72°
Mostly Sunny
0%
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
Great day for a beach walk.
14.4ft waves · NWS alert active · 72°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Mostly sunny. High near 72, with temperatures falling to around 67 in the afternoon. Northwest wind 2 to 8 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 51. North wind 2 to 8 mph.
Weather
- 72°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
Safety
- 14.4ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
- NWS alert active — beach hazards statement issued november 6 at 6:31pm pst until november 9 at 10:00pm pst by nws san francisco ca
81 /100
great
80 Sunbathe
84 Walk
81 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.8 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.
Beach Hazard Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued November 6 at 6:31PM PST until November 9 at 10:00PM PST by NWS San Francisco CA
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, up to 1.6 ft of inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. For the Beach Hazards Statement, an increased risk for sneaker waves and strong rip currents with breaking waves of 12 to 16 ft expected. * WHERE...Pacific Coast. * WHEN...For the Beach Hazards Statement through Monday evening. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, from 6 AM Saturday to noon PST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Waves can sweep across the shoreline without warning, pulling people into the sea from beaches, jetties, and rocks. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...At the San Francisco tide gauge, high tide is expected to be: 1.6 ft above normal (7.4 ft MLLW) at 9:38 AM Saturday 11/7, 1.6 ft above normal (7.4 ft MLLW) at 10:06 AM Sunday 11/8, 1.6 ft above normal (7.4 ft MLLW) at 10:35 AM Monday 11/9, 1.5 ft above normal (7.3 ft MLLW) at 11:04 AM Tuesday 11/10, These predictions include up to 1.5 ft of 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.
Coastal Flooding Coastal Flood Advisory
Coastal Flood Advisory issued November 6 at 6:31PM PST until November 10 at 12:00PM PST by NWS San Francisco CA
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, up to 1.6 ft of inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. For the Beach Hazards Statement, an increased risk for sneaker waves and strong rip currents with breaking waves of 12 to 16 ft expected. * WHERE...Pacific Coast. * WHEN...For the Beach Hazards Statement through Monday evening. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, from 6 AM Saturday to noon PST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Waves can sweep across the shoreline without warning, pulling people into the sea from beaches, jetties, and rocks. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...At the San Francisco tide gauge, high tide is expected to be: 1.6 ft above normal (7.4 ft MLLW) at 9:38 AM Saturday 11/7, 1.6 ft above normal (7.4 ft MLLW) at 10:06 AM Sunday 11/8, 1.6 ft above normal (7.4 ft MLLW) at 10:35 AM Monday 11/9, 1.5 ft above normal (7.3 ft MLLW) at 11:04 AM Tuesday 11/10, These predictions include up to 1.5 ft of 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.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
72°F
Mostly Sunny
Wind
2 to 8 mph
NW
Rain
0%
Today
Air Quality
18 Good
Ozone · Santa Cruz
UV Peak
4 Moderate
Peaks 12 PM · burn in ~50m
Burn-free before 10 AM & after 03 PM
Tomorrow
74°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
—
Next High Tide
9:52 PM
4.0 ft · in 3.3h
Wave Height
14.4 ft
15s · WNW swell
Barometer
30.08 inHg
1019 hPa · buoy 46042
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:38 AM
Sunset
5:05 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:12 AM | Low | 1.8 ft |
| 8:28 AM | High | 5.8 ft |
| 3:30 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 9:52 PM | High | 4.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:44 AM | Low | 2.2 ft |
| 8:56 AM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 4:09 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 10:44 PM | High | 3.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:15 AM | Low | 2.6 ft |
| 9:24 AM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 4:47 PM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 11:36 PM | High | 3.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:46 AM | Low | 2.9 ft |
| 9:52 AM | High | 5.8 ft |
| 5:26 PM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:28 AM | High | 3.8 ft |
| 4:17 AM | Low | 3.2 ft |
| 10:23 AM | High | 5.7 ft |
| 6:06 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:25 AM | High | 3.7 ft |
| 4:51 AM | Low | 3.3 ft |
| 10:56 AM | High | 5.4 ft |
| 6:49 PM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:26 AM | High | 3.7 ft |
| 5:30 AM | Low | 3.4 ft |
| 11:34 AM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 7:35 PM | Low | 0.0 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9413450, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
74°
Mostly Sunny
0%
85
74°
Mostly Sunny
0%
84
75°
Sunny
0%
85
76°
Sunny
0%
86
71°
Mostly Sunny
14%
77
69°
Chance Light Rain
32%
55
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen clear day + warm temps
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