Sandee logo Blue
  • Countries
  • Blogs
  • Map
  • Nude Beaches
  • Sharks
  • Beach News
Sandee logo Blue
Home
Countries
Blog
Map
Nude Beaches
Sharks
Beach News

Sandee logo Blue
instagramfacebooktwitteryoutube
Choose Your Beach! TM
  • Explore

  • Countries

  • Nude Beaches

  • Best Beaches

  • Sitemap

  • Company

  • About

  • Press

  • Mr. Beach

  • License Our Data

  • Legal

  • Privacy Policy

  • Cookie Policy

  • Terms and Conditions

  • Community

  • Beach News

  • Contact Us

  • Save Our Oceans

Explore
Company
Legal
Community

© 2025 by Sandee, LLC.   All rights reserved.

Home >  United States  >  California  >  Big Sur  >  

Andrew Molera State Park

Andrew Molera State Park

United States, California, Big Sur 

Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee

Andrew Molera State Park

United States, California, Big Sur 

Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee Andrew Molera State Park

61.116

°F

|

°C

Icon

Clouds

10 Km66%7.96 m/s

2:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

61.1 °F16 °C

5:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

60.8 °F16 °C

8:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

54.8 °F13 °C

11:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

51.6 °F11 °C

2:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

49.5 °F10 °C

5:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

47.3 °F8 °C

8:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

56.2 °F13 °C

11:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

62.2 °F17 °C

2:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

61.7 °F16 °C

5:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

60.5 °F16 °C

8:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

53.7 °F12 °C

11:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

51.0 °F10 °C

2:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

51.5 °F11 °C

5:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

52.2 °F11 °C

8:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

58.9 °F15 °C

11:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

65.0 °F18 °C

2:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

65.7 °F19 °C

5:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

60.5 °F16 °C

8:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

54.3 °F12 °C

11:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

52.3 °F11 °C

2:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

51.9 °F11 °C

5:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

51.7 °F11 °C

8:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

58.1 °F14 °C

11:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

63.7 °F17 °C

2:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

65.1 °F18 °C

5:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

62.3 °F17 °C

8:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

53.3 °F12 °C

11:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

50.5 °F10 °C

2:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

51.0 °F10 °C

5:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

52.4 °F11 °C

8:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

59.7 °F15 °C

11:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

63.9 °F18 °C

2:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

64.1 °F18 °C

5:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

62.9 °F17 °C

8:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

57.1 °F14 °C

11:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

58.5 °F15 °C

2:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

54.6 °F12 °C

5:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

57.7 °F14 °C

8:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

62.3 °F17 °C

11:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

63.8 °F18 °C

Located along the Big Sur coast, Andrew Molera State Park is one of the largest state parks on the Big Sur coastline, situated in Monterey County. The state park boasts a three-mile-long narrow beach with light brown sand, sparse vegetation, and an array of pebbles and driftwood. It’s advisable to wear appropriate footwear. The Big Sur River meets the ocean near the beach, forming an estuary adjacent to it. The southern part of the beach lies below steep bluffs, offering a dramatic backdrop to this natural haven.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants near Andrew Molera State Park within a 20-minute drive. Sierra Mar is an upscale restaurant that offers a pleasant oceanfront dining experience and serves excellent gourmet dishes. Additionally, the restaurant was awarded Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice award in 2020 and has been praised in a variety of publications including the MICHELIN Guide. Nepenthe is a renowned restaurant that offers a dining area with a pleasant view of the Big Sur coastline and serves delicious California cuisine with Mediterranean influences. In addition, the restaurant has hosted a number of famous actors, writers, and artists including Ernest Hemmingway, Clint Eastwood, and Man Ray. If you are looking for a good and affordable restaurant near Andrew Molera State Park, the modestly priced Big Sur Deli offers excellent sandwiches served in generous portions.

If you are looking for a hotel near Andrew Molera State Park, there are many great nearby options. If you are looking for an upscale hotel, the 5-Star Post Ranch Inn is 20 minutes away by car and offers many amenities including a restaurant, a fitness center, a swimming pool, a spa with two infinity pools, complimentary breakfast, a car loaner facility, and complimentary classes for stargazing, yoga, and meditation. A more affordable hotel is the 3-Star Big Sur River Inn which offers many amenities including a restaurant, riverside deck with chairs, a general store, and a fireplace in the lobby. If you’re looking for a moderately-priced hotel near Andrew Molera State Park, the 3-Star Ripplewood Resort offers many amenities including a restaurant and a convenience store. If you’re looking for a camping spot near the beach, the Andrew Molera State Park Campground accommodates only tents and is a primitive campground that offers no amenities except a fire ring, a picnic table, and some restrooms, and arrangements for running water (the campground has no showers).

