Home › California › Santa Cruz › Neary Lagoon Park
Neary Lagoon Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 494 Google reviews · Running trail in Santa Cruz, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Neary Lagoon Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Wildlife refuge with trails & floating walkways, bird-watching areas, tennis courts & a playground.
What runners say about Neary Lagoon Park
“The boardwalk offers beautiful views of the lagoon, and it’s always relaxing to watch the birds, turtles, and other wildlife.”
“Pleasant and peaceful place to walk or take your kids to the small playground at the entrance.”
This place is so pretty. Some parts, of course, are prettier than others, and it's next to a water treatment area so it gets stinky at one part. There are playgrounds for the kids at 2 different ends of the trail. There's also a floated pathway. Quiet and peaceful. Beautiful for pictures.
The water treatment plant is little… emmm… but when you past that and walk into the lagoon it’s all worth it! Duck paradise, nice and quiet. Not crowed even on weekends.
This is a very nice park. There are paths along floating piers on the lagoon. You seeany ducks and some geese. There is a playground too.
Lovely walk through the lagoon. Nice floating that lets you cross the lagoon.
Trail conditions & character
“Pleasant and peaceful place to walk or take your kids to the small playground at the entrance.”
“The boardwalk offers beautiful views of the lagoon, and it’s always relaxing to watch the birds, turtles, and other wildlife.”
“The boardwalk offers beautiful views of the lagoon, and it’s always relaxing to watch the birds, turtles, and other wildlife.”
“Parking is a bit limited though, but it doesn't seem like a densely popular location so the amount next to the bathrooms seem sufficient.”
“Parking is a bit limited though, but it doesn't seem like a densely popular location so the amount next to the bathrooms seem sufficient.”
“BTW, Google says it’s dog friendly but the sign at the entrance actually says dogs are not allowed (but I do see some people with dogs on leash though, no one seems to object).”
Plan your run at Neary Lagoon Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitecityofsantacruz.com
- Phone(831) 420-5270
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–7 PM |
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