Friends of Santa Cruz. To learn about events in the parks and at the beaches, check out the Calendar Page.
The beach has a mile of sandy shoreline and is popular for swimming and picnicking. It’s located next to the Santa Cruz Harbor and is one of the area’s most popular local beaches. Adjacent Schwan Lake Park offers easy walking trails through a natural preserve of old oaks and coastal grasslands. It’s a good location for dog-walking, bird watching, & scenic views of the lake & bay.
Schwan Lake and Woods Lagoon (now the Harbor) were known historically as Twin Lakes. Directions From Highway 1, take Soquel Avenue to 7th Avenue. 7th Avenue dead-ends at Twin Lakes State Beach. Climate/Clothing Weather can be foggy or breezy, so layers are recommended. Amenities RestroomsOutdoor showersFire pitsLifeguard on duty (summers only)Supplies, food and lodging are available nearbyA sand wheelchair is available for use here or at nearby Seabright State Beach — learn more in the Hilltromper Beach Accessibility Guide None.
Camping. Coastal Commission. Wheelchair-Friendly Trails. By Hilltromper staff Who says you can't tromp in a chair?
You just need to know where to go. There are plenty of places in Santa Cruz County where you can get a front-row view of Nature's magic act while keeping all four wheels on the ground. Smooth Rides: Paved Trails and Boardwalks in Santa Cruz Area Parks Arana Gulch A half-mile ribbon of pervious concrete that opened to the public in January 2015, the ADA-compliant Arana Gulch Multi-Use Trail wends through 68 acres of coastal terrace prairie creased with stands of live oak. Natural Bridges State Beach In 2011 a brand new ADA-compliant boardwalk to the beloved Monarch Grove was unveiled. Bike Path at Branciforte Creek The short segment of bike path north of the Market Street Senior Center starts as just another built trail along a concrete arroyo. Neary Lagoon It's hard to believe this serene wetlands, a wildlife sanctuary and prime birding spot, lies a half-mile from downtown Santa Cruz. Accessible Beach Guide. By Hilltromper staff Everybody loves the beach, but all that sand can be a slog for visitors in wheelchairs.
We've compiled some resources to facilitate fun in the sun. Borrow A Beach Wheelchair in Santa Cruz or San Mateo County Little-known fact: A number of Santa Cruz area beaches have beach wheelchairs available to borrow at no charge. Made of lightweight material with big, wide wheels that roll easily across the sand, these dune buggies are the best way to get out and sniff the ocean breeze, though they do require a buddy to do the pushing. Natural Bridges State Beach This beach, one of Santa Cruz County's most popular, is an excellent place for visitors with special needs, as the beloved Monarch Grove lies at the end of a gently graded wheelchair-accessible boardwalk. New Brighton State Beach This beautiful park has wheelchair-friendly paths around the unusual Monterey pine-shaded campground atop the bluff, as well as newly upgraded accessible restrooms and campsites.
Other Resources. Access Santa Cruz County- Resource guide for people with special needs and physical challenges. Programs By The Water.
The Top 5 Things To Do in Santa Cruz With Kids. With its kid-friendly beaches, community parks, children’s museums and epic weather, Santa Cruz County offers endless opportunities for some good ol’ family fun.
If you’re looking for fun things to do with your kids this summer in Santa Cruz, then look no further. Here’s a list of my top five family activities that will keep you and your children stimulated, engaged, challenged and surely out of trouble! Roaring Camp Railroad Photo Credit: Josh Hallett, via Wikimedia Commons Take a ride into the past on a 19th century steam train at Roaring Camp Railroads. Depending on how much time you have you can choose between two routes. The first route (Redwood Forest Steam Train) will have you traveling over trestles, through towering redwoods groves and up a winding narrow grade to the top of Bear Mountain.
Top 10 things to do with kids in Santa Cruz. No kid visiting Santa Cruz ever said, "I'm bored.
" Perhaps that's a stretch -- but Santa Cruz County does host numerous children-friendly activities and places to play. Thanks to input from locals, we've put together the Top 10 things to do with kids in Santa Cruz County. From gently exploring a tide pool to hopping on a wagon for an old-fashioned ride, you'll find something for kids of all ages and stages. 1. Explore the tide pools at Natural Bridges State BeachEnchanting sea stars, urchins and anemones are just some of the sea creatures that have made their homes in the rocky tide pools at Natural Bridges State Beach. Low tide at Natural Bridges State Beach exposes an otherworldly looking shelf of tide pools, providing surfline visitors plenty of opportunity for hands-on exploration.
Your budding marine scientist might enjoy carrying a pocket guide to seashore life to help identify the diverse inhabitants of these mini-aquariums. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. DETAILS: Free. 7. 8. 15 Best Santa Cruz Family Attractions on Family Vacation Critic.