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State Beach · California

Natural Bridges State Beach

Natural Bridges State Beach
Photo: Eugene Zelenko, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Location
Santa Cruz County, California
Nearest town
2.1 miles southwest of Santa Cruz
Type
State Beach
DirectionsOfficial park site ↗

About Natural Bridges State Beach

A rock arch carved into the shoreline gives this 65-acre stretch of coast its name, though only one bridge remains standing today. A eucalyptus grove behind the beach forms the Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve, where as many as 150,000 monarchs gather between October and early February. Beyond the migration season, the arch and the sand it shelters remain the park's central features.

Hours, fees, camping, reservations and closures are set by the park and change often. Check the official park site before you go.

Getting there

Natural Bridges State Beach is in Santa Cruz County, California, 2.1 miles southwest of Santa Cruz. The Directions button takes you to the park's mapped location; the entrance may be elsewhere, so check the official site for the address to use.

State parks near Natural Bridges State Beach

Within 60 miles, closest first, straight-line. All 213 in California →

Towns near Natural Bridges State Beach

State parks near Santa Cruz, State parks near Watsonville, State parks near Pacific Grove, State parks near Morgan Hill, State parks near San Jose, State parks near Salinas

Facts from Wikidata, checked September 25, 2026. Distances are straight-line.