Corcoran Lagoon Beach
Santa Cruz, CA
Corcoran Lagoon Beach pairs a wide stretch of sand with a real lagoon behind it, public parking scattered along nearby residential streets rather than one central lot. The 26th Avenue Stair provides another way down for anyone parked further along the neighborhood.
The lagoon adds genuine variety beyond a typical beach stop, though the residential street parking takes a bit more effort than a dedicated lot.
How we score beachesCheck the lagoon side as much as the ocean side, the wetland habitat here draws a different mix of wildlife than the open beach.
Free parking is available on nearby residential streets.
Stairs and a path, including the 26th Avenue Stair, lead down to the beach.
Dogs are allowed on the beach on a six foot leash, sunrise to sunset.
Fog is common most mornings year round, typical of the Santa Cruz coast.
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