Twin Lakes State Beach - Schwan Lake Park

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.

The beach provides many amenities including lifeguards, restrooms, concession stands, showers, and firepits. The beach area also allows pets on a leash.

Twin Lakes State Beach offers many activities including bodysurfing, surfing, kiteboarding, swimming, snorkeling, volleyball, beach-walking, sunbathing, beachcombing, paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and wildlife watching. The beach area gets crowded quickly so arrive early if you are looking for a bonfire on the fire pits. You can comb the beach for a variety of interesting shells. The ocean floor here has a clear surface while the water here is warmer than other Santa Cruz beaches, which makes it an ideal spot for snorkeling and bodyboarding. The Wolton Lighthouse is also present near the beach area and it makes for some picturesque oceanside vistas when seen from the beach.

There many other fun things to do here. The waters near the beach area are home to dolphins, seals, sea lions, and migrating whales. You can also head to the adjoining Schwan Lake Park, a local bird watcher's paradise that features several rare species of hawks and swallows. You can also encounter interesting terrestrial fauna on the walking and biking tracks in the park including opossums, meadow voles, and gopher snakes. During summer evenings every Thursday from 5:30 pm to sunset, the beach becomes a massive dance floor and party zone at the nearby Crow’s Nest restaurant which hosts a weekly gala on the beach featuring live musicians and an open-air bar and barbecue.

The beach is easily accessible - the entrance lies near the intersection of 9th Avenue and East Cliff Drive. We recommend parking at the parking lot for Santa Cruz Harbor, which is a short walk away from the beach entrance, as Twin Lakes State Beach parking lots at 9th Avenue fill up quickly on weekends, and street parking near the beach requires a paid weekend parking permit.

Twin Lakes State Beach offers many activities including bodysurfing, surfing, kiteboarding, swimming, snorkeling, volleyball, beach-walking, sunbathing, beachcombing, paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and wildlife watching. The beach area gets crowded quickly so arrive early if you are looking for a bonfire on the fire pits. You can comb the beach for a variety of interesting shells. The ocean floor here has a clear surface while the water here is warmer than other Santa Cruz beaches, which makes it an ideal spot for snorkeling and bodyboarding. The Wolton Lighthouse is also present near the beach area and it makes for some picturesque oceanside vistas when seen from the beach.

There many other fun things to do here. The waters near the beach area are home to dolphins, seals, sea lions, and migrating whales. You can also head to the adjoining Schwan Lake Park, a local bird watcher's paradise that features several rare species of hawks and swallows. You can also encounter interesting terrestrial fauna on the walking and biking tracks in the park including opossums, meadow voles, and gopher snakes. During summer evenings every Thursday from 5:30 pm to sunset, the beach becomes a massive dance floor and party zone at the nearby Crow’s Nest restaurant which hosts a weekly gala on the beach featuring live musicians and an open-air bar and barbecue.

At the end of a fun-filled beach experience, you can go and relax while trying out the numerous cafes and restaurants present near the beach. Stagnaro Bros Seafood is located on the Santa Cruz Wharf and is known for its excellent seafood and refreshing cocktails. Another great option is The Crepe Place, which offers a pleasant outdoor dining experience, live music shows, and awesome brunch crepes. Another dining option is the family-friendly and modestly priced Falafel Of Santa Cruz which serves some of the best falafels in Santa Cruz.

If you are looking for a hotel near Twin Lakes Beach, there are many great nearby options. Dream Inn Santa Cruz offers splendid rooms with oceanfront views, along with a variety of amenities including a pool and an in-house bar, and also organizes yoga classes. The more affordable 2-Star Holiday Inn Express Suites Santa Cruz offers well-furnished rooms and features a fitness center and pool. The modestly priced National 9 Santa Cruz also offers great rooms.