From the west side of Santa Cruz, Neary Lagoon Wildlife Refuge offers a short walk through an urban wetland, with a loop past lagoon habitat and chances to spot birds. You can reach it from several public entrances and take in a quieter patch of nature during a town visit.
- Location: 110 California St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Walking route: A circuit through and around the refuge, under 1 mile
- Typical hours: Open daily
- At the California Street and Bay Street entrance: Limited parking and a restroom
Where is Neary Lagoon Wildlife Refuge?
Neary Lagoon Wildlife Refuge sits within Santa Cruz’s urban watershed, where water from a drainage area of approximately 850 acres flows into the lagoon and then out to the ocean. The refuge’s address is 110 California St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Look for public entrances at the ends of Chestnut Street and Blackburn Street, or at the corner of Bay Street and California Street. The Bay Street and California Street entrance is also where you’ll find limited parking and a restroom.
What can you see on the Neary Lagoon trails?
The Neary Lagoon trails form a circuit under 1 mile, using a wooden pontoon walkway and paths that go around and through the refuge. The City of Santa Cruz describes park surfaces of sand, grass, and asphalt.
Freshwater marsh and riparian habitat support or attract mallard and wood ducks, pied-billed grebes, coots, and several varieties of fish. Great blue herons and hawks visit occasionally.
Wood ducks nest here, as do marsh wrens and common yellowthroats; in winter, ring-necked ducks, sora, and Virginia rails sometimes appear. Black-crowned night-herons may be seen roosting in willows along the lagoon’s east shore.
Bring binoculars if you have them, and pause along the route to watch for wildlife. Interpretive signage and information are available on site. The refuge is intended for walking and wildlife viewing: dogs are not allowed in the wildlife refuge area, and fishing is prohibited.
When is the refuge open, and what should you know before going?
Visit Santa Cruz County gives the park’s hours as daily, sunrise to sunset. Hours can be time-sensitive, so check the official site before you go; the City of Santa Cruz provides park access and facility information.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 7:30 AM–5 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
At the Bay Street and California Street entrance, parking is limited, so plan for the possibility that spaces may not be available. The restroom is at that same location. If you’re making a full day of exploring, a one-day Santa Cruz itinerary can help you plan what to fit in.
How do you get to Neary Lagoon from central Santa Cruz?
From central Santa Cruz, head toward one of the public entrances on Chestnut Street, Blackburn Street, or at Bay Street and California Street. If you’re planning a wider route through town, how Santa Cruz neighborhoods connect can help put the refuge in context.
The public entrances give you several ways to begin the walk, while limited parking and a restroom are available at Bay Street and California Street.
From Motel 6 Santa Cruz CA, it’s about a 6-minute drive to the refuge; use the Bay Street and California Street entrance for limited parking and a restroom. The hotel offers rooms at Motel 6 Santa Cruz CA for your visit.
Pair the lagoon walk with a broader day exploring town.
FAQs
How long is the walk at Neary Lagoon?
The circuit around and through the refuge is under 1 mile.
Are dogs allowed at Neary Lagoon?
Dogs are not allowed in the wildlife refuge area.
Is fishing allowed at Neary Lagoon?
No. Fishing is not allowed in the lagoon.
Is there parking at Neary Lagoon?
There is limited parking at the corner of Bay Street and California Street.