A school bus load of middle-school children had been brought to the beach that day. At first they ran and played until tired. After this shot, they sat in a circle for a lesson.

What was left of the natural bridges lay just off shore. Wave action created the original bridges that connected to the mainland. Wave action has eroded the bridges to this one remaining span. Eventually, Natural Bridges State Park will not have natural bridges.

Perhaps it was the winter season, or perhaps it was the current state budget woes, but on this day the lifeguard station was closed. It should be noted that it cost US $10 per car for day-use of the park.

That early afternoon found three different kinds of birds gathered on the beach. Gulls, Whimbrels, and Plovers were present, likely because the beach was sparsely crowded that day.

One advantage to a lightly occupied beach is that a child can wander from his or her toys and the toys will remain until a later return. Toy safety was also insured by banning dogs from the park.

Just up a rise from the beach was a picnic area. This day was in late winter so the trees were not yet fully greened. A man in a yellow shirt was the only occupant.

One would expect a beach area this nice to be more crowded. Note that this was the rainy season, still winter, and the middle of the week. Weekends, the hot months of spring, summer and autumn, or any dry time, this beach will be crowded. The only barrier to entry was that US $10 day-use fee.

Beyond the picnic area was a gentle sandy rise up to the free twenty-minute parking area. For some, a quick romp on the beach would be enough. Note that the beach is three miles from downtown Santa Cruz. Distant enough to not walk, but close enough to bicycle. Also note that both the #20 and #3 buses run from downtown to this beach (a 34 minute trip) but the drop-off point is at the far north of the park, about a 10 minute walk from the drop-off point to the beach.

The park's visitor center had exhibits showing the flora and fauna of the park. It also had this sign which showed how the natural bridges have eroded over time, from 1900 to the present.