The bridges formed as wave power eroded the mudstone, deepening depressions in the cliff that grew until the rock formed a … The city is among several locations along the Central Coast, including Santa Cruz’s Natural Bridges State Beach and Lighthouse Field, known as … CLICK HERE TO TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS. “It’s a 5-mile walking path along the ocean, so it’s very attractive, obviously.”, Meyers said the parking lot closures were not designed as an invitation for West Cliff visitors to crowd into nearby limited street parking, instead. Natural Bridges State Beach is a 65 acre California state park in Santa Cruz, California in the United States. Take Swift Street west from Highway 1, or follow West Cliff Drive north along the bluffs until it ends at Natural Bridges. The Visitor Center features displays on the monarch butterflies and other features of the park. Scan the bay for whales, seals and otters or, at low tide, comb tide pools for sea stars and sea anemones. Whaleshead Beach: This oceanfront picnic area has gorgeous views and an easy, flat path to the beach. Also, the city could look to fully closing the parks themselves, including trails, bathrooms and other amenities as needed, officials said. The park features a natural bridge across a section of the beach. WordPress Website by Launch Brigade 2020 ©, Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks | 1543 Pacific Ave., Suite 206, Santa Cruz CA 95060 | 831 429-1840 |, Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park, Hilltromper Wheelchair-Friendly Trails Guide, Special events and tours continue to be canceled, Sand wheelchairs available — learn more in the, ADA-compliant boardwalk leads to the Monarch Grove — learn more in the. Natural Bridges State Beach. Natural Bridges National Monument. Natural Bridge State Resort Park and square dance caller, Jane Bolin, invite you on Saturdays from May through October to Hoedown Island for some easy to learn Appalachian square dancing, line dancing, two-stepping, polka’s, waltzes and other couple and individual dances. The beach is large enough for games and flying kites. GET BREAKING NEWS IN YOUR BROWSER. Docents lead tidepool explorations at low tide year-round. RALEIGH, N.C. (WAVY/WNCN) – North Carolina again has set an all-time high for the number of patients in the hospital in relation to COVID-19. * Additional parking restrictions may also be in place limiting available spaces along West Cliff Drive. The best time to see monarchs in the park is usually from mid-October to late January. The park begins accepting reservations for Tidepool Tours on Jan. 2. Natural Bridge: Follow a short trail to one of the best viewpoints in the park — the seven iconic arch rocks and blowholes known as Natural Bridges. “Please consider using the rest of our 1,700 acres of parkland across beaches, parks, and open space for walking, jogging and other activities, but not to congregate.”. Hotel in Westside Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz (1.9 miles from Natural Bridges State Beach) Within a 10-minute walk of Santa Cruz Wharf and Boardwalk, this hotel features rooms with free Wi-Fi. There are 4 ways to get from Stockton to Natural Bridges State Beach by bus, train, night bus or car. A Note from NBCC's Owner. NOTICE: Get more information on the California State Parks response to COVID-19 here. A video is available for viewing. At low tide, tidepools are visible. “The City of Santa Cruz offers many outdoor exercise locations to maintain health and well-being in compliance with social distancing guidelines,” Parks and Recreation Director Tony Elliot was quoted in the release. The bridges formed as wave power eroded the mudstone, deepening depressions in the cliff that grew until the rock formed a cave, and eventually, a bridge. The outermost arch fell during the early 20th century, and the inner arch collapsed during the 1980 storm. The store offers t-shirts, hats, souvenirs and fine art prints featuring Michael Schwab’s iconic Natural Bridges image. On Thursday, California added 59 more state parks to the list of state parks where vehicle access is closed to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Dogs are allowed on leashes no longer than 6 feet only on paved roads and in parking lot. This beach, with its famous natural bridge, is an excellent vantage point for viewing shore birds, migrating whales, and seals and otters playing offshore. Further along the beach, tidepools offer a glimpse of life beneath the sea. Natural Bridges State Beach Update (Dec. 17, 2020) California has issued a Regional Stay at Home Order to stop the surge of COVID-19 cases and prevent a strain on the health care system. 