Natural Bridges State Beach is world-renowned for its yearly migration of monarch butterflies located on the northern edge of Santa Cruz, California. Visitors can see up to 150,000 during the butterflies’ peak season. The best time to see monarchs in the park is usually from mid-October to late January. However, the local monarch population has been on the decline. State Parks is working on projects designed to support monarch habitat at both Natural Bridges and Lighthouse Field, including coastal wetland restoration, flood prevention, trail improvements, eucalyptus regeneration and the implementation of a Crumb Clean campaign to reduce predatory yellow jacket infestations. Learn more.
This beach, with its famous natural bridge, is an excellent vantage point for viewing shore birds, migrating whales, and seals and otters playing offshore. Further along the beach, tidepools offer a glimpse of life beneath the sea. Low tides reveal sea stars, crabs, sea anemones, and other colorful ocean life. The park also includes a large area of coastal scrub and grasslands, with bright native wildflowers in the spring. Moore Creek flows through the park, forming freshwater wetlands and a salt marsh before it reaches the sea.
The tide pools at Natural Bridges State Beach are filled to the brim with thousands of creatures, each one doing its best to survive in a constantly changing environment. The moon's gravity pulls on the tides twice daily, converting this habitat from a fully submerged underwater world to an arid and exposed rocky shore. Salinity levels skyrocket and hungry predators swoop in for a tasty meal. These tide pools are preserved and protected by law as part of a Marine Protected Area, which will help maintain their pristine state for generations to come. Stop by at low tide to view this awesome display of nature's resilency.
Top rated beaches in California
Exploring walk through Natural Bridges State Beach
ASMR relaxation
www.parks.ca.g...
Day-Use Area 8 a.m. to Sunset
The Visitor Center is open Thursday to Monday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There is a $10 vehicle day-use fee
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6 сен 2024
