Natural Bridges State Park

USA-Santa Cruz-Natural Bridges State Beach; Shutterstock ID 101070745
USA-Santa Cruz-Natural Bridges State Beach; Shutterstock ID 101070745
Natural Bridges State Beach is named for the natural arch in the huge rock located in the shore break here. This is one of the most photographed beach icons in the state of California. #localsecrets
This is a small state park at the northern end of Santa Cruz' scenic West Cliff Drive and a little over a mile from the Boardwalk, wharf and Main Beach. A couple of times a year you can see Monarch butterflies during their migration. They are not in the numbers of years past, but you'll still see some. If you walk north towards the rocks during low tide you will find some amazing tidepools full of sea anenomes, sea urchins, starfish, crabs, hermit crabs, and all sorts of marine life. The tidepools are on a ledge, so the tide needs to be quite high (>4 ft?) to reach them. The beach is absolutely stunning at sunset. #localsecrets
Peaceful. #winterbreak #santacruz #beach #loveforphotography

Tours & day trips

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Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa Cruz

Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa Cruz

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is P 2,031 per traveler*
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History & culture

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Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is P 8,066 per adult
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Classes & workshops

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Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is P 8,066 per adult
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa CruzOpens in new tab

Popular places to visit

At the end of West Cliff drive and after a nice long hike you will come across this hidden gym. The natural bridges state beach is a great place to relax and enjoy nature after an invigorating hike.#TakeAHike

Moore Creek Wetland Nature Preserve

You can take time to visit Moore Creek Wetland Nature Preserve during your travels to Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.

Moore Creek Wetland Nature Preserve
Lovely morning spent with my Canon 5D.

Natural Bridges State Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Natural Bridges State Beach during your trip to Santa Cruz? Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.

Natural Bridges State Beach
Fern Grotto Beach off of California’s HWY1

Fern Grotto Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Fern Grotto Beach during your trip to Santa Cruz? Experience the entertainment choices or attend a sporting event in this walkable area.

Fern Grotto Beach
Fern Grotto Beach off of California’s HWY1

Wilder Ranch State Park

Enjoy a trip to Wilder Ranch State Park and popular activities like surfing in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.

Wilder Ranch State Park
A must see place for all people who love the beaches!

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Santa Cruz Surfing Museum during your trip to Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the surfing spots.

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

De Anza Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at De Anza Beach during your trip to Santa Cruz? Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.

De Anza Beach

Top Hotel Deals

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

4 out of 5
175 W Cliff Dr Santa Cruz CA
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Marea Sol Hotel

Marea Sol Hotel

2 out of 5
301 Beach St Santa Cruz CA
Marea Sol Hotel
La Bahia Hotel and Spa

La Bahia Hotel and Spa

4.5 out of 5
215 Beach Street Santa Cruz CA
La Bahia Hotel and Spa
Casablanca On The Beach

Casablanca On The Beach

3.5 out of 5
101 Main St Santa Cruz CA
Casablanca On The Beach
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
611 Ocean St Santa Cruz CA
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

3 out of 5
550 2nd St Santa Cruz CA
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
Ocean Pacific Lodge

Ocean Pacific Lodge

2 out of 5
301 Pacific Avenue Santa Cruz CA
Ocean Pacific Lodge
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

3 out of 5
313 Riverside Avenue Santa Cruz CA
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

3 out of 5
407 Broadway Santa Cruz CA
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
See all 864 properties in Natural Bridges State Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.