Family Activities:

Natural Bridges State Beach

Attraction

Natural Bridges State Beach

Off West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA

This park is famous for its monarch butterflies, which generally arrive in October and depart in February. During this time, the Monarch Grove (accessible by a path) is home for up to 100,000 butterflies, and this “city in the trees” created by these flutterers is truly a sight to behold. Even outside this season, though, the beach should be near the top of your itinerary. With its natural bridge, tidepools, and diverse flora and fauna, it’s a stunning spot year-round.