State Beaches close to Santa Cruz

 

Natural Bridge State Beach

There are many state beaches around the Santa Cruz area. Not too far from the Wilder Ranch State Park we just visited, it is Natural Bridge State Beach. This is certainly not that kind of beaches found in a tropical island. The terrain could be rough (below).

Not a typical beach

I'm not sure where the name came from. So I asked Gemini: Natural Bridges State Beach is named for the three naturally occurring arches that were once part of a large cliff that jutted out into the sea. These arches formed over millions of years through erosion by the Pacific Ocean. While two of the original arches have collapsed, the remaining arch is a popular attraction and gives the beach its distinctive name.

Arch on the left rock

For good picures, visit .gov website. 

The admission is $10 (parking fee). But you can park outside before you enter the gate. it is 20min free. if you don't plan to stay long.

Another attraction nearby is the Natural Bridge Monarch Trail. The best time to visit the trail to see the monarch butterflies is late October through November. This is when the butterflies are most abundant and active in the eucalyptus grove. Keep in mind the time could vary.

The trail consists of a zig-zag boardwalk (below) and trail to the pond and other wooded area. It is short.

See if you can spot the butterfly?

Two deers in the pond

The other side of the visitor center is the trail to the beach.

The arch from another direction

Since the trail is very short, we dicided to take a walk along the West Cliff Drive. Many visitors do the same. Some joggers, some walk their dogs. Enjoy the great view on one side, and nice houses on the other side.

Another state beach we visited is the Seabridge State Beach.

Walton Lighthouse - Seabridge State Beach

It is right south of the Boardwalk. We parked on the 1st Ave. walked toward the harbor, then lighthouse, beach and climb the stairs back to our car.

Seeing a boat in a distance. This is the east side of the Pacific Ocean!

This is another trip we made, planned to picnic at Capitola State Beach. Turn out it is too popular. No parking space. So we go further south and found the New Brighton State Beach in about a mile away.

New Brighton State Beach

A hugh parking lot with only a few cars. We came in early Dec. Probably this is built for the summer time. Before we left, saw this in the parking lot, saying the place was called China Beach or China Cove in the 19th century before they were forced out.

China Beach

There is a camp ground on site. I recalled we booked the camp site online, and did overnight camping in the summer break when kids were small.

Overall, it would be nice to stay in Santa Cruz for a few days. Although it is less than an hour drive getting from the South Bay. Highway Route 17 could jam up during the holidays. To avoid the traffic, go early and back early. Have fun!