Little Sur River Beach

Located at the mouth of the Little Sur River, Little Sur River Beach is an idyllic beach with light brown sand in the Big Sur Region. The beach is littered with driftwood and has a marvelous backdrop of the steep mountains of the Big Sur landscape. The Little Sur River sometimes forms a lagoon near the beach. There is also a natural rocky archway near the southern end of the beach. The beach is currently inaccessible to the general public as it is surrounded by private land owned by the El Sur Ranch and is fenced off to public access. There are signs on the fences around the beach forbidding trespassing on private property. This secluded spot lies within the scenic expanse of the Los Padres National Forest, known for its redwood trees and diverse wildlife.

Visitors at Little Sur River Beach can enjoy hiking (due to the steep bank this beach is located on), sunbathing, and photography given the beautiful bridge this beach is known for. Swimming is not advised given the unpredictable riptides with the river meeting the ocean currents. The proximity to the spawning stream of the Little Sur River also provides an opportunity for observing local fish species.

Getting to Little Sur River Beach is easy - it is located alongside Pacific Coast Highway/ Cabrillo Highway, and there are many free parking spots near the mouth of the Little Sur River, from where you can view the beach and take pictures of it. In addition, the lagoon formed by the Little Sur River is often frequented by birds, making it a great bird-watching spot. The Pacific Ocean view along the Monterey County coastline is simply breathtaking.

There are many attractions near Little Sur River Beach. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is situated at the base of the Santa Lucia Mountains and has a variety of hiking trails that offer a memorable way to explore the vibrant flora and fauna of the Big Sur region. Andrew Molera State Park has 20 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails which highlight a variety of landscapes present in the state park including forests of redwood and sycamore trees, open meadows, the banks of the Big Sur River, and a 40-feet high waterfall known as the Highbridge Falls. In addition, the state park also houses the Molera Ranch House Museum that has interesting exhibits and artifacts which offer an interesting insight into the rich history of the Big Sur region. Andrew Molera State Park also has the Ventana Wildlife Society Big Sur Discovery Center which has informative exhibits about the vibrant biodiversity of the Big Sur Region. The discovery center also has a souvenir shop and organizes exciting nature tours.

Ventana Wilderness, another gem of the Central California coast, offers extensive trails through rugged terrain and steep mountains. If you are looking for another attraction near Little Sur River Beach, 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. The sandy beach at the river mouth offers a peaceful retreat with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean stretching along the Monterey County coast.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants near Little Sur River Beach. Sierra Mar is an upscale restaurant that offers a pleasant oceanfront dining experience and serves excellent gourmet dishes. In addition, the restaurant has been praised in a variety of publications including the MICHELIN Guide. Big Sur Taphouse has a casual ambiance and serves an excellent array of bar foods including sandwiches, tacos, burgers, cheese-steaks, and hot wings. Big Sur Roadhouse has a beautiful dining area that has a Modernist-style interior design and offers delicious coastal California cuisine. If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant near Little Sur River Beach, the modestly priced Big Sur Deli is 25 minutes away by car and offers excellent sandwiches served in generous portions.

If you are looking for a hotel near Little Sur River 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. A more affordable hotel is the 3-Star Big Sur Lodge, which offers many amenities including a pool, a bar, a general store, a coffee shop, and a restaurant. As another moderately priced option, the 3-Star Fernwood Campground and Resort offers accommodation in a motel and log cabins and also offers sites for RV and tent camping. The campground and resort offer a variety of amenities including restrooms, showers, a restaurant, and a general store. If you are looking for another good and affordable hotel near Little Sur River Beach, the modestly priced 2-Star Carmel River Inn is 23 minutes away by car and offers many amenities including a pool and a garden with walking paths.