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Natural Bridges State Beach

Natural Bridges State Beach on the western edge of Santa Cruz is known for its remaining offshore rock arch, coastal habitats and seasonal monarch butterflies.

Natural Bridges State Beach

Beach views, tide pools and the wooded monarch area offer different perspectives on the meeting of land and ocean.

Use the state park’s current information to choose a route and check visitor-center access. Monarch numbers vary with season and conditions, so a visit does not guarantee a particular display. Explore tide pools only when conditions allow, leave marine life undisturbed and keep clear of waves and fragile edges. Parking and day-use arrangements are separate from any organized program.

Visitor details reviewed October 18, 2026. Check official visitor information for current access, admission, and operating arrangements. View on OpenStreetMap.

Image credit: Eugene Zelenko / Wikimedia Commons. Original source. CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized and converted to WebP; may be cropped for display.