![]() So why do these butterflies choose Natural Bridges year after year? The answer is that the climate of the eucalyptus grove is almost perfectly suited to the butterflies’ needs. When the weather gets colder, 60 degrees or below, the butterflies cluster together on eucalyptus branches to stay warm. On warm days, you can see them fluttering throughout the park. They settle into the eucalyptus grove toward the back of the park, enjoying the protection from the elements that the grove offers. ButterfliesĮvery year between mid-October and mid-February, Natural Bridges becomes home to thousands of monarch butterflies. ![]() Looking back toward the cliffs, you can clearly see how these “natural bridges” gave the beach its name. ![]() While you can see the bridge from the scenic overlook, I have found that you get the best view from the far end of the beach by the lagoon area. The arches used to be part of the rest of the cliff, but over time the pounding of the waves and erosion collapsed two of the arches, leaving the one “natural bridge” that you see today. The park gets its name from the “bridges” that formed in the rocks just off the shore. However, once I made it to the tide pools and turned around, I had an “aha” moment where I saw the bridge. To be honest, it took me going to the beach about three times, before I saw it! There were so many other things to see, and I assumed it was just a name. While clearly visible from the scenic overlook, from certain spots on the beach it’s easy to miss the large natural bridge. You get the best of both worlds, enjoying the native wildlife and having a fun day at the beach. However, unlike many other nature preserves, Natural Bridges encourages its visitors to play in the water and enjoy the beach as well. If you are visiting during the day, head over to the tide pools or the eucalyptus grove full of monarch butterflies.ĭuring the fall and winter months, you can see the thousands of migrating monarch butterflies that make Natural Bridges a famous destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Natural Bridges State Beach is one of the best spots in Santa Cruz for doing all three.Īs you watch the sun dip beneath the water, you might just spot a whale or a group of sea otters playing in the kelp. Looking for a great spot to watch the sunset, play in the waves, or see some local wildlife? Learn more in the California State Parks brochure.Ĭonstruction is happening to make accessibility improvements at Natural Bridges! Once this year-long, multi-phase project is finished, Natural Bridges will have several new ADA-compliant and accessible features.Natural Bridges State Beach (Photo credit: karma17) Moore Creek flows through the park, forming freshwater wetlands and a salt marsh before it reaches the sea. The park also includes a large area of coastal scrub and grasslands, with bright native wildflowers in the spring. Low tides reveal sea stars, crabs, sea anemones, and other colorful ocean life. Further along the beach, tidepools offer a glimpse of life beneath the sea. ![]() This beach, with its famous natural bridge, is an excellent vantage point for viewing shore birds, migrating whales, and seals and otters playing offshore. ![]() State Parks is working on projects designed to support monarch habitat at both Natural Bridges and Lighthouse Field, including coastal wetland restoration, flood prevention, trail improvements, eucalyptus regeneration and the implementation of a Crumb Clean campaign to reduce predatory yellow jacket infestations. However, the local monarch population has been on the decline. The best time to see monarchs in the park is usually from mid-October to late January. Visitors can see thousands during the butterflies’ peak season. Natural Bridges State Beach is world-renowned for its yearly migration of monarch butterflies. ![]()
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