First, this is Not a dog friendly beach as some reviews have stated. Otherwise, it is a gorgeous landing spot for viewing the natural bridge and tide pools. There is a long, and slippery walk to get to the tide pools. Unless you can sneak past the waves, against the rocks, like my kids did. Very nice bathrooms. Definitely worth the $10 parking. read more

malibu barbie and her flock of zesty surfer kens have nothing against me and my beaches. i rule the ocean world with my aesthetic beach pics and pink glitter goggles. i'm at the very top of the aquatic food chain. i am THE mermaid diva. just wanted to say that! anyway santa cruz isn't exactly malibu or socal or hawaii but it's quite nice. the beach has a cool hike with lots of wildlife like deer and birds and snakes! and there are tidal pools with mussels and crabs yum yum! the view is very pretty but it's quite windy. parking isn't bad, not too crowded, cool natural formations. the only thing i don't like is all the flies around the kelp on the shore...but that's nature for ya read more

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Such an awesome beach that feels sort of hidden in plain sight. We came here while on the search for tide pools, while we did find tide pools they didn't have the marine life we were hoping for, we did explore some cool natural coves and hang with a seal lion pup. This is a state run beach, so to get that premier and close parking you'll need to pay. It was ten-dollars, but that covered you for the whole day and you could leave and come back if needed. The beach area itself is small, but offers amazing views of the "natural bridges" or rock formations that give its name. My son and I crawled through a small hole in the rock wall that opened up to private cove. The cover was awesome, but not a place where you can lounge due to the tides. The tide pools are located high up on the rocks that are only accessible during low tide. You'll mostly only find sea anemones and a few small crabs. There are some picnic tables here near the back of the beach under some shaded trees, so families can enjoy lunch without leaving. This picnic area butts up to a pond that, I assume, when it's high tide is a direct link to the ocean. read more

This beach is small and way too crowded, it's 78 degrees on Saturday the weather is nice though. On my way back to our car, I spotted a sea otter on the ocean which is really cool. There are many better beaches along Highway 1 from Pacifica to Santa Cruz. read more

Natural Bridges State Beach - Beaches Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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When we first arrived I was at first disappointed and wasn't too sure what we were looking for. After climbing up some rocks on the east side of the beach we were able to see the tide pools. There were tons of sea anemone and crabs which was really cool to see. For parking we got there around 8am and were able to park on the street for free. The only reason this isn't 5 stars is because of the accessibility. To get to the tide pools you do have to maneuver through some rocks which can be slippery and challenging for those with mobility difficulties. Most of my family was able to make it up and see though, also there were a lot of sea flys. Overall would highly recommend if you can balance decently well read more

Natural Bridges State Beach - Crab - Beaches Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Walked through the monarch butterfly preserve area and ended up overlooking the beach. For a Tuesday, it wasn't so busy, so parking was easy. Gorgeous views, small beach area, and cool view of the rock bridge. It was a quick visit for me, but it was pretty. read more

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I came here to start my drive down West Cliff Drive. I was interested in just covering it and not going too deep so it worked out perfectly that there is a free 20 minute parking lot. From there, the view is good of the water, but you need to walk down to the beach into the sand to get a good view of the natural bridge. I was able to do that and get back to the car in 20 minutes (wink wink). But seriously, it can be done and it is not monitored that closely. Or you can just pay to park inside, but for me just wanted to snap a pic, it wasn't worth it to pay. The beach is large and there were families hanging out and there is also a bathroom inside the park just back from the sand. read more

Super cool! $10 to park inside the gate and closer walking access but also think of it as supporting the local wildlife :) there is a overlook parking lot that has a 20 minute max, it's just before the paid date so you don't have to pay to go there but obviously when you're done move along so other people can enjoy. Amazing views of the ocean and rock formation and beach. When you do enter the park, there are several walking trails. A lot of of them are either sand or dirt and uneven. But there are some right off of the paid parking lot from the visitor center that are a built walkway so you can go look at the trees and try to find a monarch cluster when they are here seasonally. read more

Natural Bridges State Beach - Beaches Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

This beach had a nice visitor center with information on the wild life native to the area as well as a small gift shop. It had restrooms near the beach entrance ans the visitor center. The hike down was not to bad, a bit slippery where there is alot of sand on the walk way. There are some picnic tables with BBQ that are available. There was quite a bit of people on the beach but it wasn't too crowded. There's a small inlet of water as well as tide pools to explore during low tide. These tide pools are up on a rock face making it interesting to see. This was a great beach to spend some time and see the amazing natural bridge read more

