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E.G.D.Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz, California
Posted by Jody on August 20, 2012
Today’s Featured Writer: Audrey Dautenhahn
Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz, California (Photo: Audrey Dautenhahn)
Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz, California
Upon arrival, I had to restrain myself from running down the sandy hill and jumping in the water. The water was so deliciously blue! On the far left of the beach is a natural bridge, and waves crash around the stone formation with white frothy force, letting off that fantastic roar that only the ocean can generate. (The waves are also accompanied by squeals of delight from fleeing children and the caws of hungry seagulls.)
Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz, California (Photo: Audrey Dautenhahn)
My family laid out towels and dug into our picnic lunch, careful to make sure the waiting seagulls didn’t steal any. Once my hungry two-year-old’s stomach was appeased, we headed to the water. I performed my ritual beach dance, which involves sticking my feet into the waves, then jumping back out and burying my feet in the sand since the water is so cold. It was wonderful, and several other people joined me.
Natural Bridges State Beach (Photo: Audrey Dautenhahn)
We had heard rumors that this beach is usually crowded, but while there were families picnicking and couples sunbathing, there was also plenty of open area and room to walk in the wet sand. This beach isn’t great for swimming, but since the water’s temperatures discourage that anyway, it was no problem for me. The weather was perfect―hot enough to compliment the icy water, but not so hot that we felt uncomfortable. There is a lovely viewing area up above the beach where we took in a better view of the natural bridge, and close by is a Monarch Butterfly preserve. Unfortunately, we came at the wrong time of year to see the butterflies, but I look forward to visiting again this fall.
Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz, California (Photo: Audrey Dautenhahn)
As if our trip couldn’t get any better, when we left the beach, we discovered nearby Java Bob’s Coffee Roasting. As serious fans of the coffee bean, we were excited to pick up a couple of Java Bob’s blends. (In case you’re curious, we can recommend both the Guatemala Dark and the Dr. Tom’s decaf blends.) Java Bob carries a huge selection of coffee types, so any coffee drinker should be able to find something they’ll enjoy.
Overall, our trip was lovely, and my family will definitely be making more visits to this particular beach.
Photo by Audrey Dautenhahn
Check out this helpful link for more information on Natural Bridges State Beach, California Department of Parks and Recreation. And for additional information on the beaches of Santa Cruz, you may want to read “Empty Beaches” of Santa Cruz, California.
Jody said
Audrey, thanks for the wonderful post! I’m ready to join in the ritual beach dance.
E.G.D. said
Indeed! Boogie down ^_^
alainaflute said
My Looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooove! Thanks for the awesome post!
Audrey said
This was such a lovely adventure! Thank you for letting me share!
Jody said
You are so very welcome. We’ll be looking forward to more! …Whenever you’re ready.
alainaflute said
Liiiiiike tomorrow, maybe?
~ Just kidding.
A Nature Mom said
Love this beach! We go every time we visit the Seymore Center aquarium.
Jody said
Great! Thanks for the tip. It sounds like there are a few fun spots to check out in Santa Cruz! Please feel free to link to a post on the aquarium. We’d be happy to share.
Seymour Center link
A Nature Mom said
We haven’t been since I started blogging in March (though I guess I could always use photos from our previous visits). I love to go to this area in the fall – we plan to visit Natural Bridges during the monarch season this year.
Jody said
We’ll be looking forward to a full report!