This article highlights the beautiful Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz, California.
There are certain images that scream California aloud.
If you see a photo of the Golden Gate Bridge or of the Hollywood sign, you would blurt out “California” even without thinking about it.
On the other hand, there are other images of the state that may be not as recognizable by the general public. However, these images would light up the face of any native or long-time California resident.
I like to think that one of those images is located in the Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz.
Do you know how many times I have seen photos of surfers next to the arch located on the beach or how many times I have seen the arch surrounded by a pink sunset halo?
Natural Bridges State Beach
That is why on my recent visit to Santa Cruz I decided to pay a visit to the famous beach and its rock formation.
The sun was getting low when we parked on a nearby street shaded by trees. We walked a couple of minutes before sinking our feet in the warm sand.
From the entrance, located on a high point, the entire crescent beach was visible. While descending to sea level, the arch grew bigger and bigger. It is possible to walk to the arch during low tide.
You may have noticed that in the beach’s name the word “bridges” is plural. This is because there used to be three arches on the beach. One fell during the early 20th century and the other one in 1980. What we see today is the original middle arch.
This small photo I found on the Internet illustrates how the panorama looked with two arches.
Some people affirm the remaining arch is in a fragile state and that it may fall soon. The forces of nature are always working.
There is much more to explore in the area.
Young people seem to have fun climbing the cliffs that encircle the beach.
The saltwater and freshwater marshes of Moore Creek shelter seagulls, brown pelicans, and cormorants.
The beach is home to a eucalyptus grove that provides a habitat for Monarch butterflies during their migration. Large clusters of butterflies (they adopt that formation to protect themselves from the elements) can be seen in the winter (or in nearby Lighthouse State Beach).
Visitors can hike along the reserve using a boardwalk.
On the other side of the beach, an intertidal zone is home to mussels, sea stars, anemones, limpets, and other sea creatures.
One has to be careful while walking along this area. The surface can be slippery and the waves crash without consideration. More than one wave surprised me during my visit.
At least, it was fun to see the waves making patterns while hitting furiously the rocks.
When you visit a place like this, do not forget to take a moment to enjoy the details. The colors on the rocks were amazing. During low tides, you can take a look at the tidepools in the area.
There are plenty of things to do here but that doesn’t mean you have to do something. Most visitors relax in the soft sand while surrounded by friends and the gentle breeze.
Remember Natural Bridges Sat Beach is the endpoint (or the beginning point, depending on how you look at it) of the West Cliff Drive (a must in this county).
Do not miss the cove that can be seen from the parking lot.
Natural Bridges State Beach – Details
- The exact address is 2531 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz
- A big parking lot is located at the end of West Cliff Drive. Another parking lot is located at the intersection of West Cliff Drive and Swanton Boulevard.
- There is free parking along Swanton Boulevard.
- The beach has restrooms and changing facilities.
- Please, protect this natural gem if you visit. Deposit trash in trash cans and follow all posted instructions.
More of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Boardwalk in Photos
Have you been to Natural Arches State Beach?
image-in-ing says
Isn’t it amazing to see the strength of something as “insubstantial” as water and as “unseeable” as the wind?
Thanks for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2015/07/get-peek-at-those-cute-little-feet.html
Ruth says
I know! This is a panorama that we have today but tomorrow it may not be there. Thanks for stopping by!
Lauren Meshkin @BonVoyageLauren says
Wow, your photos! Are you sure this place is real?!? I love all of the dramatic colors and rock formations. Thanks for sharing!
Happy travels 🙂
Ruth says
I love places like this. Especially, when tidepools are visible. I find them fascinating since the the colors, patterns and surfaces can be unique.
Eileen says
Pretty views of the coastline. The natural bridges are beautiful. Wonderful post and photos. Enjoy your day!
Ruth says
Thanks Eileen. I am a fan of natural bridges and arches. I would go around the world visiting the most famous ones.
Eileen says
Pretty views of the coastline. The natural bridges are beautiful. Wonderful post and photos. Enjoy your day!
Molly says
Beautiful coast line… I always like the coves with rockpools best
mollyxxx
Ruth says
Molly, I am with you. Here in California we have a tons of coves full of tidepools. Each is unique. Therefore, we have a lot of territory to explore.
Andrea says
A drive or hike down that coastline would be amazing! Arches National Park is a favorite too. I guess I just enjoy natural rock formations that are so delicate like this!
Ruth says
I haven’t been to Arches National Park but I know I would love it. I dream to go and explore at least for two days.
Sally@Toddlers on Tour says
Oh I’ve been to Santa Cruz , but I don’t remember the bridges which is a shame because they look gorgeous.
Ruth says
Yes, this is one of the gems of Santa Cruz. Would like to return when the butterflies are around.
Lydia C. Lee says
Amazing photos. The water splashing into the air is just beautiful. I sort of get sad when you see ‘bridges’ collapse. It’s like we’ll never get that again….FOMO I guess. The existential kind.
Ruth says
I understand what you say. There was a rock formation in Utah called The Cobra. Since I saw it on a magazine cover, I wanted to visit. Not long time ago, I found out the formation got destroyed during a flash flood. Some natural attractions are not there for us for an unlimited amount of time.
Natalie says
Beautiful images! Thanks for showing us a different side to California- being an Australian, we only hear of the typical tourist sights and attractions, which is a shame.
Ruth says
Natalie, I am glad you mention that. California is much more than Hollywood or San Francisco. We have a big variety of landscapes. The state is so big that there is something for each taste.
