Natural Bridges State Beach

You can pay for parking to be closer or just park on the street and it’s free. Went during king tides and it was packed! Great tide pools to take kiddos to explore. We saw starfish, birds, anemones, crabs, snails, urchins, and lot of beautiful kelp. I’d be careful walking on the rocks, I saw 3 people slip in the tike I was there. Always respect nature and don’t stand to close to the edge.

I grew up going to Natural Bridges State Beach when i was a kid. Back when there was still a natural bridge over the gap between the cliffs. It fell for good in a storm in 1985. There are fun tide pools you can walk out to. Its a great beach for kids because they cant get out of your sight. The waves never get out of hand. There is a Monarch butterfly grove right next to the beach so dogs are NOT allowed on the trails or beach to protect the butterfly habitat. There are picnic tables and a clean bathroom. It costs a nominal fee to get in. But there is plenty of street parking to avoid the fee. I try to visit every time im back in Santa Cruz. I built a sandcastle there on Thanksgiving Day. Great memories there. Still making them!! I think its the best beach in Santa Cruz.

Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz is nothing short of breathtaking. Even without its most famous visitors, the dramatic sea arch and rugged coastline offer stunning views that make for a perfect afternoon of exploration and tide-pooling. The air is fresh, the paths are well-maintained, and the atmosphere is deeply restorative. But the true, unforgettable magic happens every fall and winter when the Monarch Grove becomes home to thousands of migrating monarch butterflies. Stepping into the eucalyptus grove is like entering a scene from a fairy tale. The trees hang heavy with dense, shimmering clusters of monarchs, looking at first glance like dried leaves. As the sun warms them, the grove comes alive. Hundreds sometimes thousands take flight simultaneously, creating a vibrant, swirling orange cloud that completely envelops you. It is a humbling and spectacular natural phenomenon that everyone should experience at least once. The staff and volunteers are excellent and clearly passionate about protecting this essential habitat. Natural Bridges State Beach is a vital treasure for both nature lovers and casual visitors alike. Five stars!

One of our favorite beaches in Santa Cruz. It’s an easy drive over the hill, and parking is usually not too hard to find. There aren’t any amenities here, but that’s part of its charm — just sand, sea, and sky. If you feel like stretching your legs, a short hike up into the park gives you a lovely view of the coastline. You can walk for ages along the shore, watching surfers catch waves, sailboats drift by, and sunlight glint off the beautiful homes above. It’s the kind of place where time slows down — whether you stay for the day or just an hour or two, you always leave feeling a little lighter. P.S. The new Marianne’s Ice Cream location is now right on the way — the perfect stop before heading home.

Went during low tide and had a great time finding starfish, anemone, crab, jellyfish or man-o-war (not sure which is was). The arches were gorgeous and the rocks were a beautiful design.

Beautiful beach with beautiful views! Absolutely a must for a family day or even alone time watching the sunset. We went on a weekday so we were able to find close street parking, but they do have a large parking lot.

Gorgeous state beach to explore. The water is stunning as you watch is crash and dance on the rocks, the fresh air fills your lungs as you hear seagulls flying by, you can find small crabs and other sea life in the pools, and you can take a lovely stroll along the sand. This beach is so nice and relaxing, perfect for a solo adventure or if you have kids! I came here with my family and while we were here there were families and the kids were enjoying their time exploring the beach. I’d recommend bringing a light jacket especially if it’s overcast since the wind can be a bit chilly. Will absolutely be back the time time I come to Santa Cruz!