Bixby Bridge
Bixby Bridge
4.5
About
Built in 1932, Bixby bridge is a picturesque sight in stunning Big Sur and one of the most photographed bridges on the Pacific Coast Highway. But it's not just a photo opportunity; the area offers fantastic hiking and wildlife sightings as well. If you're looking for the best view of the bridge, park at the Castle Rock viewpoint on the north side, or head half a mile inland to the Bixby Bridge vista point. If you're planning to visit during golden hour, prepare for heavy traffic and scarce parking available, especially in the warmer months.
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- Etan3 contributionsBridge + Ocean = AmazingIt truly is an amazing stop. The views of the bridge are incredible, but so is the view out into the ocean. There is ample parking on the ocean side and even more on the other side. Just don't park where it says not to. While we were there, we watched a CHP officer give two parkers $1,000 fine tickets for being in a very well signed no parking zone.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 11, 2023
- Michael BSydney, Australia17 contributionsWell worth stopping for a few minutes on your way to Big Sur to check this out.This is a sight to see. It will only take a few minutes to stop and have a look. As an engineer - I think it's a bit of an engineering wonder. And given we were in California (a bit worried about earthquakes), it was something to drive over! In any case, this is an engineering masterpiece and looks really coolVisited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 17, 2024
- DesertRose538 contributionsLovely and historic bridgeThis is one of those things you need to stop and see when doing the Big Sur drive. While it is interesting to look at unless you are especially interested in bridge architecture I'd just make a brief stop. The coast is the star here and anything man made plays second fiddle.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 11, 2024
- JFWhiteMoncton, Canada7,403 contributionsAs seen on televisionWhile visiting this area, this was one of my stops. Very famous bridge which ive seen multiple times in shows, commercials, movies. Was abke to stop next to it (north side), and take a few pictures. Very nice bridgeVisited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 7, 2024
- Navigator06742335445221 contributionsPCH Road trippersWe drive over this iconic bridge whilst driving the PCH on our road trip! Unfortunately we couldn’t pull over into the turn out to take those special pics, as incredibly busy so no parking space! We did turn back to go over the bridge again in the hope, but by the time we reached the bridge, fog - the marine layer as it’s known, had rolled on in! Any chance of that much wanted pictured had vanished in such a short space of time! So beware fellow road trippers, when the mist rolls in……Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 16, 2024
- BigMerkGlasgow, United Kingdom2,709 contributionsAmazing structureWe drove along the Pacific Coast Highway from Monterey to Point Sur Lighthouse and back, so crossed the Bixby Bridge twice. On both occasions it was too busy to park but due to road works we managed to get a great view of the bridge. It’s an amazing structureVisited September 2024Traveled with friendsWritten September 20, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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1,463 reviews
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Anne V
Monterey, CA9 contributions
Apr 2021
Springtime in Big Sur is a great time to visit especially if you want to photograph Bixby Bridge. The beauty of this bridge is the many angles you can photograph it. It’s one beautiful and iconic place to see.
Written April 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kira G
Monterey, CA104 contributions
Jul 2022
as much of an icon that this bridge is, there is absolutely NO where to park. If you do manage to squeeze in on the west side of the highway, you are taking your life in your hands. Tourists backing out onto the highway are a big danger. If you park on the east side, you run the very real risk of a $1000 fine! Better to see this bridge is to either drive over it and enjoy the experience...OR pull over about 2 miles north and look back at the view. Much better.
Written September 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TennisStar602
New Jersey713 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
I had always wanted to go to Big Sur, but it was always closed during each of my visits to California due to the effects of inclement weather. I went to Big Sur on a Friday afternoon in late October, and it was not too busy. The drive from San Francisco International Airport was approximately three (3) hours. There were many places to pull over in order for a person to grab photographs. I will say, though, that I found parking to be difficult. The road of Route 1 was incredibly scenic and amazing, but it was also extremely circuitous and treacherous. I would recommend for any visitors to try to take this drive during the daytime hours, and I would recommend that people wear sturdy footwear due to the difficult hiking terrain. The scenery of the mountains, the practically turquoise blue waters, the rock formations, the plant-life, and the serenity were all truly breathtaking. This was is easily in the background of all of the photographs of Big Sur, and it was marvelous to see it and to cross it.
Written October 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John S
Selbyville, DE99 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Imagining the construction of this beauty, nearly nine decades ago, left me in awe. To build such a long and so high of a bridge over a ruggedly beautiful canyon was such an accomplishment. Enjoy the architecture...the natural beauty of the canyon and coast are just icing on the cake.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
roj1281
Houston, TX524 contributions
Mar 2021
This was a nice place to stop and get photos. The bridge is beautiful to look at and with the amazing views of Big Sur behind it even more so. I saw people taking wedding photos here also. A word of caution though it gets very busy and you can take pictures on both sides of the road. Crossing the road can be a bit dangerous as some cars don't want to stop for pedestrians or some people jump out in front of the cars. Be careful!
Written July 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HeardItBothWays
Easton, PA2,364 contributions
Oct 2019
My husband and I visited Bixby Bridge while making our way down the West Coast. The bridge has a parking area on either side of the street on its north end. We went just before sunset, so we could see it bathed in golden light. It's such a unique and beautiful feature. Definitely worth a stop!
