Natural Bridges State Park

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USA-Santa Cruz-Natural Bridges State Beach; Shutterstock ID 101070745
USA-Santa Cruz-Natural Bridges State Beach; Shutterstock ID 101070745
Natural Bridges State Beach is named for the natural arch in the huge rock located in the shore break here. This is one of the most photographed beach icons in the state of California.

#localsecrets
This is a small state park at the northern end of Santa Cruz' scenic West Cliff Drive and a little over a mile from the Boardwalk, wharf and Main Beach.  A couple of times a year you can see Monarch butterflies during their migration. They are not in the numbers of years past, but you'll still see some.

If you walk north towards the rocks during low tide you will find some amazing tidepools full of sea anenomes, sea urchins, starfish, crabs, hermit crabs, and all sorts of marine life. The tidepools are on a ledge, so the tide needs to be quite high (>4 ft?) to reach them.

The beach is absolutely stunning at sunset.

#localsecrets
Peaceful. #winterbreak #santacruz #beach #loveforphotography

Lodging Near Natural Bridges State Park

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

4 out of 5
175 W Cliff Dr Santa Cruz CA
The price is AU$351 per night from 3 Feb to 4 Feb
AU$351
3 Feb - 4 Feb
includes taxes & fees
With a stay at Dream Inn Santa Cruz, you'll be centrally located in Santa Cruz, within a 5-minute drive of Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
This was our 2nd trip to Santa Cruz and we only stay on this hotel. Will go again soon!!!

Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026

Opens in a new windowDream Inn Santa Cruz
Mission Inn

Mission Inn

2.5 out of 5
2250 Mission Street Santa Cruz CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$144 per night from 29 Jan to 30 Jan
AU$144
29 Jan - 30 Jan
includes taxes & fees
With a stay at Mission Inn in Santa Cruz (Westside Santa Cruz), you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
The staff is so hospitable and friendly. Makes the stay warm and inviting to rebook!

Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026

Opens in a new windowMission Inn
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA

3 out of 5
2956 Mission St Santa Cruz CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$201 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
AU$201
1 Feb - 2 Feb
includes taxes & fees
With a stay at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA in Santa Cruz (Westside Santa Cruz), you'll be a 5-minute drive from Monterey Bay and 6 minutes ...
Staff was really helpful, especially when we left an electronic item after checkout. They walked us up to the room, and that was really great. The room itself was not bad, just sparse. Not enough pillows originally, but we were able to order some more. Again, staff delivered in a timely manner. Breakfast ...

Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026

Opens in a new windowFairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA
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