Boardwalk of the Neary Lagoon in Santa Cruz

Relax at the Lagoon – Neary Lagoon, Santa Cruz

Information sign of the Pollinator Garden.

At the beginning to enter the Neary Lagoon in Santa Cruz, we used the public entrance at the corner of Bay St and California, you walk by the playgrounds and the Pollinator Garden.

Information sign for the Wastewater Treatment.

They don’t hide the fact that the Water Treatment is right next door. An information sign on how a water treatment plant works can be found.

The path to the lagoon slopes downward, but except for a few muddy puddles is wheelchair and stroller friendly. 

Just one muddy puddle on the one mile path of the Neary Lagoon.

The floating boardwalks are a surprise and the serenity of the place is absolutely breathtaking. Ducks come and greet you, and the signs advise about all the other wildlife in this refuge. The walk around the lagoon is about 1 mile. Some benches to relax are throughout. 

Floating boardwalk of the Neary Lagoon in Santa Cruz.

The  boardwalk was wide enough for socially distancing, but we hardly encountered anyone. Due to COVID-19 restrictions the restrooms have been replaced with a porta potty. Parking was very limited on California & Bay. Since it is a wildlife refuge there are no dogs allowed.

Have you been to the Neary Lagoon?

Other relaxing places in Santa Cruz are the Monarchs walk at the National Bridges State Beach Park and the Botanical Garden of UC Santa Cruz.