Discover Natural Bridges State Park

Named for the massive natural arch in the rock formation just off the waters of the Monterey Bay, this popular Santa Cruz attraction is one of the most iconic (and most photographed) areas in the state of California. 

But what else can you expect besides this popular landmark when you make a trip to Natural Bridges State Park? Keep reading to find out!

Discover Natural Bridges Park

Both a beach and a park, this area is a wildlife lovers paradise.

From the sandy shores, take advantage of the perfect location for watching whales, spotting seals & sea otters and viewing birds as they soar overhead. 

As you wander further along the beach, discover tidepools and the various creatures within – you’ll find crabs, sea stars, anemones and so much more.

Tide Pools At Natural Bridges Parks

Brimming with thousands of creatures, there’s plenty to see in Natural Bridges Park tide pools. In fact, they remain an attraction for many locals and visitors alike!

Twice a day, the moon’s gravity pulls on the tides, which in turn converts the area from either being fully submerged or, exposes the rocky shore. Once the tide pools appear, it creates an easy target for predators to enjoy a tasty meal. 

Visit at low tide to see for yourself just how resilient nature can be. But, keep in mind that you should always practice good tide pool safety. First, you should always keep your eye on the ocean to monitor changing tide levels.

Second, be sure to watch your step  as the rocks can prove slippery and uneven, making it easy to stumble if you’re not careful.

Thirdly, be sure to explore your surroundings with your eyes, not your hands. As tide pools are a Marine Protected Area, it’s important you respect the wildlife. 

Apart from the ocean life, the park's grasslands also boasts wonderfully vibrant wildflowers, where spring brings with it a sea of colors to the area.

As Moore Creek flows through the park, you can also enjoy the wildlife that follows along with it. And in winter, the area acts as a temporary home for thousands of monarch butterflies. With a mild seaside climate and a eucalyptus grove, Natural Bridges Park is certainly a welcoming winter home for the monarchs as they roost until spring. 

About The Monarch Preserve 

While we know monarchs spend their winters at Natural Bridges State Park, they spend their spring and summer in the valley regions located to the west of the Rocky Mountains, where milkweed plants are numerous, allowing them to enjoy their sweet nectar. And, the females actually use these milkweed plants to lay their eggs.

Once the caterpillars are born, they enjoy the leaves of the milkweed plant, which actually in turn makes them toxic to other animals. Once the caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, the toxins remain so they still enjoy protection from predators. 

If you’d like to observe monarch butterflies, late October into November is one of the best times to spot them at Natural Bridges Park. And, as the Monarch Grove has been declared a Natural Preserve, you can enjoy watching this wonderful natural phenomenon for years to come. 

Start making those memories and visit Natural Bridges State Park today!

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