The beach at Andrew Molera State Park does not have lifeguards or any other amenities besides walking trails, so we recommend planning your trip accordingly.

Andrew Molera State Park features several trails that lead to the beach, including the Beach Trail, the Creamery Meadows Trail, and the Headlands Trail. Hiking to the beach requires crossing the Big Sur River, so appropriate footwear is recommended. Footbridges are available from June through October. Be cautious of poison oak plants, which are prevalent in the area.

The park offers a range of activities: swimming, picnicking, surfing, skimboarding, wildlife watching, sunbathing, fishing, beachcombing, paddle boarding, boogie boarding, boating, and bodysurfing. Be mindful of rip currents if you plan to enter the water. The beach is popular with surfers due to its excellent and consistent waves. The waters are home to a variety of animals including seals, sea lions, dolphins, and migrating gray whales (between December and April). Fishing is particularly good during winters when the steelhead fish population is high. Although some visitors mistake the beach for clothing-optional, such behavior is considered public indecency and is punishable by local authorities.

Andrew Molera State Park does not offer disability access.

To reach the beach, visitors must hike from the paid parking lot near the intersection of Andrew Molera Road and Cabrillo Highway/California State Highway 1.

Andrew Molera State Park is named after Andrew Molera, a prominent landowner credited with introducing artichoke cultivation to California. This historical tidbit adds an interesting layer to the park's rich cultural and natural heritage.

Andrew Molera State Park offers 20 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, including the Bluff Trail and Molera Trail, which provide panoramic views of the Big Sur coast. These trails highlight the park’s diverse landscapes, such as forests of redwood and sycamore trees, open meadows, the banks of the Big Sur River, and a 40-foot high waterfall known as the Highbridge Falls. The trail camp within the park offers an immersive overnight experience for backpackers.

The park’s Molera Ranch House Museum features interesting exhibits and artifacts, offering insight into the rich history of the Big Sur region. Seasonal opening hours are available on the California Department of Parks and Recreation website. For those interested in wildlife, the Ventana Wildlife Society Big Sur Discovery Center provides informative exhibits about the vibrant biodiversity of the area, including the endangered California condor. The discovery center also has a souvenir shop and organizes nature tours.

Basic Details

INSunrise to Sunset

INRestroom Available

INBeige

IN45500 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920, USA

Know Before You Go

Amenities

  • ATM

  • Barbecue

  • Boat Ramp

  • Dogs

  • Entry Fee

  • Fire Pits

  • Hidden

  • Lifeguard

  • Marine Life

  • Pier

  • Playground

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesRestrooms

  • Shops

  • Showers

  • WiFi

  • Picnic Table

  • Activities

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesBike Paths

  • Camping

  • Clubs Party Scene

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesFishing

  • Hiking

  • Nude

  • Paddle boarding

  • Scuba Diving

  • Snorkeling

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesSurfing

  • Tours

  • Volleyball

  • Cave

  • Rentals

  • ATV

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesBikes

  • Boat

  • Fishing Boats

  • Jet Skiing

  • Kayaking Canoeing

  • Chair Rentals

  • Sailing

  • Speed Boats

  • Umbrella Rental

  • Waterskiing

  • Windsurfing

  • Yachts

  • Food

  • Bars

  • Food Snacks

  • Local Beach Vendor

  • Lounge

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesRestaurants

  • Access

  • Bike Racks

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesCar Access

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesDisabled Access

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesFoot Access

  • Parking - Free

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesParking - Paid

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesParking - RV Parking

  • Parking - Street

  • Public Bus Stop

  • Stairs to Beach

  • Boat Access

  • Features

  • Blue Flag

  • Jellyfish

  • Pebbles

  • Riptide

  • Rocky

  • Sharks

  • LGBTQ+

  • Andrew Molera State Park - Beach Map

    Loading Beaches...

    Explore Top Destinations

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!

    Does Andrew Molera State Park have parking? If so, is it free or paid?

    No, this Beach does not have dedicated parking but has street parking near the entrance.

    Does Andrew Molera State Park have lifeguards?

    No, this Beach does not have lifeguards monitoring the beach - please be careful when swimming on this beach.

    Is Andrew Molera State Park a family-friendly beach?

    No, this Beach is not family-friendly and does not have restrooms, lifeguards, and nearby food.

    Is Andrew Molera State Park good for swimming?

    No, this Beach is not generally considered a good swimming beach.

    Does Andrew Molera State Park have restrooms?

