Natural Bridges State Beach

When to Go

Natural Bridges State Beach is open daily from 8am to sunset, and the Visitor Center is open Friday to Monday, 11am to 4pm. Docents offer a close-up look at colorful sea anemones and sea stars during low tides. Time your visit for late fall into winter to see thousands of monarchs, which overwinter here in the eucalyptus grove. While the butterflies may safely roost in the trees until spring, they typically begin arriving in mid-October and leave by mid-February, or even as early as January. The Migration Festival takes place on the second Saturday in February.

Know Before You Go

• Leashed dogs are only allowed on pavement and in the picnic area, not on the beach or trails (except for service animals).
• Tables, barbecues, water faucets, and restroom facilities are available in the picnic area. Fires are not allowed on the beach.
• The boardwalk leading to the monarch observation deck is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, but it is closed to bicycles, skates, and skateboards.
• Please do not touch or otherwise harm the fragile monarch butterflies.
• Do not touch or take anything in the tide pools, which are within a Marine Protected Area.