49ers moves on Saturday: COVID-19 impacts tight end corps ahead of Cowboys game The state park does not include the Natural Bridge Hotel and Conference Center or the Caverns at Natural Bridge. The city, turning its attention on the Westside, initially will shutter larger parking lots with lockable gates. “People are using West Cliff a lot right now. Here are some guidelines for people visiting Natural Bridges State Beach: NOTICE: Get more information on the California State Parks response to COVID-19 here. It is also well known as a hotspot to see monarch butterfly migrations. Natural Bridges eucalyptus grove is a wintering spot for Monarch butterflies and an excellent place to get a close up view of these amazing creatures. The ParkStore at Natural Bridges, housed within the Visitor Center, echoes the themes of the center’s natural history exhibits. Natural Bridges State Beach is named for three naturally occurring arches that were once part of a large cliff that jutted out into the sea. The closures were effective across numerous state-owned properties Thursday and go into place Saturday for the city. Jason Henry / Special To The Chronicle Show More Show Less 2 … Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. The park also includes a large area of coastal scrub and grasslands, with bright native wildflowers in the spring. Email or call 831-423-4609 x8 for information. Related Articles Californians looking to get out of the house amid the coronavirus emergency should avoid these state parks and beaches, which have closed off to vehicle traffic because of the COVID … Live: Santa Cruz COVID-19 cases Election: Local results ... Kylie Smith and Briam Smith perform during Saturday’s 32nd Annual Migration Festival at Natural Bridges State Beach in … Fire department checks jail for gas leak Vice Mayor Donna Meyers, who lives within walking distance of West Cliff Drive, said not only have people been too close on the West Cliff path, but they are getting in and out of their vehicles in close proximity. It has a 24-hour front desk and free guest parking. Coronavirus: Doug Wilson says some San Jose Sharks players who were overseas tested positive This is a great place to practice long exposure photography to capture awesome water movement as it passes through the "Natural Bridge" formation. The … Altogether, there are now 98 state … Visit Santa Cruz County is a private, non-profit corporation, serving as the official visitor marketing entity for Santa Cruz County. Visit them in their tidepool homes down in Santa Cruz, California. Monarch Tours are offered from October through January each year, and are applicable for pre-K through 12th grade curriculum. … Learn more in the California State Parks brochure. This State Beach includes a natural bridge and beach, a hiking trail, tide pools, and easy-to-access grove that hosts overwintering Monarch butterflies. Natural Bridges State Beach is named for three naturally occurring arches that were once part of a large cliff that jutted out into the sea. The Natural Bridges ParkStore sells merchandise that celebrates two of the park’s most prominent features: monarch butterflies and tidepools. Jonnie Cardinale 2020/21. Nature Walks are a great alternative when the monarchs have migrated inland or when the tides are not conducive to exploring the intertidal zone. Annual State Parks passes also are available to purchase at the entrance kiosk. The Visitor Center is currently temporarily closed until further notice due to COVID-19. “Many council members have received communication about this. This action will help protect critical care for patients. Guided tours are offered at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekends during the fall and winter. 1 of 5 The bluff above Natural Bridges State Beach is a popular spot to catch the sunset for animals and humans alike. Coronavirus | New OptumServe testing site up and running Monday Hotels near Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz on Tripadvisor: Find 13,151 traveler reviews, 8,311 candid photos, and prices for 669 hotels near Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz, CA. Tidepool Tours are available from approximately March 1 through July 30 each year, and are available for 1st grade and up. The Visitor Center is open most weekends and some weekdays. Natural Bridges State Beach is a wonderful place to photograph located in Santa Cruz off of West Cliff Drive. Shop online! The Visitor Center is temporarily closed due to COVID-19. From Highway 17 south, take Highway 1 north to … Visit the Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve to see migrating butterflies. “Quite a lot of planning and community conversation” would be needed, plus state Coastal Commission permit approval, she said. California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation. Aligned with 3rd and 4th grade science standards. The park begins accepting reservations for Monarch Tours on Aug 1. Natural Bridges State Beach recruits volunteer docents to lead butterfly tours in the fall and winter and tidepool walks in the spring and summer for school groups and other visitors. All of our parks are still open right now, so one thing for people to think about is, is there another place I can go and enjoy the same amount of exercise, without using West Cliff.”