This Santa Cruz beach was named for three stone arches, and the ocean has already taken two of them

Natural Bridges State Beach is named for something that’s mostly gone. There used to be three sea arches standing off this little Santa Cruz cove, and the Pacific has already knocked down two of them.

The one that’s left is still a showstopper, though, and late October is a sneaky-good time to visit. The tide pools are right there, and the butterflies are moving into the grove for the winter.

---

Psst, we made you a West Coast Adventure Map. Nearly 1,900 of our favorite spots, already pinned, ready to load into Google Maps in two clicks: grab it here.

---

Three bridges, one survivor

According to California State Parks, the beach originally had three arches lined up in the surf. The outermost one gave way in the early 1900s, and the inner arch came down during a big storm in 1980.

That leaves the middle arch on its own, a chunky slab of stone with daylight punched straight through it. On most days it’s crowded with seabirds, which makes it look a little like a perch somebody built on purpose.

Is it a little bittersweet knowing this one won’t last forever either? Sure. But that’s also the best argument for going sooner rather than later.

Where to look first

Start up on the bluff overlook before you even hit the sand. From up there you get the whole picture: the arch framed against open ocean, the small crescent of beach, and the rocky shelf where the tide pools hide.

Then wander down. The beach itself is compact, which is part of the charm, and we happily lost a good chunk of an afternoon here just poking around and soaking up the sun.

Time it for low tide

Hot take: the arch gets the name, but the tide pools are the real reason to stay. When the water pulls back, the rocky shore turns into a maze of little pools packed with shells, tiny critters, and whatever else the ocean left behind.

The park says viewing is best when the tide drops to 2 feet or lower, so check a tide chart before you drive over. The pools sit inside a marine protected area, which means look all you want but don’t touch or take anything.

Docents lead tide pool tours on weekends when the tide cooperates, and bad weather cancels them. There are no lifeguards here, so only head out onto the rocks at low tide and keep one eye on the water.

The butterflies are checking in right now

Just inland from the beach, a eucalyptus grove turns into a winter home for monarch butterflies. California State Parks calls it the only State Monarch Preserve in California, and the monarchs typically arrive in mid-October and stay until about mid-February.

The park points to late October through November as a great window to see them, and about 10,000 overwintered here in 2024. A boardwalk leads to an observation deck in the grove, and it’s wheelchair- and stroller-friendly.

Bring patience and maybe binoculars. On cool mornings the butterflies cluster up in the branches like dead leaves, then start fluttering around once the sun warms them up. Keep your voice down and hands to yourself, since the park asks visitors not to touch them.

Before you go

The park is open from 8 am to sunset, and day-use parking runs $10 per car. From October through January, the visitor center is open daily from 11 am to 4 pm.

Leave the dog at home for this one, since dogs are only allowed in the parking lots and picnic areas, not on the beach or trails. Drones are off-limits too.

Natural Bridges sits at the far end of West Cliff Drive, so it’s easy to fold into a bigger day in town. Our list of things to do in Santa Cruz has plenty of ideas, and if you want more sand, here are our favorite beaches in Santa Cruz.

Trip tips: grab a rental car to get out here, lock in your hotel before the good rooms are gone, or skip both and book a camper van instead.

So which are you showing up for: the last arch standing, the tide pools, or the butterflies? Tell us in the comments!

Rules and fees change, so always confirm current requirements before you go.

Sharing is caring!