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.
Locals love the sea arch, the tide pools, and the fall butterfly grove, with only the seasonal monarch season crowd on weekends as a real downside.
How we score beachesVisit on a fall weekday morning if you want a real shot at seeing the monarch grove without a crowd around you.
Dogs are not allowed on the sand at Natural Bridges State Beach; they are permitted only on leash in the parking lot and picnic areas.
Water off Santa Cruz rarely climbs past the upper 50s even in August, cold enough that a wetsuit isn't optional for anyone staying in more than a few minutes. Fall, after the summer fog clears, tends to bring the clearest, calmest days of the year.
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