Neary Lagoon

Surfaces
Sand, Grass, Asphalt

Restroom
Yes - Located at California St. & Bay St.

Parking
Limited parking at California St. & Bay St.

Dog Regulations
No dogs allowed.

Abundant wildlife viewing. Peaceful place for a walk. Interpretative signage and information available on site. No dogs allowed in wildlife refuge area.

Neary Lagoon is an important part of the urban watershed for the City of Santa Cruz. A drainage area of approximately 850 acres empties into the lagoon, and from there, out to the ocean.

Public entrances to the Neary Lagoon Wildlife Refuge are located at the end of Chestnut Street, the end of Blackburn Street, and at the corner of Bay Street and California Street.

Wildlife inhabiting or visiting the refuge include mallard and wood ducks, pied billed grebes, a multitude of coots, the world's meanest geese, several varieties of fish and the occasional great blue heron or hawk.

A wooden pontoon walkway and trail system was recently added to the refuge, allowing a complete circuit around and through the refuge. The walk is under 1 mile, and is very popular with families with children.

It is also a significant shortcut for west side residents walking downtown, skirting the steep Laurel Street hill up to California Street.

Video of Neary Lagoon