Natural Bridges State Beach
Santa Cruz, CA
A cove beach named for its sea-carved rock arch, with tidepools, a seasonal monarch butterfly grove just inland, and easy access to Santa Cruz's boardwalk a few miles down the coast.
Visit on a fall weekday morning if you want a real shot at seeing the monarch grove without a crowd around you.
More Pacific Coast beaches
Zuma Beach
Malibu, CA · Pacific Coast
A wide stretch of sand backed by the Santa Monica Mountains, with reliable swells that draw surfers year-round and plenty of room to spread out even on busy weekends.
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Known as Surf City USA, with a mile-long municipal pier, consistent breaks for surfers of every level, and a laid-back boardwalk scene along Pacific Coast Highway.
Main Beach
Laguna Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Tucked between rocky headlands, with tidepools to explore at low tide, calmer coves for swimming, and an arts-town backdrop of galleries and cafes just steps from the sand.