Natural Bridges State Park Tours and Activities

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

Plan a trip to see Natural Bridges State Park

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Towneplace Suites By Marriott Milpitas

Towneplace Suites By Marriott Milpitas

3 out of 5
Price was AU$1,982, price is now AU$1,974 per person
AU$1,974
per person
7 Apr - 9 Apr
found 1 day ago
Return direct flight included
Sydney (SYD) to San Jose (SJC)
8.8/10 Excellent! (400 reviews)
Everything is good 👍

Reviewed on 7 Jan 2026

Popular places to visit

Moore Creek Wetland Nature Preserve

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 cycling trails.

Moore Creek Wetland Nature Preserve
Natural Bridges State Beach

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 cycling trails.

Natural Bridges State Beach
Wilder Ranch State Park

Wilder Ranch State Park

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

Wilder Ranch State Park

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 cycling trails.

De Anza Beach

2222 Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at 2222 Beach during your trip to Santa Cruz? Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.

2222 Beach

Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Laboratory

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Laboratory in Santa Cruz. You can seek out the surfing spots and cycling trails in this walkable area.

Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Laboratory

Top Natural Bridges State Park Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Mission Inn

Mission Inn

2.5 out of 5
2250 Mission Street Santa Cruz CA
Mission Inn
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
611 Ocean St Santa Cruz CA
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

4 out of 5
175 W Cliff Dr Santa Cruz CA
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
The BEST Location! 4 bedrooms Beach Retreat 1.5 blks to beach Hot tub, Firepit

The BEST Location! 4 bedrooms Beach Retreat 1.5 blks to beach Hot tub, Firepit

Santa Cruz CA
The BEST Location! 4 bedrooms Beach Retreat 1.5 blks to beach Hot tub, Firepit
Sunny, Modern Cottage w/ Stunning Views, Steps from Beach & Natural Bridges

Sunny, Modern Cottage w/ Stunning Views, Steps from Beach & Natural Bridges

2 out of 5
Santa Cruz CA
Sunny, Modern Cottage w/ Stunning Views, Steps from Beach & Natural Bridges
Seas The Day and Skip to the Ocean

Seas The Day and Skip to the Ocean

Santa Cruz CA
Seas The Day and Skip to the Ocean
Casablanca On The Beach

Casablanca On The Beach

3.5 out of 5
101 Main St Santa Cruz CA
Casablanca On The Beach
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
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
See all 844 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.