Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz (must see)

Natural Bridges State Beach is a scenic 65-acre California state park located in Santa Cruz. The park is renowned for its natural rock arch that spans a section of the beach, creating a picturesque landmark. A notable feature of the park is its eucalyptus grove, which serves as a vital habitat for monarch butterflies during their migration. From October through early February, the Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve within the park can host up to 150,000 monarch butterflies, making it a significant site for butterfly enthusiasts.

The history of the Santa Cruz area begins with its earliest residents, the Ohlone tribe, who were semi-nomadic and sustained themselves by hunting, fishing, and gathering. They also excelled in herbal medicine and crafted tools and jewelry from local materials. The Ohlone's way of life was disrupted by Spanish colonization, which led to their displacement and population decline due to European diseases. Following the Mexican War of Independence, the area transitioned from Spanish to Mexican control, and the land was used for cattle grazing. After the Mexican-American War, California joined the United States.

Over the years, the area that encompasses the park was used for various purposes, including a dairy farm, a Brussels sprouts farm, housing for mill workers, a South Seas movie set, and even a failed housing development. In 1933, the State of California purchased the land, and the development of state beach facilities began in 1954. Until the 1970s, the land surrounding the park remained largely undeveloped, but it is now surrounded by beach development and commercial properties.

Natural Bridges State Beach offers year-round recreational activities such as swimming, surfing, hiking, nature walks, and picnicking. The beach is small and sheltered, ideal for kite flying and windsurfing in the afternoon winds. Surfing is particularly popular in the winter when large swells reach the shores. Hiking trails traverse the Moore Creek estuary and the Monarch Butterfly Nature Preserve, where guided tours are available on weekends during the fall and winter. Additionally, tours of the tidal pools and nature walks are offered throughout the year, providing visitors with a rich natural and educational experience.