Top 9 Lakes around Soquel
Best lakes around Soquel, California, are found in the surrounding Santa Cruz County, offering diverse recreational opportunities. While Soquel itself is characterized by Soquel Creek, nearby areas feature a mix of freshwater lakes, lagoons, and coastal beaches. These natural features provide settings for activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and water sports. The region's lakes are integral to its natural landscape, providing accessible outdoor experiences.
Best lakes around Soquel
- The most popular lakes is Schwan Lake, a lake that was…
Last updated: June 24, 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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Mill 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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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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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes and water bodies can I explore near Soquel?
Near Soquel, you'll find a diverse range of water bodies including freshwater lakes, lagoons, and coastal beaches. Notable examples include Schwan Lake, which was once a lagoon, Twin Lakes State Beach offering both ocean and freshwater environments, and Moran Lake Beach and Park. Further afield, you can visit Loch Lomond Reservoir and Millpond Lake.
Are there family-friendly lakes or beaches around Soquel?
Yes, several spots are great for families. Twin Lakes State Beach is popular for swimming, picnicking, and beachcombing, with amenities like restrooms and outdoor showers. Moran Lake Beach and Park also offers beach access, picnic tables, and restrooms. Schwan Lake features easy walking trails suitable for all ages.
Which lakes offer good opportunities for hiking or walking?
For hiking and walking, Schwan Lake Park provides easy trails through natural preserves. Moran Lake County Park features a multi-use trail. Loch Lomond Reservoir, though a bit further, offers scenic hikes around its perimeter. Additionally, Antonelli Pond has pleasant, short trails for walking and birdwatching. You can find more options in the Easy hikes around Soquel guide.
Can I go swimming in the lakes near Soquel?
While freshwater swimming is generally not permitted in reservoirs like Loch Lomond, you can enjoy swimming at Twin Lakes State Beach, which offers relatively warm ocean waters. Moran Lake Beach and Park also provides beach access for water activities.
Are there any dog-friendly trails or areas near the lakes?
Yes, Schwan Lake Park offers dog-friendly trails (on-leash). Twin Lakes State Beach is also dog-friendly on-leash. Antonelli Pond also welcomes dogs on its trails.
What kind of wildlife can I spot around the lakes?
The lakes near Soquel are excellent for wildlife viewing. Schwan Lake is a prime spot for birdwatching, with species like egrets, cormorants, mallards, and grebes. You might also see red-shouldered hawks and urban mammals. Moran Lake County Park is known for its seasonal monarch butterfly habitat.
Are there opportunities for fishing at the lakes?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Loch Lomond Reservoir is stocked with trout, bass, channel catfish, and panfish. Millpond Lake is another local fishing spot where you can find bass, channel catfish, panfish, and trout.
What are the best lakes for boating or water sports?
Loch Lomond Reservoir is ideal for boating, though swimming is not permitted. For ocean-based water sports like boogie boarding, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding, Twin Lakes State Beach is a great choice, with the adjacent Santa Cruz Harbor offering boat rentals.
Are there cycling routes near the lakes around Soquel?
Yes, the broader Soquel area offers various cycling opportunities. While not directly on the lake shores, you can find routes that pass near these natural areas. Explore options in the Cycling around Soquel guide for routes like the Pleasure Point Beach – West Cliff Cycleway loop.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Soquel?
The lakes and beaches near Soquel are enjoyable year-round. Summer offers ideal conditions for swimming and beach activities at Twin Lakes State Beach. Spring and fall are excellent for hiking and birdwatching, with pleasant temperatures. Winter can still be mild, offering peaceful walks and opportunities to see seasonal wildlife like monarch butterflies at Moran Lake County Park.
Are there any lakes with picnic areas or facilities?
Yes, several locations offer amenities. Twin Lakes State Beach has fire rings and is great for picnicking. Moran Lake Beach and Park provides picnic tables and outdoor showers. Loch Lomond Reservoir also features picnic areas with barbecue grills.
What makes Schwan Lake unique among the lakes in the area?
Schwan Lake is unique because it was originally a lagoon connected to the ocean, known as Schwan Lagoon. Harbor construction later restricted the water flow, transforming it into a freshwater lake. It's now part of Twin Lakes State Park and is a peaceful spot for birdwatching and walks through oak preserves.
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