Swiss Canyon Beach(El Sur Ranch Beach)

Located between the Big Sur River and the Little Sur River on the Big Sur coast of California, Swiss Canyon - also known as El Sur Ranch Beach - has a long and wide beige sand beach with many rocky portions.  The beach has a beautiful backdrop of coastal mountains that extend from the border of the Los Padres National Forest in the south fork of the Little Sur valley.  Swiss Canyon is a part of El Sur Ranch that has been a working cattle ranch since 1834.  Swiss Canyon is currently inaccessible to the general public as it is within the boundaries of the private land owned by El Sur Ranch.  In accordance with legal precedent, the owner maintains a strong fence, and there are signs on the fences prohibiting trespassing on private land.  Getting to Swiss Canyon is easy - there are many free street parking spots located along Cabrillo Highway 1, from where visitors can view the beach.

There are many attractions near Swiss Canyon.  Andrew Molera State Park is one of the largest state park on the Big Sur coastline and is home to redwood forest.  It offers many fun activities including hiking, biking, swimming, picnicking, wildlife watching, surfing, fishing, camping, and equestrian trails. In addition, it offer many amenities including 22 campsites, picnic tables, restrooms, fire pits, hiking trails, and beach access.  Big Sur River Gorge is an enticing swimming hole surrounded by granite cliffs and lush vegetation - visitors can take a refreshing dip in the natural pool.  It is located between campsites 111 and 112 within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.  A mile-long unmaintained trail connects the park’s campground to this pool of crystal-clear river water in a gorge with granite walls.  If you are looking for another attraction near Swiss Canyon, Highbridge Falls - also known as Andrew Molera Falls, is an elusive waterfall located within Andrew Molera State Park.  It is a beautiful, 40-foot tall waterfall that cascades into a narrow creek surrounded by redwood forest and a few rocky formations.

There are many attractions near Swiss Canyon.  Andrew Molera State Park is one of the largest state park on the Big Sur coastline and is home to redwood forest.  It offers many fun activities including hiking, biking, swimming, picnicking, wildlife watching, surfing, fishing, camping, and equestrian trails. In addition, it offer many amenities including 22 campsites, picnic tables, restrooms, fire pits, hiking trails, and beach access.  Big Sur River Gorgeis an enticing swimming hole surrounded by granite cliffs and lush vegetation - visitors can take a refreshing dip in the natural pool.  It is located between campsites 111 and 112 within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.  A mile-long unmaintained trail connects the park’s campground to this pool of crystal-clear river water in a gorge with granite walls.  If you are looking for another attraction near Swiss Canyon, Highbridge Falls- also known as Andrew Molera Falls, is an elusive waterfall located within Andrew Molera State Park.  It is a beautiful, 40-foot tall waterfall that cascades into a narrow creek surrounded by redwood forest and a few rocky formations.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants near Swiss Canyon.  Nepenthe is another upscale restaurant that serves salads, soups, steaks, sandwiches, burgers, seafood, and poultry dishes.  Restaurant at River Inn Big Sur serves a delectable all-day menu including eggs, sandwiches, pancakes, rancheros, omelets, salads, soups, steak, pasta, sandwiches, burgers, seafood, and desserts.  Fernwood Tavern serves salads, soups, burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, quesadillas, burritos, and desserts.  If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant near Swiss Canyon, the modestly priced Deetjen’s Restaurant serves delicious eggs, French toast, pancakes, rancheros, burritos, seafood, pork, and poultry dishes.

If you are looking for a hotel near Swiss Canyon, there are many great nearby options.  If you are looking for an upscale hotel, the 5-Star Post Ranch Inn is 14 minutes away by car.  This ranch-style boutique hotel offers many amenities including two infinity pools, an outdoor pool, hot tubs, a fitness center, a spa, a restaurant, and freebies includes breakfast, loaner cars, yoga classes, meditation sessions, and stargazing classes.  A more affordable hotel is the 3-StarGlen Oak Big Sur which offers many amenities including outdoor seating areas and a restaurant.  Another moderately priced option is the riverfront 3-StarBig Sur River Inn which offers many amenities including an outdoor pool, a restaurant, a riverside deck, and a general store.  If you are looking for another good and affordable hotel near Swiss Canyon, the oceanfront 2-StarLucia Lodge offers many amenities including a deck, a patio, a seasonal convenience store with a gift shop, a restaurant, and a complimentary breakfast.