Natural Bridges State Park Tours and Activities

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

Plan a trip to see Natural Bridges State Park

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Aqua Breeze Inn

Aqua Breeze Inn

2.5 out of 5
Westside Santa Cruz
Price was CA $1,206, price is now CA $883 per person
CA $883
per person
Apr 2 - Apr 5
found 20 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Toronto (YYZ) to San Jose (SJC)
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
Nice people. Easy location. Comfy beds.

Reviewed on Feb 6, 2026

Hotel Zico, BW Signature Collection

Hotel Zico, BW Signature Collection

3 out of 5
Price was CA $1,799, price is now CA $1,246 per person
CA $1,246
per person
Apr 30 - May 7
found 19 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Toronto (YTO) to San Jose (SJC)
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,348 reviews)
The hotel was clean and tidy, but the beds and blankets were uncomfortable. I stayed two nights, and the room wasn't cleaned until I left. Doesn't the hotel have housekeeping services?

Reviewed on Feb 3, 2026

Motel 6 Santa Cruz, CA

Motel 6 Santa Cruz, CA

2 out of 5
Westside Santa Cruz
Price was CA $1,480, price is now CA $1,140 per person
CA $1,140
per person
Apr 2 - Apr 5
found 21 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Toronto (YYZ) to San Jose (SJC)
6/10 (581 reviews)
The room was dirty and I'm very sure the bed sheets/blankets washed.

Reviewed on Nov 15, 2025

Popular places to visit

At the end of West Cliff drive and after a nice long hike you will come across this hidden gym. The natural bridges state beach is a great place to relax and enjoy nature after an invigorating hike.#TakeAHike

Moore Creek Wetland Nature Preserve

You can take time to visit Moore Creek Wetland Nature Preserve during your travels to Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.

Moore Creek Wetland Nature Preserve
Lovely morning spent with my Canon 5D.

Natural Bridges State Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Natural Bridges State Beach during your trip to Santa Cruz? Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.

Natural Bridges State Beach
Fern Grotto Beach off of California’s HWY1

Fern Grotto Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Fern Grotto Beach during your trip to Santa Cruz? Experience the entertainment choices or attend a sporting event in this walkable area.

Fern Grotto Beach
Fern Grotto Beach off of California’s HWY1

Wilder Ranch State Park

Enjoy a trip to Wilder Ranch State Park and popular activities like surfing in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.

Wilder Ranch State Park
A must see place for all people who love the beaches!

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Santa Cruz Surfing Museum during your trip to Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the surfing spots.

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

De Anza Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at De Anza Beach during your trip to Santa Cruz? Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.

De Anza Beach

Best Lodging Options Near Natural Bridges State Park

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

3 out of 5
550 2nd St Santa Cruz CA
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
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
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA
Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

4 out of 5
175 W Cliff Dr Santa Cruz CA
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Mission Inn

Mission Inn

2.5 out of 5
2250 Mission Street Santa Cruz CA
Mission Inn
Marea Sol Hotel

Marea Sol Hotel

2 out of 5
301 Beach St Santa Cruz CA
Marea Sol Hotel
Casablanca On The Beach

Casablanca On The Beach

3.5 out of 5
101 Main St Santa Cruz CA
Casablanca On The Beach
La Bahia Hotel and Spa

La Bahia Hotel and Spa

4.5 out of 5
215 Beach Street Santa Cruz CA
La Bahia Hotel and Spa
The BEST Location! 4 bedrooms Beach Retreat 1.5 blks to beach Hot tub, Firepit

The BEST Location! 4 bedrooms Beach Retreat 1.5 blks to beach Hot tub, Firepit

Santa Cruz CA
The BEST Location! 4 bedrooms Beach Retreat 1.5 blks to beach Hot tub, Firepit
Serenity at Natural Bridges - 5 min Walk to Beach

Serenity at Natural Bridges - 5 min Walk to Beach

Santa Cruz CA
Serenity at Natural Bridges - 5 min Walk to Beach
See all 871 properties in Natural Bridges State Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.