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages says
Natural bridges are so awesome, they just beg to have their photo taken don’t they
Ruth says
I know. I can spend ages going from one to the other.
Bumble Bee Mum says
Thank you for sharing this on Travel Tuesday. This place is so beautiful! When I visited California, I was one of those typical tourist who only knew about Golden Gate and Hollywood. Wish I had known about this place before my trip.
Ruth says
Well, you know about many more places now. Next time you visit, you will have plenty of places to hose from.
Kathy Marris says
Beautiful seascapes here! The force of the ocean does some incredible things with rock formations. We have several ‘Natural Bridges’ in Australia and I saw one in Aruba in the Caribbean on our recent cruise trip.
Ruth says
I would like to see Australia’s natural bridges. I have seen photos of some and they are very pretty.
Karilyn says
I have been to Santa Cruz so many times and never been here. Looks fabulous! It is now on the never-ending wish list of things to do in this awesome state!
Ruth says
If you stop by Santa Cruz again you have to visit. I feel the same way about the never ending things to do in California.
Anna says
it reminds me of the arch in Pfeiffer beach in Big Sur! Indeed some natural structures are ephemeral and forces of nature can change them a lot! At least there is one arch left!!
Ruth says
Anna, I can see the similarity with the arch you are referring to. When I went to Big Sur, Pfeiffer Beach was closed. I go next time I am in the area.
Packing my Suitcase says
This place is amazing!!! WOW, California always surprises me!
I need to visit it when I return to Cali one day 😀
Love the photos!!
Thank you for linking up with #MondayEscapes once again 🙂
Ruth says
Thanks a lot for your kind words. California surprises me to even though I have lived here for a long time.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} says
Beautiful. I love sea arches. Hopefully, no one will be near this one when it collapses. I guess it will just be a column at that point. The coastline around here looks so pretty, especially contrasted against the blue water and the crashing waves.
Ruth says
Like you, I hope nobody gets hurt when the arch collapses. When nature is involved, we are not sure of what is going to happen. The arch can be there for days or for years.
Amila @Leisure and Me says
Really love these arches and its captures.Seems like a beautiful beach.
Kelly Del Valle says
Oh my gosh, what BEAUTIFUL photos! Seriously, I just have to get out to the west coast. Maybe next summer… I’ll live vicariously through you until then. 😀
Ruth says
Oh…. thanks Kelly. You live in one coast and want to visit the other one. I live in this coast and want to visit the one where you are. We are in the same situation. I guess that is a characteristic of adventurous spirits.
Lauren @ Justin Plus Lauren says
Incredible! It’s amazing to see how nature can change over time, from having two arches to one. I’d love to go there and explore the area. Thanks for joining up with us at #WeekendWanderlust!
Laia | colibrist says
So interesting! Never heard about this bridges… I have never been in California so I do not know much a part from the mentioned Golden Bridge and Hollywood… The old photo with the other arch looks nice, it is a pity that it fall down, but I guess nature must follow its course 🙂
Ruth says
Well, to be honest, I didn’t know there were other bridges in the area before visiting. I found the info while doing research for the post. That is one of the things I love more about traveling. You are always learning new things.
Jen says
What an amazingly beautiful place! I’ve been there, but it’s been a very long time. It makes me sad that the bridges are so very fragile. I suppose, though, that when you are talking about water, it is one of those things that is always going to take what is hers.
Thank you for joining us again this week for Photo Friday!
Ruth says
Since, you have been there, do you notice changes in the landscape? It will be interesting to talk about how you remember the landscape and how it l0oks now.
Fairlie says
That coastline looks quite similar to the Great Ocean Road here in Victoria, Australia. There’s natural arches there too – plus a few collapses over recent years. Next time I go to the US, I’m determined to get outside the cities and see some of this amazing countryside.
Ruth says
What you are determined to do sounds so awesome. I mean cities are great but sometimes we need a dose of nature. Here in the States we have a lot of those places.
RamblinLove says
This is pretty funny, we both linked up with some sort of natural bridge – you in California and me in Virginia! Your pictures are gorgeous, I’ll have to visit some time.
Ruth says
Yes, I know. That is so cool. It is a week dedicated to natural bridges promotion!
RobRob@TravelLatte(.net) says
Like a few other people, I’ve been in the Santa Cruz area many times but somehow never found this beach! I love inter-tidal zones like this – so much fun to explore. Thanks for sharing and putting Natural Bridges on our radar for the next California trip!
Ruth says
Rob, I was under the impression that the bridge was pretty popular and well known. I guess I am wrong. At least, I gave you an idea for your next trip!
Paula McInerney says
I will confess I knew nothing to this natural bridge. It is amazing
Ruth says
Thanks Paula. Good to now you discovered something new thru this blog.
Anda says
I love this area of California and I never have time to stop and explore it in detail. We are always passing through on our way to San Francisco.
Ruth says
I know you feeling Anda. My husband jokes that I want to stop at every millimeter of the coast. In reality, it is difficult to chose what places to visit. I have opted for doing short, in depth trips of several areas.
Indah Susanti says
Wow, thank you for the tour! The natural bridges look stunning – I would not pass it when I visit Santa Cruz for sure 🙂
Ruth says
No problem Indah. Great to be able to share some of the wonders of California.
Nancie says
Hi Ruth. What a gorgeous place! That bridge is stunning, and let’s hope it doesn’t collapse any time soon. I would love to see the monarch butterflies. Thanks for linking up this week. #TPThursday
Ruth says
Nancie, I wish we can have the bridge in one piece for many more years. It will be sad to loss it.