Natural Bridges State Beach

Located at the end of West Cliff Drive, this sand beach is protected by its status as a 26-hectare California state park and marine reserve. Relatively sheltered, it is named after the natural archways that have formed over time in the rocks, of which only one now remains.

Its marine reserve status means there’s a possibility of observing seals and California’s famed sea otters, while tidal pools provide a way of glimpsing the world of starfish and crabs among many other creatures.

Natural Bridges State Park is popular with all manner of board sports enthusiasts. Kite and wind surfers tend to arrive in the afternoon, while the Pacific waters are busiest with surfers during the winter months, when the waves are generally at their best.

A popular beach with families, there is free parking at Swanton Boulevard, or paid parking within the boundaries of the park. There are public barbeque facilities among the eucalyptus and pine trees.

Also among the trees you’ll find the Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve. Here around 150,000 of the insects over winter between October and February, before migrating to the border between the US and Canada on a journey that can last for 3,200 km and is considered one of Earth’s natural wonders.