Twin Lakes Beach

Twin Lakes Beach stretches for a mile along the Santa Cruz coast on either side of Santa Cruz Harbor, from the San Lorenzo River to Black Point. Twin Lakes State Beach includes Seabright State Beach and Schwan Lake. Many who want to enjoy the Santa Cruz experience, but without the crowds, opt for Twin Lakes. The beach offers great views of Walton Lighthouse.

Into the Surf

Twin Lakes is popular for all kinds of water activities from surfing and boogie boarding to stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking. The relatively warm waters along the beach make it popular for swimming and playing in the surf.

Parking near Twin Lakes State Beach is limited.

Live Oak Parking Permits

Virtually all of the residential streets east of the harbor and near the beach along East Cliff Drive are part of the Live Oak Parking Permit Streets operated by Santa Cruz County (see the streets highlighted in orange above on the map).

Motor vehicles parked in the road right-of-way from the first weekend in May through September must display a valid Live Oak Parking Program permit, or a citation will be issued.Enforcement hours are 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and the following holidays: Memorial Day, Tuesday, July 4 (Independence Day), and Labor Day.

Visitors may purchase parking permits from one of four Pay Stations located in the area. The Pay Stations accept coins, cash and credit cards; but they do not dispense change.

• Pay Station 1 At roundabout at 5th Ave. and East Cliff Dr.
• Pay Station 2 9th Ave. and East Cliff Dr.
• Pay Station 3 East Cliff Dr. between 18th and 19th avenues
• Pay Station 4 32nd Ave. and Pleasure Point Dr.

Permit Fees:

• Day Permit - $8, no application necessary.
• Annual Visitor Permit - $35;
  motorcycles $8, trailers $10
  Live Oak Parking

Santa Cruz Harbor

Parking at Santa Cruz Harbor in the metered spaces is $1 per hour in the South Harbor area and 75¢ per hour in the North Harbor. Day Passes are $10.

Seabright Parking Area

A small area near Seabright Beach is part of a residential parking permit zone that is enforced from May 15 to September 30. Parking in this area (highlighted on the map in light purple) without a permit is not allowed. An additional Seabright Parking Zone is also found north of the railroad tracks (not shown on map).

Other Parking

Always confirm parking information on street signs. Changes may have been made since our map was published. We cannot be responsible for any errors on our map.

Negotiating Santa Cruz Streets

A number of one-way streets around the harbor and Twin Lakes Beach can make driving a challenge for those unfamiliar with Santa Cruz. A good street map is very helpful.

Wildlife

An abundance of wildlife is found around Twin Lakes. Out beyond the waves keep an eye out for harbor seals, sea lions, dolphins, sea otters, and whales. The best season for whales is from mid-December through mid-April, with January being the peak month. A variety of birds are seen around the beach and at nearby Schwan lake, including gulls and cranes.

Food and Supplies

Services and shops in the city of Santa Cruz are within walking distance from Twin Lakes Beach. A number of restaurants and shops are found around Santa Cruz Harbor. One of the most popular restaurants there is The Crow's Nest. Next door is a nice little coffee shop, The Kind Grind. More choices are found within a couple of blocks along Seabright Avenue.