Natural Bridges State Park

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


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Global Luxury Suites at Mountain View
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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!

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Best Lodging Options Near Natural Bridges State Park

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

4 out of 5
175 W Cliff Dr Santa Cruz CA
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Mission Inn

Mission Inn

2.5 out of 5
2250 Mission Street Santa Cruz CA
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La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

3 out of 5
550 2nd St Santa Cruz CA
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA

3 out of 5
2956 Mission St Santa Cruz CA
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA
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
Casablanca On The Beach

Casablanca On The Beach

3.5 out of 5
101 Main St Santa Cruz CA
Casablanca On The Beach
Marea Sol Hotel

Marea Sol Hotel

2 out of 5
301 Beach St Santa Cruz CA
Marea Sol Hotel
The BEST Location! 4 bedrooms Beach Retreat 1.5 blks to beach Hot tub, Firepit

The BEST Location! 4 bedrooms Beach Retreat 1.5 blks to beach Hot tub, Firepit

Santa Cruz CA
The BEST Location! 4 bedrooms Beach Retreat 1.5 blks to beach Hot tub, Firepit
Serenity at Natural Bridges  - 5 min Walk to Beach

Serenity at Natural Bridges - 5 min Walk to Beach

Santa Cruz CA
Serenity at Natural Bridges - 5 min Walk to Beach
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.

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