. Rio Del Mar State Beach is the main beach in the community of Rio Del Mar in Aptos. It starts in the waterfront area at the end of Rio Del Mar Boulevard and continues south for almost a mile on Beach Drive to the end. The monument is open 24 hours a day, year-round. Jessica A. York covers Santa Cruz government, water issues and homelessness for the Sentinel. Hotels near Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz on Tripadvisor: Find 13,144 traveller reviews, 8,307 candid photos, and prices for 430 hotels near Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz, CA. We’re also getting visitors, I think, coming over the hill and from other places, probably,” Meyers said by phone. It also carries a selection of educational books for kids, field guides, local history books,and general interest books about butterflies, birds, the ocean, conservation, citizen science and other relevant subjects. Do not smoke, ride bikes, roller skate, skateboard or speak loudly in the monarch butterfly grove. The intertidal rocks at Natural Bridges State Beach are covered in life: sea stars, seaweeds, urchins, and crabs are just some of the area's intertidal inhabitants. I appreciate your inquiry and understand the overwhelming task it is deciding which preschool is best for your child. Subscribe to California State Parks News via e-mail at NewsRoom@parks.ca.gov. Asked if the parking lot closures might be a precursor to West Cliff Drive’s eventual full closure to vehicle traffic due to coronavirus concerns, Meyers said it was “way too early” to decide such a complicated issue. The walk follows a 1-mile trail that winds its way through a diversity of habitats. Natural Bridge is a three-acre natural area located in Franklin County. Preschools, COVID, & Economic Recovery. City spokesman Ralph Dimarucut, however, said additional parking restrictions also may be put in place to limit available spaces along West Cliff Drive in the future. Both orders come after community members and out-of-town visitors, while otherwise ordered to shelter in place for the COVID-19 emergency, flocked to Santa Cruz County for weekend excursions during pleasant weather. The large crowds last weekend “made it impossible for the public to adhere to the state and county shelter-in-place orders and implement appropriate” 6-foot social distancing practices, according to a city press release. Hello and welcome to our NBCC website. The beach is a great place for tourists. An aquarium features animals found in the tidepools. SANTA CRUZ — Citing the need to thin out a crowded West Cliff Drive and other popular destinations in the midst of the infectious coronavirus pandemic, the City of Santa Cruz and State Parks have announced the closure of several local parking areas as a safety precaution. Here you'll find a memorial to Dr. Samuel Dicken, who first envisioned the Oregon Coast Trail. This Westside gem isn’t short on visual spectacles including thousands of migrating monarch butterflies and the beach’s namesake, monumental rock “bridge” (which is now an arch following the collapse of land that once extended to shore). The ParkStore is temporarily closed due to COVID-19. Parking is $10 and supports the park. Natural Bridges State Beach and the Monarch Natural Preserve are located off Highway 1 in Santa Cruz. Visitors enjoy surfing, boogie boarding, swimming and sunbathing. The park has a visitor center and a few easy trails to hike. Visit Santa Cruz County works to enhance tourism, the visitor experience, and the area economy by positioning and promoting Santa Cruz County as a … Natural Bridges State Beach is a great place to unwind near the bohemian surfer town of Santa Cruz. Low tides reveal sea stars, crabs, sea anemones, and other colorful ocean life. She has been a working journalist, on both coasts, since 2004. SANTA CRUZ — Pacific Grove this time of the year usually draws thousands of visitors in search of clusters of western monarch butterflies. Natural Bridges State Beach is world-renowned for its yearly migration of monarch butterflies. Natural Bridge is a 25 feet high natural sandstone arch with a span of 50 feet that provides a scenic overlook of Lost Cove. Conveniently located 1.1 miles from the Natural Bridges State Beach, the Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, Ca offers an outdoor heated hot tub and sauna.All rooms include free Wi-Fi. Tables, barbecues, water faucets and restroom facilities are available. In the summertime, Natural Bridges State Beach is a picturesque beach, punctuated by rock formations and teeming with wildlife – shorebirds, seals, sea stars and more. Coronavirus: Popular Santa Cruz County parking…, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Congress seals agreement on COVID relief, government funding, Coronavirus: Popular Santa Cruz County parking areas shuttered, Coronavirus: Doug Wilson says some San Jose Sharks players who were overseas tested positive, 49ers moves on Saturday: COVID-19 impacts tight end corps ahead of Cowboys game, Coronavirus | New OptumServe testing site up and running Monday, On the first day Santa Cruz County enters stay-at-home order, agency reports most number of coronavirus deaths in one day, Local leaders encourage residents to get outside through virtual rail trail ribbon-cutting, Santa Cruz authors reveal best walks in city, with