Sea-sonal Wonders

Tidepool and See Migrating Wildlife at Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz

You’ll need to go during low tides to safely enjoy tidepooling at Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz. As its name suggests, the beach has a natural arch and is an excellent spot for an intertidal adventure.

The visitor center is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday to Monday. You can learn about the tide pools there (including the safest routes for exploring them) before heading out. *Remember to stay safely within the low-tide timeframes for tidepooling. Refer to this tide chart for Santa Cruz for more details. 

If it’s low tide it may be possible to explore the tide pools along the rocky cliffside on the right side of the beach (map). Look out for the vibrant flower-like sea anemones—fascinating creatures with soft bodies that provide shelter for small fish, crabs, and shrimp during high tide. Try to see if you can also spot sea stars and mussels. As the wildlife here is protected, do not pick up or touch any of the marine life.

A few key safety notes: Rocks are slippery and very slick after big rains; waterproof or water shoes are recommended and exercise good judgment in prioritizing safety first. Never turn your back on the ocean—sneaker waves can come at any time. Venture into tide pools only at low tide and be mindful even then. Always check the tide chart for Santa Cruz before exploring these tide pools.

Even if you don’t go tidepooling here, Natural Bridges State Beach is a scenic spot for spying migrating whales, seals, and shorebirds.

BONUS MONARCH BUTTERFLIES: If you get lucky with timing, you may even be able to see the monarch butterflies in the Monarch Preserve at Natural Bridges State Beach (the butterflies tend to leave by mid-February, though).

Park near the visitor center (map), and explore the tide pools along the rocky cliffside on the right side of the beach (map). NOTE: Tidepooling after wet weather can be very slippery, and sneaker waves are dangerous, exercise caution and good judgement. No dogs.

Story and photos by Janice Lim, @wheresjanice (website: wheresjanice.com).

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View