Bixby Creek Bridge
An iconic concrete arch bridge on Highway 1, offering dramatic coastal views and a marvel of engineering.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer skies & golden hour light
Bixby Creek Bridge
Best Time
Clearer skies & golden hour light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic concrete arch bridge on Highway 1, offering dramatic coastal views and a marvel of engineering.
"The scenery is every bit as beautiful as the photos make it out to be."
🎯 Park Smart, Stay Safe
Parking is scarce. Be patient, and always watch for traffic when crossing the road. Supervise kids closely due to steep drops.
📸 Golden Hour Views
Mornings can be foggy. Aim for late afternoon for the best light and clearer views of the bridge and coast.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Bixby Creek Bridge
Highway 1, Big Sur
A marvel of engineering and a postcard-perfect view. This reinforced concrete arch bridge is a must-see.
Coastal Vistas
Observation points along Highway 1
Soak in the rugged cliffs, deep blue ocean, and dramatic scenery of California's central coast.
Sunset Spectacle
Western-facing viewpoints
Witness the sky ablaze with color as the sun dips below the Pacific horizon, casting a magical glow.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Parking & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Park Smart, Stay Safe
Parking is scarce. Be patient, and always watch for traffic when crossing the road. Supervise kids closely due to steep drops.
📸 Golden Hour Views
Mornings can be foggy. Aim for late afternoon for the best light and clearer views of the bridge and coast.
🚗 East Side Perspective
Don't just view from the coastal side! A parking lot on the east side offers a different, iconic photo angle.
🧥 Dress for the Elements
It can get windy and chilly, even on sunny days. Bring layers and a light jacket for comfort.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Park Smart, Stay Safe
Parking is scarce. Be patient, and always watch for traffic when crossing the road. Supervise kids closely due to steep drops.
📸 Golden Hour Views
Mornings can be foggy. Aim for late afternoon for the best light and clearer views of the bridge and coast.
🚗 East Side Perspective
Don't just view from the coastal side! A parking lot on the east side offers a different, iconic photo angle.
🧥 Dress for the Elements
It can get windy and chilly, even on sunny days. Bring layers and a light jacket for comfort.
🗺️ Explore Beyond the Bridge
Bixby Bridge is part of a stunning drive. Combine it with Point Lobos, McWay Falls, and Pfeiffer Beach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bixby Creek Bridge for its breathtaking beauty and iconic status, calling it a must-see on Highway 1. The dramatic coastal scenery and impressive engineering are major highlights. However, many note the significant challenge of limited parking and the need for caution due to steep drop-offs and wind.
"This was the first stop on our Highway 1 road trip! After years of seeing beautiful photos of the Bixby Creek Bridge, we were not disappointed. The scenery is every bit as beautiful as the photos make it out to be. Opened in 1932, the bridge is one of the most photographed along Highway 1 and is still among the tallest single-span concrete bridges in the world. It arches 260 feet above the canyon with the Pacific Ocean as its backdrop. It’s a popular spot to pull over, and parking is very limited, so be careful if you have to cross the road!"
Alexandrea Sumuel Groves
"This bridge is worth the trip! The location is amazing, and the view from both sides is incredible. There’s limited parking on both sides of the street, and it’s a bit slow-moving, especially with the pedestrians crossing. It can be windy at the viewpoint so be careful."
Tam Henders
"Typical shrouded in fog in the mornings. Best time is late afternoon. Parking is challenging when there are RVs and be mindful of coming off the bridge and blind corner. Steep drop-off and windy so be careful with kids. Take the left branch road for a different perspective towards ocean, note it is unpaved."
James N.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bixby Creek Bridge is located on Highway 1 in Big Sur, California. It's a popular stop along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway. Many visitors drive from Monterey or Carmel. Expect about a 30-40 minute drive from Monterey. +1
Highway 1 can experience closures due to landslides or weather. Always check Caltrans for current road conditions before your trip, especially after heavy rains.
Many travelers recommend driving from Monterey or Carmel and making it a day trip. Consider combining it with other Big Sur attractions like Point Lobos and McWay Falls. +1
Public transportation options are very limited in Big Sur. Driving your own vehicle or renting a car is the most practical way to visit.
Bixby Creek Bridge is approximately a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from San Francisco, depending on traffic and road conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to view Bixby Creek Bridge. It's an outdoor landmark accessible from Highway 1.
Bixby Creek Bridge is accessible 24/7 as it's part of Highway 1. However, the best viewing times are during daylight hours, especially late afternoon.
There is no official parking fee, but parking spots are extremely limited and often fill up quickly. Be prepared for potential parking challenges.
While the bridge is accessible at night, it's not recommended for optimal viewing. The dramatic scenery and photo opportunities are best experienced during daylight hours.
Yes, many day tours from Monterey and Carmel include Bixby Creek Bridge as a key stop. These tours can be a convenient way to see the area.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon is ideal for photography, offering beautiful golden hour light and often clearer skies than foggy mornings.
There are viewpoints on both sides of the bridge. The east side parking lot offers a classic, unobstructed view.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas due to park regulations or safety concerns. Always check local guidelines before flying.
Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the bridge and surrounding landscape. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions or capturing long exposures.
Try capturing the bridge with the crashing waves below or during a foggy morning for a moody, atmospheric shot. The 'left branch road' offers an unpaved, different perspective.
🎫 🚗 Onsite Experience
Allocate at least 30-60 minutes to safely park, take photos, and soak in the views. If combining with other stops, plan for a full day.
The viewpoints are generally accessible from the roadside pull-offs, but the terrain can be uneven. Check specific accessibility details if needed.
Bring your camera, comfortable walking shoes, layers of clothing, and water. Binoculars can enhance the ocean views.
Restroom facilities are not typically available directly at the bridge viewpoints. Plan to use facilities in nearby towns like Carmel or Big Sur village.
Pedestrian access on the bridge itself is generally not permitted for safety reasons. Stick to the designated viewpoints and pull-offs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the most of the visit, keep the stop relatively brief and focus on the awe-inspiring scenery. Combining the visit with a stop at a more child-friendly location like the Monterey Bay Aquarium or a beach with calmer waters might be a good idea for a balanced family itinerary.
🚗 Road Trippers
Plan your route to include this bridge, ideally as part of a longer journey through Big Sur. Timing is crucial; aim for late afternoon for the best light and potentially fewer crowds. Parking is a major challenge, so be patient and consider pulling over at designated spots further along the highway if the immediate areas are full.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel
+1Its iconic design, blending seamlessly with the rugged coastal landscape, has made it a beloved landmark. The Bixby Creek Arch Bridge is a crucial part of the historic Highway 1, connecting communities and offering breathtaking views to travelers. Its enduring presence continues to captivate visitors, making it a symbol of California's dramatic coastline.
+1Capturing the Magic: Photography Tips
When it comes to composition, consider using a wide-angle lens to encompass the entire bridge and its dramatic setting. Experiment with different viewpoints; the pull-offs on both sides of Highway 1 offer distinct perspectives. A particularly popular spot is the east side parking lot, which provides an unobstructed, classic view.
Navigating Big Sur's Highway 1
+1 It's essential to plan your drive, as sections of Highway 1 can be subject to closures due to landslides or weather events. Always check Caltrans for the latest road conditions before you set off. Parking at popular spots like Bixby Creek Bridge is notoriously limited. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon, especially on weekdays, can increase your chances of finding a spot.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit