Tide Pools

The tide pools at Natural Bridges State Park are a wonderful place to explore and learn about the variety of creatures that make their homes in the inter-tidal zone. At low tide visitors are likely to observe sea stars, sea anemones, hermit crabs, urchins, and other colorful sea life.

The area from Four-mile Beach to the North down the coast to Natural Bridges State Park is part of a State Marine Reserve which protects the entire ecosystem of the reserve.

Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.

Visiting the Tide Pools

Plan your visit during a low tide period. The rocky shore north of the park requires some agility on your feet. Rocks can be slippery and unexpected large waves can hit the shore. Never turn your back on the ocean.

Plan an hour or two to pick your way along the rocks, peering into pools and watching the tiny creatures as they move about. Please leave all plants and animals attached to the rocks. School groups can arrange to have a docent-led tour of the tide pools by calling ahead. (831) 423-4609

Guided Tide Pool Tours

Docent-led tours of the tide pools are usually held on Saturdays and Sundays at varying times. The 1½-hour tours meet at the Visitor Center and are sponsored by California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks. Check the Natural Bridges State Beach website for dates and times this month:
Natural Bridges State Beach Events and Activities

Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve

Visitors to the Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve can follow a wheelchair accessible boardwalk into the eucalyptus grove to view the butterflies. At the end of the boardwalks is an observation platform. Interpretive signs along the way provide information about the monarchs.

For an extended tour of the preserve, a foot trail leads off the boardwalk, heading north and connecting with the Moore Creek Trail, making a loop back to the beach (less than a mile altogether).

The best times of year to view the monarchs are during November and December when the greatest concentrations are usually there. Butterflies begin to arrive in mid-October and many usually remain through mid-February. Numbers of butterflies and arrivals and departures dates vary each year.

Guided Monarch Butterfly Tours

Hour-long, docent-led tours of the butterfly preserve are offered in late October through January on weekends at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Meet at the Visitor Center. The tours are wheelchair accessible. For tours for groups of 10 or more, reservations should be made in advance with the park. (831) 423-4609