72°
Mostly Cloudy
1%
66
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 photography.
NWS alert active · 59°F water · 72°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. West wind 1 to 5 mph.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Northwest wind around 2 mph.
Weather
- 72°F air — ideal beach weather
- Cloud cover — overcast reduces uv exposure but the vibe too
Water
- 59°F water — cold — wetsuit or stay dry
- 4.3ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
Safety
- UV 10 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
- NWS alert active — coastal flood advisory issued july 12 at 5:38am pdt until july 15 at 4:00am pdt by nws san francisco ca
39 /100
ok
6 Swim
66 Sunbathe
79 Walk
85 Photo
Best for photography today
Coastal Flooding Coastal Flood Advisory
Coastal Flood Advisory issued July 12 at 5:38AM PDT until July 15 at 4:00AM PDT by NWS San Francisco CA
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Up to 1.7 ft of inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. * WHERE...Pacific Coast including Monterey Bay. * WHEN...Until 4 AM PDT Wednesday. * 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 1.6 ft above normal (7.4 ft MLLW) at 9:11 PM 7/11, 1.7 ft above normal (7.5 ft MLLW) at 10:06 PM 7/12, 1.7 ft above normal (7.5 ft MLLW) at 11:01 PM 7/13, 1.6 ft above normal (7.4 ft MLLW) at 11:55 PM 7/14. These predictions include both astronomical tides and roughly 3-6 inches of additional water mainly from a combination of thermal expansion and accumulated sea level rise since the tidal datum was established (1983-2001). High tide varies up to 90 minutes earlier or later along the Pacific Coast and through the San Francisco Bay, respectively.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
72°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
1 to 5 mph
W
Rain
1%
Today
UV Peak
10 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~20m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
77°F
Partly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
59°F
Cold
Next High Tide
9:01 PM
6.9 ft · in 5.7h
Wave Height
4.3 ft
15s · SSW swell
Barometer
29.94 inHg
1014 hPa
Water Quality
Clean
18 cfu/100mL · Total Coliform
USGS · sampled 6mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
8:58 AM
Sunset
11:28 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:55 AM | Low | -1.3 ft |
| 10:51 AM | High | 3.7 ft |
| 2:35 PM | Low | 2.8 ft |
| 9:01 PM | High | 6.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:43 AM | Low | -1.6 ft |
| 11:36 AM | High | 3.9 ft |
| 3:36 PM | Low | 2.7 ft |
| 9:54 PM | High | 7.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:29 AM | Low | -1.7 ft |
| 12:18 PM | High | 4.0 ft |
| 4:36 PM | Low | 2.6 ft |
| 10:45 PM | High | 6.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:14 AM | Low | -1.6 ft |
| 12:59 PM | High | 4.2 ft |
| 5:36 PM | Low | 2.4 ft |
| 11:37 PM | High | 6.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:56 AM | Low | -1.3 ft |
| 1:40 PM | High | 4.4 ft |
| 6:37 PM | Low | 2.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:29 AM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 7:37 AM | Low | -0.8 ft |
| 2:21 PM | High | 4.6 ft |
| 7:41 PM | Low | 2.1 ft |
| 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 |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9413450, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
77°
Partly Sunny
1%
76
79°
Mostly Sunny
1%
76
79°
Mostly Sunny
0%
75
72°
Mostly Sunny
1%
70
71°
Partly Sunny
4%
71
72°
Partly Sunny
2%
73
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 10 — very high
- critical Wetsuit (if swimming at all) Water is 59°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