Fuller's Beach(Grimes Canyon Beach)

Located near Grimes Point, Fuller’s Beach - also known as Grimes Canyon Beach - is a remote, small, and popular beach situated along the shoreline of the Big Sur region. This 80-acre spring-fed beach offers an idyllic escape with its combination of sun, sand and water. The rocky beach is narrow, and the water near Fuller’s Beach is known for its sharp waves and strong currents, so be careful here. The beach is situated below a blufftop private property. Fuller’s Beach does not have lifeguards or other amenities, so prepare accordingly. The water near the beach is home to a variety of animals including seals, sea lions, dolphins, and migrating grey whales (between December and April). Since Fuller’s Beach is remotely located, there are very few beachgoers present here despite it being a famous surfing spot. This makes Fuller's Beach ideal for those looking for a quieter beach experience. Furthermore, parts of this beach are also popular among clothing-optional visitors. However, it is important to note that clothing-optional visits are considered public indecency and hence are a punishable act under local regulations.

Fuller’s Beach offers many fun activities including sunbathing, beachcombing, tide pooling, swimming, surfing, bodysurfing, kayaking, canoeing, kitesurfing, boogie boarding, windsurfing, boating, wildlife watching, and paddleboarding. Fuller’s Beach is popular among surfers, boogie boarders, and bodysurfers due to its sharp and thrilling waves. However, if you are an amateur swimmer or surfer, we recommend foregoing into the water near Fuller’s Beach as the strong water currents can be hazardous. Moreover, the rocky shoreline near the beach can also inflict some really grave injuries. If you are planning to surf here, we recommend visiting the beach accompanied by fellow surfers as there have been cases of violent confrontation and harassment on the beach by localist surfers.

Locating the access path to Fuller’s Beach can be difficult - it is located a little less than a mile south of Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn along Cabrillo Highway/ California State Highway 1. The only marker for the access trail to Fuller’s Beach is a telephone pole on the western side of Cabrillo Highway – there is a dirt parking lot directly across the highway road on the eastern side. The long, steep, and winding access trail to Fuller’s Beach below starts near this telephone pole. We recommend paying attention to any signboards forbidding trespassing since the access route to the beach is part of private property.

There are many attractions near Fuller’s Beach. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is situated at the base of the Santa Lucia Mountains and has many hiking trails which offer a memorable way to explore the vibrant flora and fauna of the Big Sur region. Moreover, it also has a campground which accommodates both RVs and tents. Henry Miller Memorial Library is dedicated to the memory of the renowned author Henry Miller and also serves as a gallery/performance space, hosting many exciting events throughout the year (particularly between May and October) including film screenings, live music performances, the Big Sur International Short Film Screening Series, and the Esalen Gazebo School Benefit. If you are looking for another attraction near Fuller’s Beach, Pfeiffer Falls is a waterfall situated in the Los Padres National Forest and offers some great Instagram-worthy photos.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants near Fuller’s Beach. Nepenthe is a renowned upscale restaurant which 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. Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn Restaurant features an old-world dining ambiance and serves excellent breakfast and seafood dishes including burritos, french toasts, and paella. If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant near Fuller’s Beach, the modestly priced Big Sur Deli offers excellent sandwiches served in generous portions.

If you are looking for a hotel to stay near Fuller’s Beach, there are many great nearby options. The 5-Star Post Ranch Inn 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. The 3-Star Gorda Springs Resort offers many amenities including two restaurants, an espresso bar, and a general store. If you are looking for another good and affordable hotel near Fuller’s Beach, the 2-Star Lucia Lodge offers many amenities including a restaurant, a deck, a patio, complimentary breakfast, and a seasonal convenience store with a gift shop.