    Yes, Restrooms are conveniently available on or adjacent to the beach at this Beach.

    Is Andrew Molera State Park a nude beach?

    No, this Beach maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and does not allow nude bathing.

    Is there food near Andrew Molera State Park?

    Yes, this Beach has multiple restaurant options near or on the beach.

    What are the activities at Andrew Molera State Park?

    Yes, this Beach is renowned for its vibrant beach scene, offering various activities for everyone to enjoy Bike Paths, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Surfing.

    Does Andrew Molera State Park have accommodations for people with disabilities?

    Yes, this Beach offers accommodations for people with disabilities, allowing everyone to relish the coastal experience.

    Is Andrew Molera State Park a dog-friendly beach?

    Yes, bring your dog with you to this Beach!

    Is Andrew Molera State Park good for surfing?

    Yes, surfing is an activity that is frequently enjoyed at this Beach.

    Beaches Near Andrew Molera State Park

    Sandee Swiss Canyon Beach

    Swiss Canyon Beach

    Swiss Canyon Beach
    Big Sur, USA(1.32 Miles)
    Sandee Point Sur State Historic Park

    Point Sur State Historic Park

    Point Sur State Historic Park
    Big Sur, USA(2.83 Miles)
    Sandee Little Sur River Beach

    Little Sur River Beach

    Little Sur River Beach
    Big Sur, USA(4.05 Miles)
    Sandee Wreck Beach

    Wreck Beach

    Wreck Beach
    Big Sur, USA(4.41 Miles)
    Sandee Rancho Rico

    Rancho Rico

    Rancho Rico
    Big Sur, USA(4.74 Miles)
    Sandee Bixby Creek Bridge Beach

    Bixby Creek Bridge Beach

    Bixby Creek Bridge Beach
    Carmel By The Sea, USA(6.75 Miles)
    Sandee Rocky Creek Bridge Beach

    Rocky Creek Bridge Beach

    Rocky Creek Bridge Beach
    Carmel By The Sea, USA(7.18 Miles)
    Sandee Fuller's Beach

    Fuller's Beach

    Fuller's Beach
    Big Sur, USA(7.86 Miles)
    Sandee Partington Cove

    Partington Cove

    Partington Cove
    Slates Hot Springs, USA(11.40 Miles)
    Sandee Garrapata State Park - Soberanes Point Beach

    Garrapata State Park - Soberanes Point Beach

    Garrapata State Park - Soberanes Point Beach
    Carmel By The Sea, USA(12.38 Miles)

    Best Beaches in California

    Sandee Santa Monica Beach

    Santa Monica Beach

    Santa Monica Beach
    Santa Monica , USA
    Sandee Baker Beach

    Baker Beach

    Baker Beach
    San Francisco , USA
    Sandee Carmel City Beach

    Carmel City Beach

    Carmel City Beach
    Carmel By The Sea , USA
    Sandee Bodega Bay Harbor

    Bodega Bay Harbor

    Bodega Bay Harbor
    Bodega Bay , USA
    Sandee Stinson Beach

    Stinson Beach

    Stinson Beach
    Stinson Beach , USA
    Sandee Centerville Beach

    Centerville Beach

    Centerville Beach
    Ferndale , USA
    Sandee Monterey Beach

    Monterey Beach

    Monterey Beach
    Monterey , USA
    Sandee Santa Cruz Beach

    Santa Cruz Beach

    Santa Cruz Beach
    Santa Cruz , USA
    Sandee Santa Monica Beach

    Santa Monica Beach

    Santa Monica Beach
    Santa Monica , USA
    Sandee Baker Beach

    Baker Beach

    Baker Beach
    San Francisco , USA
    Sandee Carmel City Beach

    Carmel City Beach

    Carmel City Beach
    Carmel By The Sea , USA
    Sandee Bodega Bay Harbor

    Bodega Bay Harbor

    Bodega Bay Harbor
    Bodega Bay , USA
    Sandee Stinson Beach

    Stinson Beach

    Stinson Beach
    Stinson Beach , USA
    Sandee Centerville Beach

    Centerville Beach

    Centerville Beach
    Ferndale , USA
    Sandee Monterey Beach

    Monterey Beach

    Monterey Beach
    Monterey , USA
    Sandee Santa Cruz Beach

    Santa Cruz Beach

    Santa Cruz Beach
    Santa Cruz , USA
    View All

    EXPERT ADVICE AND TIPS

    Beach Blogs

    Read All Blogs
    Sandee - Blog / Live Hurricane Milton Updates

    Oct 09, 2024 SANDEE

    Live Hurricane Milton Updates

    Live Hurricane Milton Updates

    Discover how hurricanes, like the powerful Hurricane Milton, are classified into categories and the damage each category can cause. Learn how Florida and other regions prepare for such storms.

