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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    Pinnacles of Spring

    Why hike at Pinnacles National Park? Spring's a beautiful time of year here. And you might spy the magnificent California condor soaring while you gain soaring views from the High Peaks Trail.

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  2. Swing into Spring

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  4. woman hiking the Mendocino Headlands State Park

    Heads Up, Headlands!

    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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  1. The Beauty of Bainbridge Island

    You know a place is special when locals head to it for their in-state vacations. Follow the lead of Seattleites and venture to beautiful Bainbridge Island in the heart of Puget Sound on the Kitsap Peninsula. Hike the Grand Forest here, meet Pia the Peacekeeper, and enjoy tasty food and drinks.

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  2. Caves in Mojave

    No one expects to see caves when they visit the desert, and that’s part of what makes Mitchell Caverns in the Mojave Desert such an interesting place. Go on a two-hour guided adventure tour through Mitchell Caverns in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area.

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    Spring Up to These Amazing Events

    Shake it up, shake it all the way up to this sunniest city in the state for the most unique and fun-fueled events. Redding is true Northern California, surrounded by famous mountains, nearby national parks and recreation areas, and the sparkling Sacramento River.

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  4. Dume in Bloom

    During wildflower season, nature puts on a spectacular show, and one the best places to see it is at Point Dume Natural Preserve in Malibu. 

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