Top 8 Lakes around Pleasure Point
Best lakes around Pleasure Point, a coastal community in Santa Cruz County, California, offers a unique blend of ocean and freshwater environments. While primarily known for its Pacific Ocean coastline, the area features several notable lagoons and lakes. These bodies of water provide diverse natural features and recreational opportunities, distinct from the region's prominent surfing and coastal views.
Best lakes around Pleasure Point
- The most popular lakes is Schwan Lake, a lake that was originally known as Schwan Lagoon.…
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Moran Lake Beach and Park
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Schwan Lake
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Antonelli Pond - Moore Creek Trail and Preserve
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Twin Lakes State Beach
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Adjacent Schwan Lake Park offers picturesque walking trails through oak …
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Duck Pond
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Tips from the Community
Antonelli Pond is a man-made pond fed by Moore Creek on the west side of Santa Cruz. The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County has restored this neighborhood with trails for hiking and dog walking, enjoy a picnic, or get close up to birds and waterfowl. A pleasant, short trail travels on both sides of Antonelli Pond. To make a contiguous loop one can travel along Delaware Ave a short distance to connect to both trailheads. The western section (closest to Shaffer Rd) offers the longer of the two paths. The accessible path travels for .25 miles past riparian habitat, interpretive panels, and picnic tables, and ends at a loop around an immature native pollenator garden. Views across the pond invite bird watching. The shorter accessible portion of the eastern path turns to dirt at about one-tenth mile. Afterwards the trail becomes compacted dirt and narrows to less than 28 inches for a short distance. I was able to continue another .15 miles before mud prevented further passage however, other barriers make this a turnaround point for those on wheels. https://landtrustsantacruz.org/protected-areas/antonelli-pond
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A small but cozy beach along East Cliff Drive, featuring a lake and a park. There’s bike parking nearby and benches overlooking the water, making it a great spot to pause during your ride, enjoy the ocean views, or even take a refreshing dip. The beach is especially nice during low tide.
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Twin Lakes State Beach features a mile of sandy shoreline for swimming and picnicking, situated near the Santa Cruz Harbor. Adjacent Schwan Lake Park offers picturesque walking trails through oak preserves and coastal grasslands, ideal for dog-walking and bird watching. The day-use area operates from sunrise to sunset.
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Moran Lake Beach is part of the 9.2-acre Moran Lake Park. The beach stretches about a mile long and is a popular surf spot. The park offers restrooms, picnic tables, and outdoor showers.
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Schwan Lake is part of Twin Lakes State Park and was originally known as Schwan Lagoon when it connected to the ocean. Harbor construction restricted the flow of water from the ocean, transforming it into a freshwater lake.
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Paved paths circle around this small pond within San Lorenzo Park. There are places to sit, or you can just enjoy the view as you pass by.
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This beach looks out onto the ocean — not Moran Lake, which is the popular lagoon on the inland side of the road. Restrooms are available here and you may see surfers in the water. You're advised not to swim when the lagoon waters are flowing into the surf, though.
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Moran Lake is actually a lagoon, with a nice running trail along the west side. The smell is best on this side of the lagoon; some users complain about a foul smell at the far (northeast) side of the lake, due to a sewer line that feeds into the creek.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I find around Pleasure Point?
While Pleasure Point is primarily known for its coastline, the area features a mix of freshwater lakes, coastal lagoons, and man-made ponds. These include natural habitats like Schwan Lake, which transformed from a lagoon into a freshwater lake, and coastal lagoons such as Moran Lake.
Are there family-friendly lakes or lagoons in the area?
Yes, several spots are great for families. Schwan Lake (Schwan Lake) is noted as family-friendly, offering viewpoints and a peaceful environment. Moran Lake Beach and Park (Moran Lake Beach and Park) also provides family-friendly amenities like picnic tables and restrooms, along with a beach for recreation.
Which lakes are good for birdwatching?
Schwan Lake is an excellent spot for birdwatching, with its 8-hectare (20-acre) wetland area serving as a natural habitat for various bird species and wildlife. Moran Lake also attracts diverse bird species and wildlife, making both ideal for nature observation.
Can I go hiking or walking near the lakes?
Absolutely. Schwan Lake features walking trails and viewpoints, perfect for peaceful strolls. Moran Lake County Park offers a scenic dirt trail along the north side of the lagoon. Additionally, Antonelli Pond - Moore Creek Trail and Preserve (Antonelli Pond - Moore Creek Trail and Preserve) has restored trails suitable for hiking and dog walking. For more options, you can explore various routes in the area, such as the easy Schwan Lake Loop Trail.
Are there dog-friendly trails around the lakes?
Yes, Moran Lake Beach and Park (Moran Lake Beach and Park) is listed as dog-friendly. Antonelli Pond - Moore Creek Trail and Preserve (Antonelli Pond - Moore Creek Trail and Preserve) also offers trails suitable for dog walking.
What facilities are available at Moran Lake?
Moran Lake Beach and Park (Moran Lake Beach and Park) is well-equipped with restrooms, picnic tables, and outdoor showers. It also has parking available, making it convenient for visitors.
Is there swimming at the lakes or lagoons?
While Twin Lakes State Beach (Twin Lakes State Beach), adjacent to Schwan Lake, is suitable for swimming, caution is advised at Moran Lake Beach when the lagoon flows into the ocean due to changing conditions and currents. Always check local conditions before swimming.
Are there accessible trails near the lakes for those with mobility needs?
Antonelli Pond - Moore Creek Trail and Preserve (Antonelli Pond - Moore Creek Trail and Preserve) offers an accessible path for about 0.25 miles, featuring interpretive panels and picnic tables. However, parts of the trail may become dirt and narrow further along, or be affected by mud.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Pleasure Point?
The lakes and lagoons can be enjoyed year-round. For birdwatching, early mornings or late afternoons are often best. If you plan to visit Moran Lake Beach for surfing or beachcombing, checking tide charts is recommended, especially for exploring rocky barriers during low tide.
What kind of cycling opportunities are there near the lakes?
While the immediate lake areas are more for walking, the broader Pleasure Point region offers various cycling routes. You can find options for gravel biking and MTB trails, with routes ranging from moderate to difficult, such as the Wilder Ranch Bike Path or trails near Wilder Ridge.
What makes Duck Pond unique?
Duck Pond (Duck Pond) is a small pond within San Lorenzo Park, featuring paved paths that circle around it. It's a serene spot with places to sit and enjoy the view, and it's also wheelchair accessible.
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