About This Beach
Natural Bridges State Beach is named for the naturally formed arch in the offshore rock, the last remaining of three that once stood in the area. This Santa Cruz beach is renowned for its remarkable tidepools exposed during low tide, containing a rich diversity of marine life including sea stars, crabs, and anemones. The beach is also home to a Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve, where thousands of monarchs overwinter from October through February in a protected eucalyptus grove. A visitor center offers educational exhibits, while picnic areas and nature trails provide additional recreational opportunities in this ecologically significant coastal setting.