Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Twin Lakes State Beach adventure.
Swim in the warm waters of Monterey Bay at this central Santa Cruz spot.
Overlooking the Santa Cruz Harbor and the Monterey Bay, Twin Lakes State Beach attracts locals and tourists alike with its sandy coastline and relatively warm waters. It's a popular swimming spot in the summer months, and features all the amenities most people need for a day at the beach, including restrooms, outdoor showers, and even fire pits. Directly inland from the beach, and technically part of the state park, Schwan Lake is a great spot for birdwatching and strolling, with around a mile of trails and a mix of grasslands and marsh.
Twin Lakes State Beach is at its busiest in July and August, when school is out for the summer and temperatures soar. However, this time of year is also pretty crowded, so if you'd like the seaside experience without the masses of fellow travelers, consider visiting in September, when the weather is still warm enough for swimming and sunbathing, but the crowds are significantly fewer.