Vedran V.
Yelp
Word of advice first. If not a local with the County sticker on the vehicle, be prepared to pay $10 for parking on weekends anytime in the summer season. That goes for any spot in about 5 block radius. If you don't have a parking pass you will get a ticket. If you think you can get away with it, think again. Just because the machine nearby is broken, don't think you're off the hook. They will find you and fine you. So make sure to walk that quarter mile to the next machine that works and get that pass.
Depending on weather, Twin Lakes can be the best or the worst day on the beach you ever had. While the temperature in the Valley was hovering around 100, forecast for Santa Cruz called for mid 70s. However, once we arrived at the beach the temperature outside was not much warmer than sea temperature which was about 58F. So while we had a lot of fun, I regretted bringing my jacket and felt cold pretty much the whole time when on the beach. So if not clear yet, next time I'm not paying attention to Santa Cruz weather forecast and bringing layers.
Twin Lakes beach is somewhat small and parking sucks, but is safe due to all the lifeguards on duty. There are bathrooms and showers, but too bad the bathrooms are dirty and showers too few and far between. While natural beauty of the beach and sea can't be denied, if they are charging $10 for parking, at least there should be some cleanliness levels enforced. While you can't go wrong with any beach in Santa Cruz (except the Boardwalk), there are better options around. I'll keep on looking.