Follow a butterfly boardwalk to the monarch habitat at Natural Bridges

Come spy on the butterflies.

Look up. In the air around Santa Cruz, California’s Natural Bridges State Beach, you can see a flurry of magnificent monarch butterflies sailing through the sky. Just outside the Visitor Center, Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve gives these critters space to create a “city in the trees.” In late fall and winter, eucalyptus trees and mild temperatures keep the butterflies safe and happy until spring.

You can witness the magic and learn about monarch butterfly migration on a visit to Natural Bridges. Find your way to the best views with this helpful photo guide. Here’s everything you want to know, from how to navigate Natural Bridges to accessibility details and more.