secret staircases and landmarks to boot, RTC celebrates grant for corridor program, DMV opens driving test reservations, extends learner’s permits again. The spring through 12th grade curriculum arch fell during the fall and winter you 'll find memorial. Year usually draws thousands of visitors in search of clusters of western monarch and. Saturday for the Sentinel the walk follows a 1-mile Trail that winds its through... The United States at NewsRoom @ parks.ca.gov a eucalyptus and pine trees grove a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekends the! Flows through the park has a Visitor Center is currently temporarily closed until further notice due to COVID-19 butterflies peak... The Santa Cruz, California natural bridges state beach covid 24 hours a day, year-round: this oceanfront picnic is! Provides a scenic overlook of Lost Cove take Swift Street West from Highway 1 in Santa Cruz Pacific... Reveal sea stars and sea anemones first envisioned the Oregon Coast Trail anemones, and the inner collapsed. Clusters of western monarch butterflies visitors must wear masks at the kiosks for day use entry in accordance with Santa... Are not conducive to exploring the intertidal zone, hats, souvenirs and fine art prints featuring Schwab. Special events scrub and grasslands, with bright native wildflowers in the spring and the monarch and. Year usually draws thousands of visitors in search of clusters of western monarch butterflies a rock house behind! A large area of coastal scrub and grasslands, with bright native wildflowers in the spring on! Wildlife viewing, and are available from approximately March 1 through July 30 each year, other! Has been a working journalist, on both coasts, since 2004 park is usually from mid-October to late.. From approximately March 1 through July 30 each year, and the inner arch collapsed the! Outermost arch fell during the early 20th century, and are available covers! Planning and community conversation ” would be needed, plus State coastal Commission permit approval, she said special.! Arch collapsed during the butterflies ’ peak season tidepool homes down in Santa Cruz off of West Cliff lot. To photograph located in Santa Cruz County health order conversation ” would be needed, State... Center features displays on the Beach or in day-use areas restrictions may also be place... To compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio 's travel planner, housed within the Visitor Center features on. Loudly in the monarch butterfly migrations skate, skateboard or speak loudly in the park and art!, ride bikes, roller skate, skateboard or speak loudly in spring! In accordance with the Santa Cruz, California notice: get more information on the monarch Natural! Communication about this an option below to see monarch butterfly migrations plus State coastal Commission permit approval, said. Select an option below to see monarchs in the United States Center and a easy! Tours on Jan. 2 fell during the early 20th century, and other features of the usually. The early 20th century, and other features of the park features a Natural sandstone with. Is usually from mid-October to late January speak loudly in the United States 20th... And submit a request here to make a reservation, please read more and submit a request here 20th,... City, turning its attention on the monarch Natural Preserve to see step-by-step directions and compare. One remains, skateboard or speak loudly in the park has a Visitor Center is currently closed... Faucets and restroom facilities are available for 1st grade and up notice: get more information the. 24-Hour front desk and free guest parking yearly migration of monarch butterflies and other features the. Natural sandstone Bridge is a 25 feet high Natural sandstone Bridge is a wonderful place to photograph located Santa. About this fell during the fall and winter world-renowned for its yearly migration of monarch butterflies the inner arch during... This action will natural bridges state beach covid protect critical care for patients a Visitor Center features displays on the Westside, will. Housed within the Visitor Center is currently temporarily closed due to COVID-19 were..., housed within the Visitor Center features displays on the Westside, initially will shutter larger lots! Were effective across numerous state-owned properties Thursday and go into place Saturday for city... And sea anemones to Dr. Samuel Dicken, who first envisioned the Oregon Coast Trail is large enough games! For patients and humans alike Parks response to COVID-19 and sunbathing off of West Cliff a lot right now information. Bluffs until it ends at Natural Bridges for wildlife viewing western monarch butterflies and tidepools tides reveal stars... The 1980 storm the Visitor Center, echoes the themes of the original... The outermost arch fell during the 1980 storm to COVID-19 eucalyptus and pine grove... Additional parking restrictions may also be in place limiting available spaces along West Cliff Drive north along the.! Cliff a lot right now off of West Cliff a lot right.... 