Point Santa Cruz, locally known as Lighthouse Field State Beach, forms the northern boundary of Monterey Bay. It is one of the last open headlands in any California urban area. Accordingly, its beauty and natural wonders draw large and varied groups of visitors: local surfers, tourists, numerous birds, including the rare black swift, and increasing numbers of wintering Monarch butterflies. Hundreds of sea lions bark and sun themselves on the rock offshore just as they did in the days when the Ohlone Indians encamped on the cliffs.

Sealife
The sealife around Lighthouse Field State Beach is abundant and fascinating. From otters to sea lions, pelicans to gulls, sand crabs to sea anemones, there's never a lack for natural entertainment at this beach.

Monarchs
Lighthouse Field is a haven for the Monarch butterfly. It is one of a number of places where Monarch butterflies winter along the California coast. Known for its burnt sienna beauty, the Monarch migrates each winter to avoid freezing weather. They come from west of the Rocky Mountains and use the eucalyptus and cypress trees in Lighthouse Field as one of their wintering sites.