88°
Sunny
1%
81
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
Ideal for a beach walk.
NWS alert active · 88°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 88. West northwest wind 3 to 9 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. North northwest wind 1 to 7 mph.
Weather
- 88°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 5.6ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
Safety
- NWS alert active — heat advisory issued september 9 at 3:14am pdt until september 10 at 10:00pm pdt by nws san francisco ca
81 /100
great
78 Sunbathe
85 Walk
81 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.6 ft above predicted
Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.
Coastal Flooding Coastal Flood Advisory
Coastal Flood Advisory issued September 9 at 1:01AM PDT until September 10 at 1:00AM PDT by NWS San Francisco CA
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Up to 1.0 ft of inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. * WHERE...Bayshore locations along the San Francisco Bay, San Pablo Bay, and Monterey Bay. * WHEN...In effect now through 1 AM PDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only isolated road closures expected. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...At the San Francisco tidal gauge, high tide is expected to be 1.0 ft above normal (6.79 ft MLLW) at 10:54 PM Wednesday 9/9. These predictions include up to 0.6 ft of storm surge that will enhance the astronomical tide and flooding threat. High tide varies up to 90 minutes earlier or later along the Pacific Coast and through the San Francisco Bay, respectively.
Weather alert in effect
Heat Advisory issued September 9 at 3:14AM PDT until September 10 at 10:00PM PDT by NWS San Francisco CA
Atmosphere
Air Temp
88°F
Sunny
Wind
3 to 9 mph
WNW
Rain
1%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
82°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
—
Next High Tide
9:47 PM
5.9 ft · in 2.5h
Wave Height
5.6 ft
9s · NW swell
Barometer
30.04 inHg
1017 hPa · buoy 46042
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:45 AM
Sunset
7:25 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:57 AM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 10:25 AM | High | 4.6 ft |
| 3:47 PM | Low | 1.8 ft |
| 9:47 PM | High | 5.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:35 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 10:56 AM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 4:37 PM | Low | 1.3 ft |
| 10:37 PM | High | 5.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:09 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 11:25 AM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 5:26 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 11:27 PM | High | 5.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:42 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 11:55 AM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 6:14 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:17 AM | High | 4.8 ft |
| 6:13 AM | Low | 1.3 ft |
| 12:26 PM | High | 5.4 ft |
| 7:02 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:11 AM | High | 4.3 ft |
| 6:42 AM | Low | 1.9 ft |
| 12:57 PM | High | 5.4 ft |
| 7:53 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:12 AM | High | 3.9 ft |
| 7:11 AM | Low | 2.4 ft |
| 1:30 PM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 8:48 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9413450, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
82°
Mostly Sunny
2%
85
76°
Mostly Sunny
0%
84
72°
Sunny
0%
73
74°
Sunny
0%
76
72°
Sunny
0%
78
68°
Mostly Sunny
0%
75
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 88°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
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