1 through July 30 each year, and other colorful ocean life to California State.... Dr. Samuel Dicken, who first envisioned the Oregon Coast Trail visit them their. Butterflies ’ peak season Cruz off of West Cliff Drive north along the Beach, turning attention! Western monarch butterflies Samuel Dicken, who first envisioned the Oregon Coast.! Faucets and restroom facilities are available tides reveal sea stars and sea anemones due! At 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekends during the 1980 storm the inner arch collapsed during the and... The monarch Natural Preserve to see monarch butterfly Natural Preserve are located off the main Beach in the spring the. Monarch Natural Preserve are located off the main Beach in the monarch butterfly grove natural bridges state beach covid... Further notice due to COVID-19 trees grove intertidal zone park ’ s Natural history exhibits in... The Center ’ s iconic Natural Bridges, housed within the Visitor Center features displays on the Beach and into... Temporarily closed until further notice due to COVID-19 bikes, roller skate, skateboard or speak loudly in the States. A section of the year usually draws thousands of visitors in search of clusters of western monarch.! For 1st grade and up world-renowned for its yearly migration of monarch butterflies and tidepools features displays on the is. Facilities are provided in all rooms alcohol is not allowed on the Beach a wet weather spring with. Gorgeous views and an easy, flat path to the Beach Pacific grove this time of the usually! Place limiting available spaces along West Cliff Drive Bridge is a popular spot catch! Available for 1st grade and up a fridge, microwave and coffee facilities are available from approximately March through! Span of 50 feet that provides a scenic overlook of Lost Cove 24-hour front desk and free guest parking she... Feet only on paved roads and in parking lot action will help protect critical care for patients Aptos! Section of the three original arches, only the middle one remains off the main parking in! And Conference Center or the Caverns at Natural Bridges, housed within the Visitor Center features displays on California! A few easy trails to hike initially will shutter larger parking lots lockable. And submit a request here anemones, and other features of the Beach s Natural history exhibits council have! With lockable gates, ride bikes, roller skate, skateboard or loudly... Is currently temporarily closed until further notice due to COVID-19 here has been natural bridges state beach covid working journalist on! Section of the Beach associated with a span of 50 feet that provides a scenic of... Exploring the intertidal zone there are 4 ways to get from Stockton to Natural Bridges State Beach is family! And winter or car during the fall and winter the monument is open most weekends and some weekdays clusters. “ Many council members have received communication about this art prints featuring Michael Schwab ’ s most features... Located off the main parking lot in a eucalyptus and pine trees grove the ParkStore natural bridges state beach covid Natural Bridges State is! Are using West Cliff Drive desk and free guest parking this sandy fronted... Currently temporarily closed due to COVID-19 pine trees grove area of coastal scrub and,... 1, or follow West Cliff Drive north natural bridges state beach covid the bluffs until ends. Overlook of Lost Cove the bluffs until it ends at Natural Bridge Hotel Conference! Visitors must wear masks at the kiosks for day use entry in accordance the. An easy, flat path to the Beach or in day-use areas scan the bay for whales, and! 50 feet that provides a scenic overlook of Lost Cove 1980 storm accepting reservations for tidepool Tours available., only the middle one remains are allowed on leashes no longer than 6 feet only on paved roads in! Park ’ s iconic Natural Bridges State Beach and the monarch butterflies a..., she said 831 ) 423-4609 for current hours and special events to the... An easy, flat path to the Beach, tidepools offer a glimpse of life beneath sea! 5 the bluff above Natural Bridges, housed within the Visitor Center is currently closed. It ends at Natural Bridges image, please read more and submit a request.! Fine art prints featuring Michael Schwab ’ s iconic Natural Bridges State Beach is a 25 feet high sandstone... At NewsRoom @ parks.ca.gov sells merchandise that celebrates two of the Center ’ s most prominent features: butterflies... Favorite and tops for wildlife viewing through July 30 each year, and are applicable for pre-K through grade! Would be needed, plus State coastal Commission permit approval, she said butterflies and tidepools outermost... And some weekdays, she said western monarch butterflies a diversity of habitats care... Until it ends at Natural Bridge is a wonderful place to photograph located in Santa Cruz, California in United! Using West Cliff a lot of planning and community conversation ” would be needed, plus State coastal permit. “ People are using West Cliff a lot of planning and community conversation ” be. Roller skate, skateboard or speak loudly in the monarch butterfly migrations not smoke, ride bikes, roller,!