    Sandee - Blog / Discover the Mysterious Velella Washing Ashore on California Beaches

    Oct 02, 2024 SANDEE

    Discover the Mysterious Velella Washing Ashore on California Beaches

    Discover the Mysterious Velella Washing Ashore on California Beaches

    If you're visiting California's iconic beaches this season, you might encounter some unusual, vibrant blue creatures washed ashore. These tiny marine organisms, known as Velella Velella, are captivating tourists and locals alike. Often referred to as "by-the-wind sailors," these creatures have recently been appearing in large numbers along the West Coast, including popular beaches in Santa Cruz, Malibu, and Santa Barbara. This phenomenon adds a touch of intrigue to California’s already scenic shores, making your beach visit even more unforgettable.

    Sandee - Blog / Trapped and Swallowed by Quicksand

    Aug 20, 2024 SANDEE

    Trapped and Swallowed by Quicksand

    Trapped and Swallowed by Quicksand

    Quick! That’s how fast it happened—one moment, Jamie Acord was enjoying a peaceful stroll along the beach with her husband, and the next, she was waist-deep in quicksand.

    Sandee - Blog / Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California

    May 28, 2024 SANDEE

    Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California

    Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California

    Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California

    Sandee - Blog / Pet-Friendly Beaches - Top 3 Destinations to Vacation with Your Dog or Cat in USA

    Feb 07, 2024 SANDEE

    Pet-Friendly Beaches - Top 3 Destinations to Vacation with Your Dog or Cat in USA

    Pet-Friendly Beaches - Top 3 Destinations to Vacation with Your Dog or Cat in USA

    For pet owners, leaving Fido or Fluffy behind while the family hits the beach just won't do. Luckily, many coastal destinations now cater to vacationing animal lovers by allowing dogs, cats, and other pets to enjoy the seaside fun too. From wide open spaces to play, pet perks, and accommodations, here are the top pet-friendly beaches to visit for a pawsome vacation with your furry best friend.

    Sandee - Blog / Family Beach Day Essentials: Packing for Fun in the Sun

    Feb 07, 2024 SANDEE

    Family Beach Day Essentials: Packing for Fun in the Sun

    Family Beach Day Essentials: Packing for Fun in the Sun

    A successful beach trip requires thoughtful preparation and packing. You don't want to forget essential items and have to cut your day short or run out constantly for supplies.

    Sandee - Blog / 8 Things That RUIN A Beach Day

    Feb 07, 2024 SANDEE

    8 Things That RUIN A Beach Day

    8 Things That RUIN A Beach Day

    You've dreamt of this beach vacay for months. The sunscreen is packed, cute swimsuit donned, and you made your playlist filled with sunny tunes. You head out ready for a blissful, relaxing day soaking up the summer sun, waves, and vistas. Then...something happens that puts a damper on the day. Beach trips don't always go as envisioned. From weather mishaps to forgetting necessities, here are 8 common things that can sabotage and ruin an otherwise glorious beach day.

    Sandee - Blog / 13 Best Beach Cities in California

    Feb 01, 2024 SANDEE

    13 Best Beach Cities in California

    13 Best Beach Cities in California

    With over 800 miles of coastline, California is synonymous with beach culture. Up and down the Golden State, you’ll find lively seaside towns and cities where you can wake up to ocean views, spend the day tanning on the sand, and enjoy fresh coastal cuisine.

    Sandee - Blog / Nudism Laws in United States Virgin Islands: A Comprehensive Overview

    Feb 01, 2024 SANDEE

    Nudism Laws in United States Virgin Islands: A Comprehensive Overview

    Nudism Laws in United States Virgin Islands: A Comprehensive Overview

    The United States Virgin Islands offer a beautiful tropical escape for travelers looking to experience the stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage. For those who are interested in naturism or nudism, it's important to be aware of the laws and cultural attitudes towards nudity in this region.

    Sandee - Blog / Nudism Laws in United States: A Comprehensive Overview

    Feb 01, 2024 SANDEE

    Nudism Laws in United States: A Comprehensive Overview

    Nudism Laws in United States: A Comprehensive Overview

    Nudism, also known as naturism, is a lifestyle that promotes the freedom and comfort of being nude in a non-sexual context. In the United States, there are laws and regulations that dictate where and when nudism is permissible. As a travel blogger and enthusiast of naturist activities, I have explored the various laws and cultural attitudes towards nudism in the US.

    Read All Blogs