Natural Bridges State Beach - Natural Bridges - Beaches Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Went here to explore Tide pools because there were 2 days of King tides in Santa Cruz last week. Got to enjoy the beach without flies and also it did not reek of Dead Sea creatures this time. Got to enjoy a beautiful day here. Also, the monarch butterflies are winterizing here and they were lovely see across from the light house. read more

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Do not hesitate to bring the whole family! Wheel chair friendly too! The trail to the Monarch viewing is easy... and there are trails going right down to the beach where you can see an arch in the water still standing. The gift shop is full of interesting fair trade items. And the museum display is well done and informative. Parking is on the street free or in the lot for $10.00. Facilities are available. read more

Gorgeous state beach to explore. The water is stunning as you watch is crash and dance on the rocks, the fresh air fills your lungs as you hear seagulls flying by, you can find small crabs and other sea life in the pools, and you can take a lovely stroll along the sand. This beach is so nice and relaxing, perfect for a solo adventure or if you have kids! I came here with my family and while we were here there were families and the kids were enjoying their time exploring the beach. I'd recommend bringing a light jacket especially if it's overcast since the wind can be a bit chilly. Will absolutely be back the time time I come to Santa Cruz! read more

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What an amazing beach!!! There's bathrooms & plenty of parking. I recommend parking in the back where there is a cement path 2 walk down 2 the beach instead of a huge hill of sand!!! There's a tide pool that we love 2 explore!!! If u ever get the opportunity 2 come 2 this beach, take it!!! read more

Natural Bridges State Beach - Beach!!! - Beaches Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

I love this beach! They have a huge parking area for 20 minutes, free. You can also use your state park pass to get closer to the beach. We did both. Used our park pass to go back and use there bathrooms. I was impressed how clean and hue they are in comparison to other State beaches in the area. We watched the sunset from inside my boyfriend's cozy van. We parked the van so we could sit in back, open doors and enjoy the sunset from the coziness inside the van. We did notice quite a few people climbing the rocks where birds nest. There are signs posted that you are not allowed to do that in order to protect birds' home nesting area. Please mind the rules. read more

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We prefer to park in the lot just outside the ranger station since there is no parking at the water inside the paid area. It's a nice park though for a little hike, beach acces, picnics, and shaded parking. read more

Natural Bridges State Beach - Perfect day! - Beaches Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

A beautiful place. Nearby is a place where butterflies hibernate. There are not many people. Parking costs 10 dollars. read more

Natural Bridges State Beach - Beaches Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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This Santa Cruz state park has a beautiful beach and sunset. Easy parking and a nice view of the surfers ‍.

What can I say? It's a beautiful spot for anyone to come visit. I feel like this is a place where it makes you forget about all life matters and make you feel amazing from inside. Me and my wife had a great experience enjoying its natural view. Loved it! read more

Natural Bridges State Beach - Beaches Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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It's beautiful but not sure what others are saying it's dog friendly. Dogs are not allowed on the beach at all

A natural wonder? Yes Highly odored? Yes Cannot see the arch from the parking lot above...a quick walk down to the sandy beach cove below will provide amazing views. However, the sand flies and the pungent kelp / bird odor was a lot to take. The locals didn't seem to mind as many were sunbathing. Definitely worth seeing the last remaining natural bridge along the Cali coast and taking in the Pacific aka the real ocean ;) read more

Natural Bridges State Beach - 8/23 The last natural bridge in CA - Beaches Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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We've been here multiple times over the years and it's always a fun experience clambering on the rocks and looking for tidepools. We went again on Memorial Day and were able to find free parking along the street before the main entrance. The weather was pretty windy and at high tide that day so no actual water play and very few tidepools to see but we still had fun and enjoyed the views. Would recommend if you're in the area. read more

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It's a small beach in Santa Cruz, and its beauty lies within the arched rock formation. It reminds me of the rock formations seen in Cabo/Cancun. The sight was breathtaking, as I stood and listened to the sound of the water underneath my feet and the sun's glare in the background. I needed this moment of serenity this weekend with the busy hustle and bustle in my life. I enjoyed an entire day at the beach, where areas are segmented for BBQ. It was windy and cold, but warmed up in the mid-late afternoon. The washed-up seaweed carries a stench and attracts flies, found on the beach. The bathrooms are decent, and parking on the ground is a fee of $10. It's a great place to spend time in/by the water and BBQ. read more

