Natural Bridges State Beach - Santa Cruz Attractions

Natural Bridges State Beach is a popular spot for observing shore birds, migrating whales, and seals and otters playing offshore. It has a famous natural bridge, and visitors can spy a variety of ocean creatures, including sea stars, crabs, and sea anemones.

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Parks and Outdoors Review of Natural Bridges State Beach

Away Travel Expert: Ann Marie Brown

ParksExpert Rating

Recommended for:
Birding,Saltwater Fishing,Whale Watching

Parks and OutdoorsExpert Tips & Helpful Hints

From mid-October to late February, it's all about the monarch butterflies at Natural Bridges State Beach. The park's Monarch Grove, a cluster of eucalyptus trees, is the winter home to more than 10,000 monarch butterflies that find shelter and food in the mild coastal landscape. The grove is accessible by an easy, quarter-mile walk that is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
On foggy or rainy days, it is more difficult to see the butterflies because they cluster in the trees with their wings folded. The best viewing is on sunny days when the creatures are moving about.
Other highlights at the park include its natural arch bridge and a large stretch of tidepools that reveal sea stars, crabs, and sea anemones at low tide.