Natural Bridges State Beach
2531 West Cliff Drive,Santa Cruz,
California 94060
(831) 425–4609
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5 Reviewsfor Natural Bridges State Beach
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2 families found this helpful
"Steep scrambles over large rocks"
The tide pools cover a large area at Natural Bridges, but they are quite hard to access- be prepared to climb over some steep rocks. Shoes with good traction are an absolute must. Keep an eye on your kids!!
The beach can be pretty rough- my kids got knocked around a lot. Also, the beach is large and crowded, making for a somewhat stressful experience. Not my favorite beach in the area, but it is good for tide pools.
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2 families found this helpful
"Tide Pools"
We go to Natural Bridges for the tide pool experience. As you walk along rocks, there are pockets and crevices filled with sea urchins, mussels, barnacles, etc.
Our school goes there each year with fourth graders (9-10 years old), and each group has come back with great reviews.
This area is slippery and a bit dangerous for little ones who are active (~won't stick close to Mom or Dad) because you do need to maneuver carefully.
0 families found this helpful
"we missed the right time"
Maybe it was global warming. MIt was an unseasonably warm day for February, 70 degrees. Maybe it was just an off day. We went to see the monarchs this year (2010) in February, and they were gone. In the past we have gone and it was an amazing site to see. My hope is that we just came on an off day.
0 families found this helpful
"Fun with the Family"
Named for dramatic sandstone arches, this beautiful beach has tidepools rich withsea life. Guided tidepool tours are available. A short boardwalk from the beach parking lot leads through a eucalyptus forest to the California Monarch Butterfly Preserve. Depending on the time of year—early October through March is best—you’ll see hundreds of thousands of butterflies hanging in the trees and moving about in great golden clouds.
A 0.75-mile self-guided nature walk begins at the Monarch Trail and heads for Secret Lagoon, where blue herons, mallard ducks, and more freshwater and seagoing birds live.
1 family found this helpful
"Absolutely Must Visit"
You absolutely must bring the kids to Natural Bridges State Beach between October and February when thousands of Monarch butterflies make their winter home here. There is a short wooden walkway to the Eucalyptus grove where the butterflies live. October and sometimes September have the best weather and the aroma from the tree is wonderful. After viewing the butterflies, if the weather is warm, you can spend some time on the wonderful but small beach.
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