Natural Bridges State Beach
Santa Cruz, CA
A beach on the west edge of Santa Cruz with a surviving sea arch, tide pools and a eucalyptus grove where monarch butterflies cluster from October to February. Day-use parking fee; street parking outside.
Natural Bridges State Beach, on the western edge of Santa Cruz, covers 65 acres (26 ha). There were originally three sea arches: the outer one fell in the early 20th century and the inner one collapsed in a storm in 1980. Only the middle arch remains, and you can view it from the beach but not walk on it. At low tide the tide pools show sea stars, hermit crabs and sea urchins. The area is a marine reserve, so please do not take any animals or plants.
Monarch butterflies spend the winter in the park. They are here from October to mid-February, in greatest numbers from November to mid-December, and an accessible boardwalk leads into the eucalyptus grove. Guided tours are offered on fall and winter weekends. There is an overflow parking lot. Dogs are allowed only in parking lots and picnic areas. Allow about two hours.
- Nearest town
- Santa Cruz, CA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 36.9531, -122.0573
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–April and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park CampgroundCampsite5 mi from Natural Bridges State Beach · 113 pitchesTentsCaravansDogs allowed
- Santa Cruz Redwoods RV ResortMotorhome stopover6 mi from Natural Bridges State BeachMotorhomes
- New Brighton State Beach CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Natural Bridges State Beach · 100 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Seacliff Center RV ParkMotorhome stopover8 mi from Natural Bridges State BeachMotorhomesWi-Fi
- Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA HolidayMotorhome stopover12 mi from Natural Bridges State BeachTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
- Uvas Pines RV ParkMotorhome stopover22 mi from Natural Bridges State BeachMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Natural Bridges State Beach?
Natural Bridges State Beach is in Santa Cruz, CA, at GPS 36.9531, -122.0573. It is about 7 mi from Felton.
Can you camp near Natural Bridges State Beach?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Wilder Ranch State Park Horse Camping, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 84 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Natural Bridges State Beach?
Natural Bridges State Beach is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Highway 1 south: San Francisco to Santa Cruz and Monterey.
What is there to see near Natural Bridges State Beach?
Places worth a stop nearby: Año Nuevo State Park (19 mi), Pigeon Point Light Station (24 mi), Monterey Bay Aquarium (25 mi) and Carmel-by-the-Sea (28 mi).
When is the best time to visit Natural Bridges State Beach?
The most pleasant months are usually May–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–April and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)