Twin Lakes State Beach is an uncrowded stretch of beach with established fire pits. The beach is equipped with showers and bathrooms and is dog friendly.
This one-mile stretch of beach is the perfect option for those looking for a peaceful Santa Cruz experience, but without the crowds. The beach features soft sand, playful surf, an awesome view of Walton Lighthouse, and a handful of fire pits to choose from. It's a great spot to spend the entire day with friends and family, so plan on getting there early to secure a fire pit. The beach is also adjacent to Schwan Lagoon - a great spot to do some bird watching.
Parking can be difficult, so plan accordingly. There are only a handful of spots available in front of the beach. During the summer months a parking permit is required from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays through Labor Day. Permits may be purchased from the Live Oak Parking trailer.
For more info on the beach regulations, click here: Parks.CA.Gov.