The Tempest

Issue date: 11/29/06 Section: Travel

Media Credit: Dawn Bonner One of the many natural sculptures found at the Natural Bridges State Park in Santa Cruz that take your breath away.

Media Credit: Dawn Bonner Natural Bridges visitor/education center and gift shop.

Media Credit: Dawn Bonner Monarch butterflies cluster on Eucalyptus branches that can be up to 8 feet long.

Media Credit: Dawn Bonner Monarch butterflies cluster on branch.

Media Credit: Dawn Bonner Ernest and Barbara Hooker enjoying an afternoon in front of the tidepool.

Media Credit: Dawn Bonner Natural Bridges beach.

Less than two hours from SCC is a fascinating area waiting for its many charms to be discovered. The region teams with wildlife, fresh air, sandy beaches, tide pools, a forest, and even picnic areas.

Pristine eucalyptus groves are presently home to 10,000 monarch butterflies. The orange, black and white flying beauties winter in the canyon forest of Natural Bridges State Park in Santa Cruz from October through January.

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.

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 surfside on the beach is irresistible. It beckons one to get their feet in the sand.

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.

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.

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 340 different sea birds migrating now. Many of the ocean birds stop at the tide pools to rest, bathe, and eat krill from the tide pool.

This is 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.

To get up close and personal with the marine mammals, charter a sea outing with Stagnaro Charter Boats for a narrated day at sea.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Weekends 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 ambience, and have a great day of learning, appreciation of nature, and of each other.

How to find National Bridges State Park and what to bring:

Natural Bridges State Park
2531 West Cliff Drive
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
From Hwy 1 turn Left onto Swift Avenue Right onto West Cliff Drive.
831-423-4609 Visitor's Center
Open daily 8 am to sunset
$6.00 day use parking fee

Wear layered clothing as the weather changes through out the day.

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
-A sense of adventure

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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