Natural Bridges State Beach and Monarch Grove

2531 West Cliff Drive
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Description

This beach, with its famous natural bridge, is an excellent place for viewing shore birds, migrating whales, and seals and otters playing offshore. The park's Monarch Grove provides a temporary home for up to 100,000 monarchs each winter. Tidepools offer a glimpse of life beneath the sea. Low tides reveal sea stars, sea anemones and colorful ocean life. The park also includes a large meadow with bright native wildflowers in the spring.

From roughly mid-October through mid-February, the monarchs form a "city in the trees." The area's mild ocean air and eucalyptus grove provide a safe roost until spring. Monarch numbers vary each year - you may want to call the park for current information on the population. The Monarch Grove has been declared a Natural Preserve. This is the only State Monarch Preserve in California. Access to the preserve area is limited to a handicap accessible boardwalk and observation area.