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 Santa Cruz Natural Bridges Nature's Creative Side Take a Break from Fast-Paced Living Story and Photographs By Dawn Bonner One of the many natural sculptures found at the Natural Bridges State Park in Santa Cruz that take your breath away.
Less than two hours from the San Francisco Airport, and about one hour from the San Jose, Calif. airport, is a fascinating area waiting to show off its many charms. The region teams with wildlife, fresh air, sandy beaches, tide pools, a forest, and even picnic areas. 10,000 Monarchs  Pristine eucalyptus groves are home to 10,000 monarch butterflies from October through January, approximately. The orange, black and white flying beauties winter in the canyon forest of Natural Bridges State Park in Santa Cruz. The Natural Bridges Canyon protects them from harsh winds and freezing weather. The butterflies huddle together in clusters, sharing body heat, on bare branches of eucalyptus trees when the temperature goes below 55 degrees.
When the temperature drops below 50 degrees, the monarchs cannot fly. So, if you would like to view the clusters go early in the morning, or on a cool day. It is amazing to see this many Monarchs in one spot. It is fascinating that the Monarch is poisonous to all birds, yet one bird species learned how to eat the butterfly without being poisoned. This is one of many interesting facts you learn at the Monarch Reserve.
If warm weather is the ticket, go on a sunny day and grab someone fun. The deep blue sky creates a magnificent backdrop to watch the vibrant orange butterflies flutter about.
While strolling on the monarch trail and enjoying the beauty of the forest, the sound of waves crashing surf side on the beach is irresistible. It beckons one to get their feet in the sand.
Visitor's Center The visitor's center located at the park has an educational video and viewing room that talks about the abundant life that lives together here, from fox to plankton. An aquarium showcases the sea life of Natural Bridges, providing exhibits and literature of the migratory process of the butterflies.
Moore's Creek  Just a short walk across the parking lot of the visitor's center, and down a side trail is Moore's Creek. This area is sheltered from the wind, so it is a grand place to picnic. Wood picnic tables are plentiful and stone-built grills are available for barbecuing gourmet delights. As picnickers enjoy their meals, they get free entertainment. Ducks and other birds swim in the creek, and frogs croak a lively tune. The sound of the surf is relaxing and exciting at the same time. Moore's Creek empties into the ocean. Before joining the ocean water, it creates a tide pool that is a host for many migratory birds. The tide pool is also home to anemones, star fish, and crabs. A good time to see underwater life is when the tide is low. Monterey Bay A short stroll from Moore's Creek lay the sandy shores of Monterey Bay. It is here that you understand why this beach is named Natural Bridges. A huge, natural stone bridge of carved rock sits stunningly at the waters edge. Pelicans sunbathe atop of the natural formation. Bring lawn chairs in order to spend a few hours soaking up this marvelous place. The sand is warm and fluffy, the ocean wild and enticing. There are about 340 different sea birds that migrate past this area in the fall. Many of the ocean birds stop at the tide pools to rest, bathe, and eat krill from the tide pool.
Sea Otters Playground This is also a place that sea otters play, along with sea lions and dolphins. Keep your eyes out for migrating whales, sightings are common at Natural Bridges Beach. According to Stagnaro Charter Boats, 20,000 California Gray whales pass through Monterey Bay from January to March. Migration of the Humpback whales happens in the summer months. 18 miles north of Natural Bridges State Park is Neuvo Beach where elephant seals mate and birth, starting in December through to May according to literature in the visitor's center. It is common to spot, and/or hear the elephant seals barking at Moore's Beach.
To get up close and personal with the marine mammals, charter a sea outing with Stagnaro Charter Boats for a narrated day at sea.
Moore's Beach also is home to large, pink and white conch shells, often found floating in the water. The hermit crab population thrives here, too. Since this is a preserve, everything is protected by state laws. Even empty shells, wood, rocks, and plants; do not remove them from their habitat.
Logistics
There are plenty of clean restrooms near the beach and the picnic area. Souvenirs can be purchased at the visitor's center. The proceeds help to support the park.
User Friendly for Disabled Natural Bridges State Park is user friendly for the disabled. Located at the visitor center are special wheel chairs are available for navigating in the sand. The restroom facilities, educational center, and gift shop are accessible by ramps. Week ends offer visitor tours at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Groups of 10 or more are recommended to make reservations for the public tours. Natural Bridges State Park is located 2 miles northwest of Santa Cruz, and is a favorite top pick for a day date. Who would the date be? Children, parents, grandparents, siblings, lovers, husband, wife, friend…Someone you have been yearning to know. This space allows for true quality time. So, pack up the picnic basket, make a date to impress with a spectacular ambiance, and have a great day of learning, appreciation of nature, and of each other. How to find National Bridges State Park Natural Bridges State Park 2531 West Cliff Drive Santa Cruz, CA 95060 From Hwy 1 turn Left onto Swift Ave., Right onto West Cliff Drive.
831.423.4609 Visitor's Center
Open daily 8 am to sunset
$6.00 day use parking fee
What to bring
• Towels to sit on, the picnic benches are wet from the mist
• A tablecloth and weights for the cloth.
• Gourmet lunch with real silverware
• Non alcoholic champagne and wine glasses
(No alcohol allowed)
• Lawn chairs for the beach
• Binoculars for whale and bird watching
• A sense of adventure
Wear layered clothing as the weather changes through out the day. Boat Charter Newsletter All newsletter recipients are eligible to receive great prizes from our drawings. Click here for privacy policy. |
Stagnaro Charter Boats P.O. Box 1340 Santa Cruz, CA 95061 Phone: (831) 427-2334 Fax: (831) 427-0764 Email: info@stagnaros.com |
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