Bird watcher’s paradise: Nests, rookery, Monarch butterflies
Natural Bridges State Beach
This park offers viewing of overwintering Monarch butterflies October to January. The beach also offers a view of the natural arch and tide pooling.
Visited: 2025-04-16
What caused joy
You can get a close-up view of the rookery (while staying behind the fence). Seeing those mothers and babies up close was joyful. Three major species of birds co-exist on these rocks.
What was surprising
When you drive down all the way to the Park office, there is a parking lot. Leading off it is a small trail. Do not immediately turn left to go downhill. Instead, follow the “no vehicles” sign and then make a left. This path narrows and you bear left to get to the wooden boardwalk. The boardwalk leads you all the way to the beach… but via a forest! At times, you forget that you are by the beach, and can be forgiven if you think that you are in a jungle somewhere.
How to get there
From San Jose: Hwy 17 South, turn right on to Hwy 1 North. Drive past downtown Santa Cruz. Soon as you pass Hampton Inn on your right, turn Left on Swift Rd (at the lights), follow signs.
Beaches and Parks near San Jose