Natural Bridges State Park Tours

USA-Santa Cruz-Natural Bridges State Beach; Shutterstock ID 101070745
USA-Santa Cruz-Natural Bridges State Beach; Shutterstock ID 101070745
Natural Bridges State Beach is named for the natural arch in the huge rock located in the shore break here. This is one of the most photographed beach icons in the state of California. #localsecrets
This is a small state park at the northern end of Santa Cruz' scenic West Cliff Drive and a little over a mile from the Boardwalk, wharf and Main Beach. A couple of times a year you can see Monarch butterflies during their migration. They are not in the numbers of years past, but you'll still see some. If you walk north towards the rocks during low tide you will find some amazing tidepools full of sea anenomes, sea urchins, starfish, crabs, hermit crabs, and all sorts of marine life. The tidepools are on a ledge, so the tide needs to be quite high (>4 ft?) to reach them. The beach is absolutely stunning at sunset. #localsecrets
Peaceful. #winterbreak #santacruz #beach #loveforphotography

Plan a trip to see Natural Bridges State Park

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Good Nite Inn Fremont

Good Nite Inn Fremont

2 out of 5
Bayside
Price was ₩1,794,596, price is now ₩1,716,576 per person
₩1,716,576
per person
Mar 22 - Mar 27
found 17 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
Seoul (ICN) to San Jose (SJC)
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
Restful oasis. Was my first time in a room when hotel was full and parking was pretty full. Still slept like a baby.

Reviewed on Feb 4, 2026

Granada Inn

Granada Inn

2 out of 5
Price was ₩1,865,754, price is now ₩1,770,386 per person
₩1,770,386
per person
Mar 22 - Mar 27
found 17 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
Seoul (ICN) to San Jose (SJC)
7.8/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
Great location. Very good service.

Reviewed on Feb 10, 2026

Americas Best Value Inn Milpitas Silicon Valley

Americas Best Value Inn Milpitas Silicon Valley

2 out of 5
Price was ₩1,871,470, price is now ₩1,819,988 per person
₩1,819,988
per person
Mar 22 - Mar 27
found 17 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
Seoul (ICN) to San Jose (SJC)
7.2/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
No, filtered water, just available for purchase in the vending machine

Reviewed on Feb 8, 2026

Reviews of Natural Bridges State Park

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
162
5 - Excellent 65%
4 - Good
75
4 - Good 30%
3 - Okay
13
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Parking is impossible during summer

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Went to Monterey Aquairum and Bixby bridge both were wonderful!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The beach is lovely but make sure to catch the butterflies if you’re there in October!

Popular places to visit

At the end of West Cliff drive and after a nice long hike you will come across this hidden gym. The natural bridges state beach is a great place to relax and enjoy nature after an invigorating hike.#TakeAHike

Moore Creek Wetland Nature Preserve

You can take time to visit Moore Creek Wetland Nature Preserve during your travels to Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.

Moore Creek Wetland Nature Preserve
Lovely morning spent with my Canon 5D.

Natural Bridges State Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Natural Bridges State Beach during your trip to Santa Cruz? Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.

Natural Bridges State Beach
Fern Grotto Beach off of California’s HWY1

Fern Grotto Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Fern Grotto Beach during your trip to Santa Cruz? Experience the entertainment choices or attend a sporting event in this walkable area.

Fern Grotto Beach
Fern Grotto Beach off of California’s HWY1

Wilder Ranch State Park

Enjoy a trip to Wilder Ranch State Park and popular activities like surfing in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.

Wilder Ranch State Park
A must see place for all people who love the beaches!

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

4/5(69 reviews)

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Santa Cruz Surfing Museum during your trip to Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the surfing spots.

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

De Anza Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at De Anza Beach during your trip to Santa Cruz? Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.

De Anza Beach

Best Lodging Options Near Natural Bridges State Park

Marea Sol Hotel

Marea Sol Hotel

2 out of 5
301 Beach St Santa Cruz CA
Marea Sol Hotel
Casablanca On The Beach

Casablanca On The Beach

3.5 out of 5
101 Main St Santa Cruz CA
Casablanca On The Beach
La Bahia Hotel and Spa

La Bahia Hotel and Spa

4.5 out of 5
215 Beach Street Santa Cruz CA
La Bahia Hotel and Spa
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
611 Ocean St Santa Cruz CA
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

3 out of 5
407 Broadway Santa Cruz CA
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
See all 871 properties in Natural Bridges State Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.