Twin Lakes State Beach is a California state beach on Monterey Bay in Santa Cruz, just south of the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor. Extending about one mile along the bay, it is part of the state park system and closely tied to the harborfront character of this area. The beach is a popular destination for swimming and picnicking, while nearby Schwan's Lake is known for birdwatching. A small-craft harbor running parallel to East Cliff and Portola Drives helps shape the shoreline setting and connects the beach to the surrounding waterfront.