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Overview
Located at the mouth of Bixby Creek, Bixby Creek Bridge Beach is an idyllic beach in Monterey County that has light brown sand. The popular Bixby Creek Bridge passes above the beach and it is also flanked on both sides by really steep and high cliff walls. The Bixby Creek Bridge is located near the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway / Cabrillo Highway and Old Coast Road, Carmel, CA 93923. The beach is surrounded by private property and is currently closed off to public access. The only practical way to legally access a portion of the beach up to the mean high tide is via boat. There is a parking lot near the northern end of Bixby Creek Bridge from where you can look at the beach and take Instagram-worthy pictures of it. Another viewpoint for the beach is on the Old Coast Road, which also offers a great view of Bixby Creek Bridge Beach and the valley present near it. The 714-foot long historic Bixby Creek Bridge, which is present above the beach, is one of the most popular and frequently photographed bridges in California owing to its exquisite design and incredible setting along the rugged Big Sur coastline. The bridge has featured in many songs, movies, TV series, and even on an express mail stamp issued by the United States Postal Service. The Bixby Creek Bridge is also a popular BASE jumping spot. However, it is important to note that while it is technically legal to jump from the bridge while BASE jumping, BASE jumpers often land on the private property below the beach which is legally punishable by local authorities as an act of trespassing.
Activities
There are many attractions near Bixby Creek Bridge 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. Another attraction is Pfeiffer Falls which is situated in the Los Padres National Forest and offers some great Instagram-worthy photos. If you are looking for another attraction near Bixby Creek Bridge Beach, 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.
Attractions
There are many attractions near Bixby Creek Bridge 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. Another attraction is Pfeiffer Falls which is situated in the Los Padres National Forest and offers some great Instagram-worthy photos. If you are looking for another attraction near Bixby Creek Bridge Beach, 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.
Restaurants
If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants near Bixby Creek Bridge Beach. Rocky Point Restaurant has a dining area that offers excellent views of the Pacific Ocean. In addition, the restaurant also serves excellent seafood dishes. Big Sur River Inn Restaurant offers a charming outdoor dining experience. In addition, the restaurant serves amazing steaks, burgers, seafood, sandwiches, and salads and has also been praised by many publications including the San Francisco Chronicle and the New York Times. If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant near Bixby Creek Bridge Beach, 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 a modestly priced restaurant, Big Sur Deli is 20 minutes away by car and offers excellent sandwiches that are served in generous portions.
Hotels
If you are looking for a hotel near Bixby Creek Bridge Beach, there are many great nearby options. The 4-Star Tickle Pink Inn offers many amenities including a hot tub, a gazebo, a terrace lounge, a deck, and complimentary breakfast and wine tasting sessions. A more affordable hotel is the 3-Star Glen Oaks Big Sur that offers many amenities including a restaurant and outdoor sitting areas. As another moderately priced option, the 3-Star Big Sur River Inn offers many amenities including a restaurant, a riverside deck with chairs, a general store, and a stone fireplace in the lobby. If you are looking for another good and affordable hotel near Bixby Creek Bridge Beach, the modestly priced 2-Star Riverside Campgrounds & Cabins offers accommodation in cabins and also has tent and RV campsites which offer many amenities including showers, picnic tables, fire pits, electricity, and water hookups for RVs, a camp store, and laundry facilities.
Amenities
Activities
Rentals
Food
Access
Car Access
Parking - Free
Public Bus Stop
Features
Top Traveler Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!
Does Bixby Creek Bridge Beach have parking? If so, is it free or paid?
Yes, this Beach provides free parking at the entrance, although spaces are limited. Visitors can also find street parking nearby for easy access to the beach.
Does Bixby Creek Bridge Beach have lifeguards?
No, this Beach does not have lifeguards monitoring the beach - please be careful when swimming on this beach.
Is Bixby Creek Bridge Beach a family-friendly beach?
No, this Beach is not family-friendly and does not have restrooms, lifeguards, and nearby food.
Is Bixby Creek Bridge Beach good for swimming?
No, this Beach is not generally considered a good swimming beach.
Does Bixby Creek Bridge Beach have restrooms?
No, this Beach does not have restrooms on or near the beach.
Is Bixby Creek Bridge Beach a nude beach?
No, this Beach maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and does not allow nude bathing.
Is there food near Bixby Creek Bridge Beach?
No, this Beach does not have nearby food options - please plan your beach day accordingly.
What are the activities at Bixby Creek Bridge Beach?
No, this Beach is not known for any activities in particular.
Does Bixby Creek Bridge Beach have accommodations for people with disabilities?
No, this Beach does not have accommodations for people with disabilities.
Is Bixby Creek Bridge Beach a dog-friendly beach?
No, this Beach is not dog-friendly.
Is Bixby Creek Bridge Beach good for surfing?
No, this Beach is not generally considered to be good for surfing.
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