Moran Lake Park

Moran Lake Park surrounds a lagoon in the Live Oak area of Santa Cruz.

The park has its own parking area, restroom facilities, and even has a dirt trail running along the north side of the lagoon.

The beach is the real draw here though. From the parking area you’ll walk across Cliff Drive to a small pocket beach with homes on each side.

If tide is not high you can walk north alongside the rocky barriers protecting the homes until you reach the beach in front of Corcoran Lagoon.

At times storms and the outflow of Moran Lake Lagoon will reshape the beach. Don’t swim in the ocean water if the lagoon is flowing into the surf.

Dogs are allowed on leash and locals will walk their dogs on the beach here.