Twin Lakes Beach Activities
Schwan Lake
Reach the hiking trails around the north part of Schwan Lake by driving to the Simpkins Family Swim Center, 979 17th Avenue or via trails leading off the south ends of El Dorado Avenue or Live Oak Avenue. Those trails cross the railroad tracks to reach Schwan Lake.
Trails lead through the open land, willows, and oak woodland around the north side of Schwan Lake. The area is particularly good for birding. Look for ducks on the lake, cormorants roosting in the eucalyptus trees, and in the pines for golden-crowned kinglets and pygmy nuthatches.
Schwan Lake
Twin Lakes State Beach Junior Lifeguards
Every summer the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation offers its Junior Lifeguards program at Seacliff State Beach. Junior Lifeguards teaches children how to deal with various water safety situations. The program consists of two 4-week camps that provide instruction in first aid, CPR, ocean safety, rescue techniques, surfing and bodyboarding. For 2022, the Santa Cruz area programs were held Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
The Santa Cruz State Junior Lifeguard Program is offered at Twin Lakes, Rio Del Mar, and Manresa State beaches for children ages 6-15. The program for 6-8-year-old children will only be offered at Rio Del Mar Beach, along with programs for 9 to 15 year-old children. The Twin Lakes Junior Lifeguard program meets on the Black Beach side of Twin Lakes Beach. Children new to the programs must attend one of the swim test tryouts.
Check the website for details about datesm places, and times for tryouts, program sessions, and registration dates:
Santa Cruz State Junior Lifeguards
(831) 212-7223 or (831) 476-4992
Twin Lakes State Beach 2024 Junior Lifeguard Schedule (ages 9-15)
Online Registration: Opens April TBA, 2023, at 9:00 AM
Session 1 - June 10 - July 5, 2024 (no JGs July 4)
Session 2 - July 8 - August 2, 2024
All sessions run from 10 AM to 3 PM.
Walton Lighthouse at Santa Cruz Harbor (right)
Surfing
On the east jetty of the Santa Cruz harbor is Murph Bar, known for its hollow beach break. This two-way sandbar peak is the result of the dredging that goes on to keep the harbor mouth clear. The best time for Murph Bar is with the swell coming in anywhere from the northwest to the south. Another spot known as the Harbor is, not surprisingly, near the entrance to the harbor.
Boogie boarders have a great time at Twin Lakes Beach as do skim boarders and body surfers.
Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.