Simply a beautiful beach to visit. The view of the collapsed natural "bridge" is quite breathtaking. A nice photo spot or just a place for a chill beach day. Not too crowded, even on the weekends. Plenty of free parking. The sand is very plush and soft! Very satisfying. Lots of washed up seaweed that attracts flies, but easy to avoid. read more

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Small state beach, the main attraction being the natural bridge. However, the bridge part connected to land collapsed a long time ago and now it's more like just an arch sticking out of the water. We came at opening for the low tides and we were the only ones there, the foggy weather and light rain probably turning off a lot of people. The beach is gray and melancholy at this time but I like it, very peaceful and relaxing. We couldn't find the tide pools and then realized it's the couple puddles on the rock ledge to the right. They are small and you'll see a lot of anemones and mussels, not worth it to come just for the tidepools. The arch has a lot of seabirds on it so it will smell and I would be cautious about going into the water with all that bird waste and dead birds so close to the shore. read more

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Natural Bridges State Beach is a wonderful little beach in Santa Cruz. There are coffee shops nearby like Companion Bakery, Cat & Cloud, and 11th Hour where you can buy coffee and pastries to bring over to the beach. We came to the beach at 11am on a Friday and there were a good amount of young families enjoying the beach. Perfect for kids and families. They have a private parking lot, but there are tones of parking on Swanton Blvd. There is a public bathroom, but not the cleanest. Nearby there is a Natural Bridges Visitor Center and Monarch Trail, but we didn't get a chance to check it. Will come back again to explore. read more

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I love natural bridges. Soo many memories of early morning trips to the tide pools! Such a beautiful spot. We parked outside of the park, walked around the beach and then went on a walk down the coast. The whole area is lovely, so please treat it with love and respect, especially in the tide pool area. read more

Natural Bridges State Beach - Beaches Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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We paid the ten bucks and parked. You must walk across the beach, scramble up the steps to see the most amazing tide pools. Totally worth our second trip and paying for parking. read more

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This beach is great for picnic or family bbq. You can park outside on the street or go inside the destination parking with a fee of $10 for a closer walk to the beach. The beach is known for the rock formation on the water that remained me a rock in Los Cabo's Mexico. I came here on Saturday afternoon and it was super busy with people setting tent and having a BBQ. It seem like this is the second busiest beach compared to the one near the Boardwalk. read more

Natural Bridges State Beach - Beaches Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Great beach area to spend a chill day in Santa Cruz! The views were great (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=vtEOsYjtVhWqZGorCoYKCg&userid=76vIFZcC7owykCBjMfGVXg, https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=vtEOsYjtVhWqZGorCoYKCg&userid=76vIFZcC7owykCBjMfGVXg) while you walk down to the main beach area, and it wasn't too crowded even on a nice Saturday in June. I didn't bring a beach towel or any gear, so just walked around a bit before heading out; however, I wish I had spent more time looking for their tide pools since apparently you can anemones, crabs, and fish! They have a lifeguard for this beach, which is awesome, as well as picnic tables, bbq pits, and restrooms. Just make sure you bring a jacket- even though it was sunny out, it was really windy and a little chilly. I would definitely come back to this beach if in the area to check out the tide pools. Parking will be the most difficult part about coming here- they have a lot at the beach (I believe it's $10 to park); however, it's a very small lot and they were full during the time I went. Apparently they also have free parking if you're staying 20 minutes or less, so may be worth it to talk to the rangers at the entrance of the lot so they can let you in for those spots? Luckily, I was able to find parking in the residential area nearby. read more

Natural Bridges State Beach - Beaches Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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This beach is tucked away and it was so nice to soak up the sun out here. Great place to take your family and have a little picnic. Parking is crazy so be prepared to take a leisurely walk!! read more

