Joey Y.
7/28/2025
It was a really nice beach. Long drive from sac. But an easy drive. Easy parking. Water was low but nice. And even with lots of people there was space. My only minor complaint is it needs...
Natural Bridges State Beach
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2531 W Cliff Dr
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz has much to offer photographers, children and other beach-goers. Don't be fooled by the name--though this beach used to have several natural bridges, it now has just one. However, the natural arch jutting into the ocean is perfect for photos and low tide brings myriad tide pools to explore.
Parking and public transportation at Natural Bridges State Beach
There is parking at this beach, but it can get crowded on the weekends. It costs about $5-7. Limited free street parking is also available, though it may take a few spins around the block to finally snag a spot. Three Santa Cruz Metro bus routes serve Delaware Avenue and Natural Bridges Drive, both close to the beach: 3, 20 and 20D.
Best and worst time to go to Natural Bridges State Beach
Santa Cruz beaches are always crowded on the weekends. Weekdays see much less traffic, especially from November through February. Natural Bridges State Beach is especially busy during monarch butterfly migration season, which is mid-October through late January.
Admission to Natural Bridges State Beach
Admission is free, though there is a parking fee.
Must see/do at Natural Bridges State Beach
In the fall, viewing the monarch butterflies in the Monarch Butterfly Grove is a must. Weekends from October-January showcase a guided tour of the grove. At other times during the year, visitors can catch a beautiful sunset with the bridge in the foreground.
Other places to visit near Natural Bridges State Beach
Nearby Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers amusement park rides, free concerts on Friday nights and numerous activities like mini golf and laser tag. Visitors who haven't had their fill of beaches should also check out Lighthouse Field State Beach, a dog-friendly beach with a surfing museum in the lighthouse.
Insider tip for visitors to Natural Bridges State Beach
Visitors interested in having the best chance at seeing the migrating monarchs should visit late-November through early December.
Author's bio: Elizabeth Xu is a freelance writer in the San Francisco Bay Area, though she hails from the Midwest. Follow her travels @ElizabethMXu.
Reviews
4.5527 reviews
Amy C.
9/11/2025
My boyfriend and I along with his doggie visited this beach before we left Santa Cruz. We parked on the street, which was pretty easy. Siri said that this beach was dog friendly, but then there...
Julienne P.
12/7/2025
We came here to search for monarch butterflies and unfortunately 2 sycamore trees fell the week prior which blocked the entrance to the butterfly grove. We were advised to try the preserve across...
Earlene C.
12/18/2024
We had an amazing time exploring Natural Bridges! We came late in the day but were still able to catch the Visitor Center and go for a short hike. We learned so much about Monarch Butterflies and...
Samantha F.
11/26/2023
This is one of my fave places in the world. I often frequent the area for a walk along the coast and playing on the beach with my daughters. I recently stumbled across the state park & their...
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