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. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  2. Surfboards and tents for shade are set up on the beach at Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area in the Swim Lagoon Area

    Switchbacks and Swimming Holes

    Hike hard, play hard! This 7-mile out-and-back in Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area is a great workout with payoff vistas and a relaxing post-hike picnic and dip in the water.

    View
  3. Hike the Rainbow

    Catch all the colors of a rainbow at Calero County Park on this 10-mile hike currently showcasing the season’s best blooms.

    View
  4. Hike Purisima Creek Open Space Preserve

    Purisima Charisma

    Hundred-foot redwoods, a shaded canyon, and views overlooking Half Moon Bay. This 10-mile loop hike in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is a roller-coaster of uphill and downhill along with easygoing stretches through some of the Bay Area’s most beautiful landscape.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. People on a guided horseback tour with Central Coast Trailrides at Santa Margarita Ranch near Paso Robles

    Saddle Up with Central Coast Trailrides

    Untouched and sweeping, the mountainous scenery and deep valleys of Santa Margarita near Paso Robles are just begging to be explored. So saddle up for a scenic adventure with Central Coast Trailrides (CCT) at the 14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch.

    View
  2. A woman on a hiking trail with huge open space and yellow flowers around her at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks

    Going Wildwood

    Consider this your invitation to get a little untamed. In just one walk through Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks, you can chase the sound of a cascading waterfall, duck into a shadowy cave, and soak in big hillside vistas. The mostly flat 4.25-mile loop makes wild feel wonderfully accessible.

    View
  3. Two people fly fishing on the Truckee River with guides from Reno Fly Shop

    Zen and the Art of Fly Fishing

    Learning to fly fish is one of the most fun and beautiful ways to connect with nature, family, friends, and yourself. It’s also a great way to truly experience the magic of a place. Make that place Reno Tahoe, where a fly fishing adventure with Reno Fly Shop is like being planted in a plein air painting of dreamy outdoors.

    View
  4. A woman on the overlook deck overlooking the Truckee River at Oxbow Nature Study Area in Reno

    This Way to Oxbow and Dickerson Road

    Just west of downtown Reno—tucked right alongside the Truckee River—is a nature haven for wildlife spotting and waterside relaxing. The 22-acre Oxbow Nature Study Area is ideal for those seeking solitude and a short hike. Afterwards, explore the creative hub of Dickerson Road.

    View