms a lagoon here. The beach has light brown sand and sparse amounts of vegetation, including the rare pink sand verbena. The beach’s unique geographical features have made it a bountiful habitat teeming with a variety of bird and fish species. Unfortunately, the beach area provides no lifeguards or other amenities, although it does allow access to pets on a leash.

Corcoran Beach offers a number of activities including surfing, bodysurfing, surf-skimming, kiteboarding, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, snorkeling, boating, beach-walking, sunbathing, tide-pooling, canoeing, wildlife watching, and fishing. The beach offers great surfing and kiteboarding experience under favorable conditions. You can also comb the beach area for a variety of interesting and beautiful shells. Since the 1980s, there have been more than 170 avian species whose presence has been documented on the beach. These include herons and egrets, while a number of rare migratory birds also visit the beach seasonally, making this beach a birdwatcher’s paradise. You might also even encounter coyotes in and near the beach area. Another popular activity here is fishing in the lagoon; popular catches here include carps and surfperches. The lagoon is also home to the federally endangered tidewater goby, so take care not to disturb the home of this small fish. The ocean water is perfect for a good swim, although it is recommended to abstain from swimming when the lagoon water breaches out in the ocean due to possible microbial contamination. Another popular attraction near the beach is the Live Oak Santa Cruz Farmers Market which is situated nearby. You can taste some fine local Santa Cruz produce here and enjoy live music on Sunday mornings starting at 10 am.

The beach area is easily accessible - the beach is located near the intersection of East Cliff Drive and Coastview Drive and entry points for the beach are found on all of the roads between 20th to 23rd Avenues. However, parking here can be difficult as there are no parking lots in the area and on-street parking here requires a paid parking permit.

If you're looking for a restaurant, HOME Restaurant offers a delightful upscale experience complete with a lively dining ambiance and a menu consisting of finger-licking Italian dishes. Another great dining option is Hula’s Island Grill which features a classic Tiki Bar theme and serves great Polynesian seafood and refreshing cocktails. The modestly priced and family-friendly Santa Cruz Diner serves great classic American and authentic Asian dishes in generous portions.

If you are looking for a hotel near Corcoran Lagoon Beach, there are many great nearby options. The 4-Star Rio Vista Inn & Suites is set in a 19th-century mansion and offers luxurious rooms with great ocean vistas. The moderately priced Adobe on Green Street also offers well-furnished rooms with simplistic decor. A reasonably priced accommodation option is The Seaway Inn which is conveniently located close located to some of the best beaches in Santa Cruz.