TWIN LAKES STATE BEACH: This beach has
a mile of sandy shoreline and is popular for swimming and picnicking.
The park's adjoining Schwann Lake is a good location for bird watching,
and is a warmer beach than most in the area because of its location
at the entrance of Schwann Lagoon. While this is a state beach, there
is no camping nor is there a visitor center. There are restrooms, outdoor
showers and food and lodging are located close by. Twin Lakes is also
popular for the local Junior Lifeguard program offered during the summer
months.
CLIMATE: Weather can be foggy or breezy,
and certainly so during the winter months, so layering is recommended.
Open Daily: 6 am to 10 pm
No fees
Telephone: 831-427-4868
LOCATION AND DIRECTIONS: 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.
ACTIVITIES: Wonderful for long walks along
a sandy shore or sharing a picnic lunch between friends or family. Twin
Lakes is deal for bird watching, photography or just enjoying the California
sunshine. There are hiking trails available as well as some decent fishing.
LOCAL FLAVORS: The location is ideal, given
it is in Santa Cruz, a city with a population around 55, 000. Santa
Cruz is most famous for its Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park, the Mystery
Spot and the University of California campus located in the lush, dense
Santa Cruz Mountains. Downtown Santa Cruz is a great place for shopping,
tourism, dining out or just enjoying some of Santa Cruz’s historic
sites.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS:
- Santa Cruz Wharf
- Memorial Lighthouse Museum
- Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
- Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
- Santa Cruz Symphony Orchestra
- Santa Cruz Mission
- Steamer Lane/World famous surfing spot
- Cabrillo Music Festival/First week in August
by: Carla Iacovetti
©2006Carla Iacovetti
