BIG SUR: THE BEST BEACHES, TRAILS & BRIDGES

Starting in San Simeon and ending in Carmel by the Highlands, Big Sur in Central California is known to be the "longest and most scenic stretch of undeveloped coastline in the United States." The coast is so beautiful with wild and rugged features. You’re fully immersed in nature. And to top it all off, the marine fog layer makes these views even dreamier... Without further ado, here’s a list of all the best stops you won’t want to miss on this magical drive!

Rugged Coastline Views

UNIQUE BEACHES & SHORT HIKING TRAILS:

1. Cambria Moonstone Beach

2. Elephant Seal Beach

3. San Simeon Ragged Point Trail (0.8 miles)

4. Salmon Creek Trail to Salmon Creek Falls (0.5 miles)

5. Overlook Trail to McWay Falls (1.1 miles)

6. Pfeiffer Beach + Trail (optional): $12 fee for parking. If you’re planning on staying for a while, it is worth the parking fee. If you’re only looking to make a quick stop, I’d skip it.
   

McWay Falls

FOUR MOST PHOTOGENIC BRIDGES:

1. Bixby Bridge: the iconic, moody “Pretty Little Lies” bridge (pictured below).

2. Rocky Creek Bridge: a smaller, less crowded version of Bixby Bridge.

3. Rain Rocks Rock Shed: recently built so landslide material will naturally flow to the ocean. It’s a combination of tunnel and bridge featuring aesthetic architecture.

4. Big Creek Bridge: nestled between two mountains that are criss-crossing (optional)

Bixby “Pretty Little Lies” Bridge

TIME NEEDED:
~6+ hrs: if you follow this itinerary including hikes, beaches and bridges (minus Pfeiffer Beach).
~2.5 hrs: if you drive straight through and only make a handful of stops to enjoy some views & take photos.

Things to know before you go:

• Drive on a weekday (if you can) for a more relaxed, less crowded experience both on the road and the scenic overlooks.

• There is ZERO cell service. Download an offline version of maps to your phone for later use. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS to manage your time during the trip.

• Fuel up before you go! There are only two gas stations on this road which are extremely overpriced ($5 - $6 a gallon). I recommend fueling up in Cambria (if you’re driving northbound) or Carmel (if you’re driving southbound) before beginning the trip.

• Start the trip early! You will want to avoid mismanaging your time and driving after sunset. There are no street lamps, beware.

• Leave no trace. There are no trash cans along the road, so please pack in what you pack out. Let’s keep this place beautiful and wild.

Hi there, I’m Gen! Welcome to Never.Stop.Exploring, a place to inspire and inform you about the U.S. West Coast with curated guides, tips, landscapes and more.

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