70°
Sunny
0%
67
Santa Cruz County, CA · Pacific Ocean
Natural Bridges State Beach
2531 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Compact sandy cove featuring an iconic natural sea-arch bridge and one of California's largest monarch butterfly overwintering groves (Oct–Feb). Tidepools at low tide.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
56°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny. High near 70, with temperatures falling to around 67 in the afternoon. West wind around 9 mph.
Tonight
Patchy fog after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Northwest wind 1 to 7 mph.
Weather
- 70°F air — cool but workable
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 56°F water — cold — wetsuit or stay dry
Safety
- UV 11 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
60 /100
good
44 Swim
71 Sunbathe
82 Walk
79 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
70°F
Sunny
Wind
9 mph
W
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
11 Extreme
High 11 AM–04 PM · burn in ~18m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
68°F
Patchy Fog then Partly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
56°F
Cold
Barometer
30.06 inHg
1018 hPa
Water Quality
Clean
18 cfu/100mL · Total Coliform
USGS · sampled 6mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
9:02 AM
Sunset
11:26 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:23 AM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 8:17 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 3:03 PM | High | 4.8 ft |
| 8:50 PM | Low | 2.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:24 AM | High | 4.4 ft |
| 8:55 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 3:46 PM | High | 5.0 ft |
| 10:07 PM | Low | 1.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:36 AM | High | 3.7 ft |
| 9:33 AM | Low | 1.3 ft |
| 4:29 PM | High | 5.1 ft |
| 11:29 PM | Low | 1.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:08 AM | High | 3.2 ft |
| 10:13 AM | Low | 2.0 ft |
| 5:14 PM | High | 5.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:45 AM | Low | 1.1 ft |
| 7:02 AM | High | 3.0 ft |
| 11:00 AM | Low | 2.5 ft |
| 6:00 PM | High | 5.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:49 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 8:48 AM | High | 3.2 ft |
| 11:58 AM | Low | 2.9 ft |
| 6:47 PM | High | 5.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:40 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 9:56 AM | High | 3.4 ft |
| 1:01 PM | Low | 3.1 ft |
| 7:34 PM | High | 5.5 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9413450, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
68°
Patchy Fog then Partly Sunny
1%
65
70°
Patchy Fog then Partly Sunny
1%
68
75°
Partly Sunny
2%
73
73°
Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
1%
71
74°
Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
0%
71
73°
Mostly Sunny
0%
69
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 11 — very high
- critical Wetsuit (if swimming at all) Water is 56°F — dangerously cold
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
$10 per vehicle ($9 senior); free 20-minute lot plus street parking.
Dogs
Dogs allowed only in the parking lot and picnic areas (leashed); not on the beach, trails, or butterfly grove.
Entry Fee
$10 per vehicle day-use.
Address
2531 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Natural Bridges State Beach today?
Natural Bridges State Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Natural Bridges State Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs allowed only in the parking lot and picnic areas (leashed); not on the beach, trails, or butterfly grove.
Is there an entry fee at Natural Bridges State Beach?
$10 per vehicle day-use.
Are there lifeguards at Natural Bridges State Beach?
No lifeguards are stationed at Natural Bridges State Beach. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Natural Bridges State Beach?
Amenities at Natural Bridges State Beach include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, visitor center.
When is the water warmest at Natural Bridges State Beach?
The Pacific is cold. Southern California (San Diego to Santa Barbara) peaks in August at 65-72°F. Central and Northern California stay in the upper 50s to low 60s year-round. Oregon and Washington rarely exceed 60°F. Wetsuits are common.
Where is Natural Bridges State Beach located?
Natural Bridges State Beach is in Santa Cruz County, CA, at 2531 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS