Xperience the ocean on dry land at Natural Bridges State Beach
Tidepools open up miniature windows to new worlds for the curious and adventurous
For those who love seeing marine life up close, aquariums are always a good option. However, what if you could see those same animals and plants living freely in their natural environment, going about their daily oceanic lives right before your very eyes? (Reminds me of a certain cartoon about someone who lives in a pineapple under the sea!)
Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz offers beautiful vistas and stunning natural displays whichever way you look. Those wishing for a very special Xperience just need to time their visit carefully for low tide and hike up a rocky path to where the ocean's wonders are on display!
The visitor's center provides a helpful map to the tidepool location, which is about a 20 minute walk/hike. You first travel down to the beach, past a picnic area with a huge eucalyptus tree, to view the gorgeous natural rock bridge for which the park is named. It is a breathtaking location, but even in June the water was very cold! Definitely a wading beach, not a swimming beach. The waves also seemed very powerful in this location.
After you have finished enjoying the natural bridge, head up the path on the rocky hill to your right. Good walking shoes and even a walking stick is highly recommended! Once you have conquered the hill, enter a gate and go through a few residential streets. Don't worry, there is good signage to guide you! You will reach a walking bridge; instead of going over it, go down the path to the left towards the beach. Climb up the rocks to your right, and you will encounter the tidepools!
The hike may not be long, but it can be slippery and difficult. I would recommend going slowly and carefully, taking your time, and being very sure of your footing before you step, climb, or leap. I was very glad that I had brought my walking stick! It's also a good idea to bring friends or family so you can help each other.
We were delighted to find a park volunteer stationed at the tidepools to help us find and identify wildlife, and also to provide helpful reminders and safety information. As this is a marine protected area, you cannot touch, move, or remove anything! In the countless rocky pools we saw several huge ochre sea stars, giant green sea anemones, many different crabs, beautiful purple sea urchins, and even a chiton, which vaguely resembles a zipper; and much more! Walking here can be treacherous because of the numerous wet rocky holes, so proceed very slowly and with caution.
It was truly awesome to see so many unique marine creatures in the wild. What a unique privilege to see them living in freedom, and not inside glass tanks. A very special Xperience, indeed!
Natural Bridges State Beach is a great value at only $10 per car entry fee! Depending on when you visit, you may also see the park's famous monarch butterflies (mid-October to mid-February)
So, what do you think? Would you like to Xperience life under the sea, while standing on dry ground?
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Which animal would you like to see most at Natural Bridges?
Ochre sea star
Lined shore crab
Purple sea urchin
Giant green sea anemone
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