Natural Bridges State Park Tours

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

Visit Natural Bridges State Park

Activities

Reviews

Reviews of Natural Bridges State Park

4.6

Top Destination

5 - Excellent

162

4 - Good

75

3 - Okay

13

2 - Disappointing

1

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Best Lodging Options Near Natural Bridges State Park

Check availability on hotels close to Natural Bridges State Park

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA

2956 Mission St Santa Cruz CA

Marea Sol Hotel

301 Beach St Santa Cruz CA

La Bahia Hotel and Spa

215 Beach Street Santa Cruz CA

Casablanca On The Beach

101 Main St Santa Cruz CA

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

611 Ocean St Santa Cruz CA

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

550 2nd St Santa Cruz CA

Ocean Pacific Lodge

301 Pacific Avenue Santa Cruz CA

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

313 Riverside Avenue Santa Cruz CA

Surf City Inn and Suites

619 Riverside Ave Santa Cruz CA

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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.