![]() ButterfliesĮvery year between mid-October and mid-February, Natural Bridges becomes home to thousands of monarch butterflies. Looking back toward the cliffs, you can clearly see how these “natural bridges” gave the beach its name. While you can see the bridge from the scenic overlook, I have found that you get the best view from the far end of the beach by the lagoon area. The arches used to be part of the rest of the cliff, but over time the pounding of the waves and erosion collapsed two of the arches, leaving the one “natural bridge” that you see today. The park gets its name from the “bridges” that formed in the rocks just off the shore. However, once I made it to the tide pools and turned around, I had an “aha” moment where I saw the bridge. To be honest, it took me going to the beach about three times, before I saw it! There were so many other things to see, and I assumed it was just a name. While clearly visible from the scenic overlook, from certain spots on the beach it’s easy to miss the large natural bridge. You get the best of both worlds, enjoying the native wildlife and having a fun day at the beach. However, unlike many other nature preserves, Natural Bridges encourages its visitors to play in the water and enjoy the beach as well. If you are visiting during the day, head over to the tide pools or the eucalyptus grove full of monarch butterflies.ĭuring the fall and winter months, you can see the thousands of migrating monarch butterflies that make Natural Bridges a famous destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Natural Bridges State Beach is one of the best spots in Santa Cruz for doing all three.Īs you watch the sun dip beneath the water, you might just spot a whale or a group of sea otters playing in the kelp. Looking for a great spot to watch the sunset, play in the waves, or see some local wildlife? Look for red-winged blackbirds, belted kingfishers, American coots, American bittern, Sora, Virgin Rails, and Blue Herons.Natural Bridges State Beach (Photo credit: karma17) Perfect for bird watching, many birds flock to Natural Bridges State Beach to bask in the Seasonal Pond. Just be warned that the smell won’t be so delicious if the sea is at low tide. Take in the scents of the sea and the surrounding eucalyptus trees while you bask in the sun’s rays. It’s sheltered between two headlands, so it’s safe for the family to sit or play.īring a picnic grill out, and sit on one of the many benches. If you’d rather sit back and relax, Natural Bridges State Beach is the perfect spot to park yourself for a day in the sun. Winter waves are for experienced surfers and windsurfers only! Here, windsurfers can ride the waves and soar to exhilarating heights on this windy state beach. Best for experienced surfers, this reef-rocky beach has hollow, fast, and powerful waves starting at 3-5 feet and reaching up to 16 feet with a big swell! WindsurfingĪnother sport to take part in at Natural Bridges State Beach is windsurfing. ![]() Santa Cruz, California, is known for its surfing, and Natural Bridges State Beach is a great spot to hang ten. ![]() Natural Bridges State Beach gives a perfect vantage point for watching some of nature’s most fascinating sea animals. In the winter months, Natural Bridges State Beach is a great spot to watch the otters and dolphins play in the ocean, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a whale. Climb on the rocks and watch the waves crash into the bridge. You’ll see plenty of sea life, and walking around for all activity levels is easy. These exist at low tide and are a favorite of naturalists. If your focus is hiking, check out the tidal pools that take place year-round. The State Beach is perfect for families, couples, and friend groups to go swimming, surfing, and hiking. ![]()
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