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Overview
Located in the southern part of Monterey County in Big Sur, Wreck Beach is a small beige sand beach with many rocky portions. Wreck Beach is situated to the east of Pfeiffer Rock and Pfeiffer Beach and offers Instagram-worthy views of the Pacific Ocean, especially during sunset. The beach is beneath private property on Los Padres National Forest lands, so avoid going too far inland to prevent trespassing. Wreck Beach does not have lifeguards or any other amenities, so plan your trip accordingly. Dogs are not allowed on the beach, and it is open from sunrise until sunset. Wreck Beach offers several fun activities including sunbathing, bird watching, and swimming. If you are planning to go into the water near the beach, we recommend being careful as the water here is known to have unpredictable rip currents.
Activities
There are many attractions near Wreck Beach. 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. 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 are looking for another attraction near Wreck Beach, Partington Cove Trail is a two-mile long, moderately steep trail located within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The trail descends to three spurs leading to Partington Creek, Partington Cove, and Partington Point. The trail to the cove crosses the creek and reaches a tunnel carved through a wall of rock. Beyond the tunnel, the cove's trail leads to Partington Point, which offers Instagram-worthy views of the coast. Visitors can explore the crystal-clear waters of Partington Cove, the Big Sur cliffs, the old redwood tunnel, and the Partington Creek waterfalls on this short trail.
Parking
Getting to
Wreck Beach is difficult - the beach has a few street parking spots located
near 9525 Pias Ranch Road. After parking,
you will need to hike around a mile downwards on a steep cliff to access the
beach.
Attractions
There are many attractions near Wreck Beach. 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. 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 are looking for another attraction near Wreck Beach, Partington Cove Trail is a two-mile long, moderately steep trail located within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The trail descends to three spurs leading to Partington Creek, Partington Cove, and Partington Point. The trail to the cove crosses the creek and reaches a tunnel carved through a wall of rock. Beyond the tunnel, the cove's trail leads to Partington Point, which offers Instagram-worthy views of the coast. Visitors can explore the crystal-clear waters of Partington Cove, the Big Sur cliffs, the old redwood tunnel, and the Partington Creek waterfalls on this short trail.
Restaurants
If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants near Wreck Beach. The Sur House is an upscale restaurant that serves incredible eggs, French toast, soups, salads, quesadillas, tacos, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, seafood, pork, and poultry dishes. 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. If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant near Wreck Beach, Fernwood Tavern serves salads, soups, burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, quesadillas, burritos, and desserts
Hotels
If you are looking for a hotel near Wreck Beach,
there are many great nearby options. If
you are looking for an upscale hotel, the 5-Star Post Ranch Inn is 30 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-Star Glen Oak Big Surwhich offers many amenities
including outdoor seating areas and a restaurant. Another moderately priced option is the riverfront 3-Star Big Sur River Innwhich 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 Wreck Beach, the
oceanfront 2-StarLucia Lodgeoffers many amenities
including a deck, a patio, a seasonal convenience store with a gift shop, a
restaurant, and a complimentary breakfast.
Basic Details
All Amenities at Wreck Beach
Amenities
Activities
Rentals
Food
Access
Car Access
Parking - Street
Features
Wreck Beach - Beach Map
Top Traveler Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!
Does Wreck Beach have parking? If so, is it free or paid?
Wreck Beach does not have dedicated parking but has street parking near the entrance.
Does Wreck Beach have lifeguards?
No, Wreck Beach does not have lifeguards monitoring the beach – please be careful when swimming on this beach.
Is Wreck Beach a family-friendly beach?
Wreck Beach is not family-friendly and does not have restrooms, lifeguards, and nearby food.
Is Wreck Beach good for swimming?
Wreck Beach is not generally considered a good swimming beach.
Does Wreck Beach have restrooms?
Wreck Beach does not have restrooms on or near the beach.
Is Wreck Beach a nude beach?
No, Wreck Beach maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and does not allow nude bathing.
Is there food near Wreck Beach?
Wreck Beach does not have nearby food options – please plan your beach day accordingly.
What are the activities at Wreck Beach?
Wreck Beach is not known for any activities in particular.
Does Wreck Beach have accommodations for people with disabilities?
Wreck Beach does not have accommodations for people with disabilities.
Is Wreck Beach a dog-friendly beach?
Wreck Beach is not dog-friendly.
Is Wreck Beach good for surfing?
Wreck Beach is not generally considered to be good for surfing.
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