Written September 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wendy M
Long Beach, California656 contributions
Sep 2021
This site is certainly worth the pull over. Walk along the bluffs for a good view of the bridge and gorgeous Big Sur scenery. One can't help but contemplate the cleverness of the engineers and courage of the construction workers.
Written September 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael K
San Jose, CA1,107 contributions
Aug 2022
This artistically designed bridge is worth a stop if you are driving on Hwy 1. If you are south-bound, there are pullovers along the side of the road. If you are north-bound, there is a dirt road (called Coast Road in Google Maps) that goes up the hill after you pass the bridge. It offers a better vantage point. Whether you plan to stop or not, watch out for tourists trying to cross the highway.
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel T
Twickenham, UK401 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
This review is more about the entire drive through Big Sur than Bixby Bridge per se. But you can't do one without the other. The views down the coast are breayhtaking. Quiet semi-windy roads which are very well maintained. We did this in January and spotted whales shortly of the coast. Magical.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amethyst M
New York7 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We went to Big Sur by way of Carmel by the sea. Driving down highway 1, stopping at all
The vista stops and seeing the famous Bixby Bridge. Pictures can’t capture the beauty, you just have to see i! One of the Best day trips I’ve had. The awe inspiring views give you spiritual insight and a sense of well being.
The vista stops and seeing the famous Bixby Bridge. Pictures can’t capture the beauty, you just have to see i! One of the Best day trips I’ve had. The awe inspiring views give you spiritual insight and a sense of well being.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, my son and I are driving south from SF. Any suggestions on where we could stop that is safe to take some good pictures of the Bixby Bridge? Thank you!
Written August 27, 2020
There is an overlook next to the bridge where you can park and take photos. Enjoy! Such beautiful scenery driving the PCH!
Written August 28, 2020
Looking for a route to hike down to the beach under Bixby bridge, does any one have leads?
Written April 24, 2020
There is no way to WALK down to Bixby Beach- the cliffs on both sides are too steep, access is limited and the only conceivable hike would involve a moderate trek down the valley through private property (the locals have been increasing disinterested in the amount of tourist activity around Bixby Bridge- think handcuffs and/or buckshot). Kayaking-in is doable, but not for the novice or the faint-of-heart or someone without lots of life insurance.
Written April 25, 2020
Any idea how long it will be under construction or just down to one lane? We will be visiting on August 3rd. Thank you.
Written July 30, 2019
Sorry no ideas , we really enjoy the moments in month of June , no construction problems .
Written July 31, 2019
Hola voy de los angles a San Francisco donde me recomienda alojarme harĂ© el camino en dos dĂas para poder conocer los ma posible y los más bonito creo no tengo armado un plan muy claro viajo ya la semana prĂłxima gracias
Written July 18, 2019
Hola ! Si vas con 2 dĂas de tiempo tratarĂa de ir paseando por la costa,o la 101.Las vistas son maravillosas, hay carias ciudades para pasear un poco y seguir el viaje, por ejemplo el camino hasta Santa Barbara
Haria noche en San Luis Obispo y rumbo a San Francisco almorzarĂa en Carmel by The Sea, luego visitarĂa Monterey y de allĂ tranquilo SFA todo por la costa
Written July 19, 2019
Paradise190345
Harrisonburg, Virginia
If traveling from San Francisco to LA is there a way of turning around to cross the bridge? If so, how many extra miles am I looking at?
Written January 8, 2019
Yes, no problem, no extra miles. On the other side of the bridge there's a pull in to park up, or turn around. Enjoy the ride.
Written January 9, 2019
I am sorry to repeat another question but were you going north or south where big sur was closed? we are trying to go from san fran to la but do the 1 through big sur then go over to 101
Written September 10, 2018
Highway 1 is completely open now. No matter the direction you drive from you can access the bridge and all of Big Sur.
Written September 12, 2018
Hola!
Sabes si se puede parar en este puente si estoy haciendo mi recorrido de sur a norte (desde los Angeles hacia San Francisco)?
Written July 30, 2018
Si, se puede estacionar, porque hay espacios a la vera de la carretera para hacerlo, y la mayorĂa de la gente hace una escala en el lugar.
Written July 30, 2018
Olá, estou em Monterey e pretendo fazer a rota 1 amanhã, a ponte Bixby ainda está interditada no caminho para Big Sur?
Written July 23, 2018
Yes, the bridge is along the way to Big Sur.
Written July 23, 2018
Yes the bridge remains open. It is the part above San Simeon that is closed. we stayed over there to see the elephant seals, then went back on the inland highway to detour around the closure to get to big Sur.
Written June 20, 2018
Read the review by snivsl with warning about roads. I have done Route 1 from about Carmel to Bodega Bay and tolerated it as we drove north but never did Hearst Castle to Big Sur. I do have height fright and am easily spooked by narrow coastal roads with drop offs. We were planning on driving north from Claremont area. How frightening is drive from Hearst Castle to Big Sur? Should we plan on going inland for particularly bad sections? Please advise-thanks!
Written May 16, 2018
If that’s the case, avoid route 1 as much as possible. You could even go a bit south of Big Sur and then come north using Route 1. The advantage is the north-bound route 1 is on the side of mountains (as opposed to cliffs), and therefore will be less scary on you.
Written May 16, 2018
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