Call the beach
Twin Lakes State Beach
Phone Number
(831) 427-4868
Park Hours
Dogs Allowed?
Yes
Driving Directions to Twin Lakes SB
The small craft harbor in downtown Santa Cruz is approximately in the middle of Twin Lakes State Beach, which extends for a distance parallel to East Cliff Drive and Portola Drive.Online reservations are not available for this park.
No online brochures available for this park.
Upcoming Park Events
No events scheduled at this moment.
BOATING
Boating
Boating
TRAIL USE
Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Interpretive Exhibits
Beach Area
Swimming
Windsurfing/Surfing
Geocaching
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Interpretive Exhibits
Beach Area
Swimming
Windsurfing/Surfing
Geocaching
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Restrooms / Showers
Outdoor Showers
Drinking Water Available
Restrooms / Showers
Outdoor Showers
Drinking Water Available
Winter Storm Closures
Due to a forecasted severe winter storm, several state parks in coastal Santa Cruz County will be closed on Tuesday, March 28. Parks will be evaluated for reopening on Wednesday, March 29.
Parks that will be closed include:
o Wilder Ranch State Park
o Natural Bridges State Beach
o Lighthouse Field State Beach
o Schwann Lake trail area and Blacks Beach at Twin Lakes State Beach
o New Brighton State Beach
o The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
o Uplands day-use area of Manresa State Beach
o Upper area of Sunset State Beach
o Palm State Beach
Please be aware that additional strong weather systems or damage from previous storms may cause additional or extended park closures.
Looking for your next adventure?
California State Parks Backpacking Adventures offers naturalist-led backpacking trips through the Santa Cruz Mountains each summer. Online registration opens March 1 at 9am.
Artists, we have a special backpacking trip option for you: the Big Basin Artabout! Ten artists will be chosen to particpate in the first backpacking trip in Big Basin since the CZU Lightning Complex Fire on June 3-4, 2023. Artists will recieve a $2500 stipend and will create an artistic piece in the medium of their choice inspired by the trip to be displayed in the park! The deadline to apply is April 28, 2023. For more information, visit the Big Basin Artabout website.
The small craft harbor in downtown Santa Cruz is approximately in the middle of Twin Lakes State Beach, which extends for a distance parallel to East Cliff Drive and Portola Drive. The beach has a mile of sandy shoreline, popular for swimming and picnicking. The park’s adjacent Schwan's lake is a good location for bird watching.
Parking
For parking information, please visit http://www.dpw.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/Home/ParkingPrograms.aspx.