Please note: Natural Bridges State Beach, which is also located on Delaware Ave., (on the opposite side of the street from Antonelli Pond), is NOT dog-friendly. The Land Trust owns and is responsible for the management and restoration of Antonelli Pond and the lower Moore Creek Corridor. The 18-acre property embraces a large, freshwater pond just above Natural Bridges State Beach, as well as adjacent riparian lands. It was donated to the Land Trust in four parcels between 1982 and 1994.

The main draw here is the pond itself — a genuinely peaceful spot in this corner of Santa Cruz where you can watch birds and spot turtles while your dog gets a good walk along the water’s edge. The trails wind through the property, which includes riparian habitat that attracts plenty of wildlife. It’s worth noting that even though Natural Bridges State Beach is directly across Delaware Avenue, dogs aren’t allowed there, so this is your dog-friendly alternative if you’re in the area.

The property is open from dawn to dusk, and the main entrance is on Delaware Avenue between Natural Bridges Drive and Shaffer Road. To get there, take Mission Street/Highway 1 North to the west end of Santa Cruz, turn left on Swift Street, then right on Delaware. The pond sits on the right side of the street across from the DeAnza mobile home park. There’s no dedicated parking lot, so you’ll need to find street parking on Delaware Avenue, which can be tight depending on the time of day.

Bring bags for cleanup — there’s a dispenser on-site. The trails aren’t heavily maintained or marked, so this feels more like a local’s spot than a polished park. That’s part of the appeal if you’re looking for something quieter and less crowded than the bigger state beaches nearby.