Leave it to Joe K to do his research and discover that this is one of the best state parks and beaches to explore in Santa Cruz. Even his best friend who lives in this city AND close to the park was unaware! During our vacation and fulfilling his bucket list, we all met at the park entrance to begin our hike into this popular area for locals and tourists alike. Right off the bat, I noticed that there were several groups of children on a school outing. We found ourselves getting involved and listening in on the tour guides who were also park rangers. The guides were extremely pleasant and enjoyed sharing their knowledge (and electronic gadgets), of the wildlife that included birds, mammals, insects and one of the main attractions - the Monarch Butterfly. Apparently, this is one of the few locations that attract the butterflies during breeding and migration seasons. It has all the right stuff for Monarchs to survive from specific trees to temperature consistency. Of course there are the predators too, but everything seems to remain in somewhat of a balance. But the park employees try to help out whenever needed to keep that balance going. Our little group of family and friends really enjoyed our hike throughout the trails and bridges. We didn't get as far as the state beach, but the forest and streams were enough to keep our imaginations going. Joe had to rest often, but his determination to see the butterflies in live action kept his spirit going. This is just one of the many memories that I will cherish always... read more

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So gorgeous! It was so incredible to witness the monarch migration and explore tide pools here! I loved the monarch butterfly trail! read more

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There is only 1 bridge left.. Before there were 3... And here is why: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_Bridges_State_Beach "The arches formed over a million years ago when a combination of silt, clay and diatoms were solidified into a mixture of stone that formed the three original arches of the beach.[3] Wave erosion carved the arches and then cut away the cliffs leaving only islands. Of the three original arches only the middle one remains. The outermost arch fell sometime in 1905 or 1906, and the inner arch collapsed during a storm on the night of January 10, 1980.[3][4][5] The middle arch is in danger of collapsing as well due to erosion by wind and waves. Visitors were formerly permitted to climb up, walk and even drive on the bridges. Now the arch is closed to public access." Came here after a storm in the winter and it was empty. There were 3 professional photographers present for maternity photos; wedding pictures; and a birthday photo shoot! Popular places for pictures! Aside from the cool arch and bridge made by mother nature here, the surrounding Eucalyptus trees are also the shelter for the migrating monarch butterflies! Very cool!!! Check the season and you might get lucky to see them! This is a state park. You do have to pay to park inside. However, there are plenty of street parking and you can just walk in for FREE! ENJOY this park. My family sure did! read more

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Awesome. Wonderful views. We stopped on a cool morning. Did not take our dog down to beach. Walked around upper parking area to take in views. Quite an impressive site. read more

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We stopped here since it's the beginning of Monarch Butterfly season. After the Monarch Boardwalk we walked down to the beach from the same parking lot to see the "natural bridge" and the tide pools. The beach is dirtier, probably because of a greater number of visitors, but it's still a nice stop. We have the California Poppy parking pass, so we used it to park without needing to pay the $10 daily parking fee. read more

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Semi secluded and not too busy like the boardwalk, this place was great for taking the kids. The parking lot is a small walk from the beach and has bathrooms and picnic benches. If you park on the street is it's only about 30 more feet, but you save $10 for parking. There's a huge arch that is great to look at but dangerous to swim near. The life guard kept telling people to stay away. There also was a good set of tide pools where we saw anemones, crabs, and fish. Great for the kids! read more

Natural Bridges State Beach - Beaches Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

We came here for a day trip near the end of the summer. Nice location that is not too windy, with some very nice views. The challenge is getting all the gear to the beach because it is downhill to reach the location, and this you'll have to hike up with all your gear as well. If possible try to park close by and bring some burly people to help with carrying (carts do not work well). If smoking bothers you then try to camp your gear away from smokers. Be sure TJ stay and enjoy the sunset. You'll also want to explore the west side cliffs / reefs for some unforgettable views. read more

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Amazing tide pools and monarch butterflies! Natural Bridges brings out the inner child in all of us! Right now is monarch season (late Fall through Winter). As of last week (mid November), there weren't that many. The park ranger said there were about 10% of last year and last year was 10% of the year before. Still a sight to see them fluttering in the sunlight though! I made sure to hit LOW LOW tide this trip. Do some homework beforehand if you really want to experience all that the tide pools have to offer. We saw tons of starfish, sea anemones, crabs, sea urchins, barnacles, and mussels. We even saw a sea anemone eating his dinner! Poor sea bug, whatever it was. During low tide, you can also walk under the bridge which is super cool too. read more

Natural Bridges State Beach - Beaches Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Views!! The views from here are beautiful! Me and Wifey pulled up and parked, sat and watched the sunset for a couple hours. Beautiful spot! read more

Natural Bridges State Beach - Beaches Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

This place is amazing!!!!! State Park - nice and clean and easy to navigate. Butterfly sanctuary, beautiful beach, walking paths. Definitely worth a stop on your travels down the coast. read more

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