Five Natural Bridges to See this Spring

Natural bridges are wondrous on their own, but when the coast is clear and the supporting scenery includes things such as sea stars, wildflowers, and dramatic nearby formations, well, spring it on! From Mendocino and the Sonoma Coast, to Santa Cruz, the desert, and a stellar point beyond, here are five of nature's best bridge and rock formations.

Week: 04.10.2024
Regions: Northern CA

Heads Up, Headlands!

Hiking Along the Mendocino Headlands State Park

woman hiking the Mendocino Headlands State Park
Mendocino Headlands State Park
woman hiking at Mendocino Headlands State Park
Mendocino Headlands State Park
There’s one thing that’s pretty much mandatory when you visit Mendocino and that’s a hike along the famous bluffs. The trail system at Mendocino Headlands State Park is vast, surrounding the village and meandering for miles, with sweeping sea panoramas.
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2024 Wildflower Walks Guide

Get POST's 2024 Wildflower Walks Guide

After spring rain … comes a rainbow of wildflowers! And the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) is sharing the best places for seeing bountiful blossoms in their complimentary 2024 Wildflower Walks Guide.
POST's 2024 Wildflower Guide

Can You Keep a Secret?

Hike to Secret Beach and Visit Natural Bridges on the Oregon Coast

Two hikers making their way down to Secret Beach on the Southern Oregon Coast
Natural Bridges on the Oregon Coast
Two friends walking together on the sand at Secret Beach
Two people sitting on the beach overlooking the estuary and ocean at Secret Beach on the Oregon Coast
The Southern Oregon Coast's Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor between Gold Beach and Brookings has so many sights to see, it’s hard to know where to spend your time. We like this trio of suggestions because you can do them as a three-in-a-row jackpot of coastal wonders.
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Au Natural

Hike to Natural Bridge in Death Valley National Park

Natural Bridge is a short, sweet canyon hike in Death Valley National Park with—you guessed it—a natural bridge formation that’s wholly unique for being, well, rough around the edges.
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Sea-sonal Wonders

Tidepool and See Migrating Wildlife at Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz

You’ll need to go during low tides to safely enjoy tidepooling at Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz. As its name suggests, the beach has a natural arch and is an excellent spot for an intertidal adventure.
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Goat for It!

Goat Rock Beach in Jenner on the Sonoma Coast and at Sonoma Coast State Beach

Behold the glorious Sonoma Coast, underrated sibling to Big Sur. Dozens of accessible pocket beaches pop up all along this dramatic stretch of northern California that's perfect for pictures. Most photogenic of them all? Goat Rock Beach, a sub-unit of Sonoma Coast State Park in J
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Hello, Sur!

    Big Sur is home to numerous fantastic beaches and coves, so which one do you choose? Go for the beach that's quintessential Big Sur (and dog-friendly!). Pfeiffer Beach in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Its signature lilac-colored sand is waiting for your feet!

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  2. Waterfall Hunter

    If you ask a local in Reno about one of the best hiking trails in town, odds are high they’ll point you to Hunter Creek Falls. It’s a year-round favorite, but it absolutely shines in spring, when desert peach wildflowers make a splash—and so does the marquee waterfall.

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  3. Cheers to Chimney

    If you’re looking for all that Point Reyes has to offer in spring, Chimney Rock is the place to be. The 1.75-mile (round-trip) hike to Chimney may be short, but it packs a visual punch, quadrupling the viewing thrills during spring.

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  4. Eat, Explore, Repeat: Point Reyes Station

    It’s small and laid-back, but Point Reyes Station is a standout gateway to Point Reyes National Seashore. Fresh food, cool culture, and an unfussy vibe are part of the draw.

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  1. Bike the Coastal Trail to Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay

    Ride and Seek

    Oceanside breezes, beautiful beaches, a car-free pathway for biking, and beer at the end: You’re on a roll! The San Mateo Coast was made for beach hopping and beer tasting … and it all goes down smooth as part of an 8-mile out-and-back bike ride.

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  2. Garland in Bloom

    Carmel Valley is known for its quaint wineries and scenic hiking trails. Enjoy both on this 3.75-mile loop through Garland Ranch Regional Park.

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  3. Bright Point of View

    Here's a way to brighten your day: Head to Point Reyes Lighthouse. Originally constructed in 1870 to help warn mariners of the navigational hazard that we now call Point Reyes, the lighthouse was handed over to the National Park Service after serving for 105 years.

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  4. A woman stands amid an array of yellow and purple flowers at Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles

    Petal Paradise

    Tulips, lilacs, and daffodils—flower power is in full bloom at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. Sprawling across 150 acres surrounded by mountains, the gardens are putting on their best show right now.

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