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.
– Tripadvisor
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Bixby Bridge and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
7 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,437 reviews
Excellent
945
Very good
387
Average
88
Poor
8
Terrible
9
TennisStar602
Florida485 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.
Ryan & Katy Smilko
San Jose, CA240 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Driving down Hwy 1 is a favorite of ours. Never-ending beautiful coastal views that will make you want to pull over and take 100 photographs. Well Bixby Bridge is one spot that you should pull over and stop at.
There is parking on both sides of the highway, and even a dirt road on the mainland side of the highway that you can drive up a bit and get an incredible view of the bridge from in-land.
Beware though, parking is limited, and during the warmer peak months of the year, it can get PACKED with onlookers. So we’d recommend going early morning or late evening during the sunrise/sunset hours.
There is parking on both sides of the highway, and even a dirt road on the mainland side of the highway that you can drive up a bit and get an incredible view of the bridge from in-land.
Beware though, parking is limited, and during the warmer peak months of the year, it can get PACKED with onlookers. So we’d recommend going early morning or late evening during the sunrise/sunset hours.
Written December 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael K
809 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.
Kira G
Monterey, CA105 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.
Claire F
Taunton, UK1,528 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
Drove over Bixby Bridge en route south to LA. This piece of architecture is amazing. Travelling on route 1 you will come across this bridge, it’s worth a stop parking available either side. It’s a must if you’re in the area at sundown the view and colours reflecting on the bridge are beautiful.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anne V
Monterey, CA10 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.
Jenna L.
Tulsa, OK337 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Parking situation: The west side is often packed, but there is a dirt road on the east side where signs guide you to parallel park. It’s legal to park there! The views are fantastic from both sides, and it’s an easy walk to either side across the two lane road (Highway 1). Some would argue the views from the east side are better!
This is an iconic bridge that was amazing in person. Worth a stop! The beach and waves below it make for a beautiful background too.
We went when it was foggy and sunny; both times were beautiful! You could see the bridge well. Highly recommend!
This is an iconic bridge that was amazing in person. Worth a stop! The beach and waves below it make for a beautiful background too.
We went when it was foggy and sunny; both times were beautiful! You could see the bridge well. Highly recommend!
Written September 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JamieJW
Quakertown, PA2,106 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Traveling north on RT. 1 from Los Angeles to the northern corner of the US we drove over the Bixby Bridge and stopped to admire the coastline.
The California pacific coastline is breathtaking, the rocky cliffs that meet with the blue green water is worth stopping to appreciate.
The Bixby Bridge is an amazement also, the shear size and design as it spans the rocky coast is worth stopping to admire.
Great views and a nice resting spot.
The California pacific coastline is breathtaking, the rocky cliffs that meet with the blue green water is worth stopping to appreciate.
The Bixby Bridge is an amazement also, the shear size and design as it spans the rocky coast is worth stopping to admire.
Great views and a nice resting spot.
Written August 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wendy M
Long Beach, California604 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.
roj1281
Houston, TX515 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.
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!
jmhFranklin_TN
Katy, TX80 contributions
There is an overlook next to the bridge where you can park and take photos. Enjoy! Such beautiful scenery driving the PCH!
Looking for a route to hike down to the beach under Bixby bridge, does any one have leads?
bob_ontheroad
Sarasota, FL151 contributions
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.
Tete1110
Miami, FL169 contributions
Hola voy de los angles a San Francisco donde me recomienda alojarme haré el camino en dos dÃas para poder conocer los ma posible y los más bonito creo no tengo armado un plan muy claro viajo ya la semana próxima gracias
Daniel F
12 contributions
Hola ! Si vas con 2 dÃas de tiempo tratarÃa 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 almorzarÃa en Carmel by The Sea, luego visitarÃa Monterey y de allà tranquilo SFA todo por la costa
Paradise190345
Harrisonburg, VA
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?
CharleyNottinghamUK
Nottingham, UK956 contributions
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.
nellevb
Kansas City, KS11 contributions
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
UCLAgirl
Los Angeles, CA99 contributions
Highway 1 is completely open now. No matter the direction you drive from you can access the bridge and all of Big Sur.
Adri C
9 contributions
Hola!
Sabes si se puede parar en este puente si estoy haciendo mi recorrido de sur a norte (desde los Angeles hacia San Francisco)?
Roberto F
City Bell, Argentina271 contributions
Si, se puede estacionar, porque hay espacios a la vera de la carretera para hacerlo, y la mayorÃa de la gente hace una escala en el lugar.
Olá, estou em Monterey e pretendo fazer a rota 1 amanhã, a ponte Bixby ainda está interditada no caminho para Big Sur?
Bob H
Watsonville, CA766 contributions
Yes, the bridge is along the way to Big Sur.
BigfootLasVegas
Kamala, Thailand136 contributions
Has the bridge re-opened?
1Ming
Singapore, Singapore326 contributions
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.
IndianaTravelmom
South Bend, IN286 contributions
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!
Rawa13
San Jose, CA379 contributions
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.
Bixby Bridge (Big Sur) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Bixby Bridge
- We recommend booking Bixby Bridge tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 8 Bixby Bridge tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Bixby Bridge:
- Big Sur Monterey California Coast McWay Falls from San Jose (From $385.00)
- Monterey Big Sur McWay Falls California Coast One Day From Monterey Carmel (From $278.00)
- Driving the California Coast: A Self-Guided Audio Tour (From $9.99)
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1 (From $12.99)
- California Coast Big Sur Monterey to Los Angeles - 2 Day (From $418.00)
- Hotels near Bixby Bridge:
- (6.25 mi) Lucia Lodge
- (6.42 mi) New Camaldoli Hermitage
- (9.77 mi) Kirk Creek Campground
- (4.03 mi) Oceanfront Romantic Big Sur Cottage with Stunning Coast Views
- (9.47 mi) Plaskett Creek Campground
- Attractions near Bixby Bridge:
- (0.00 mi) Tanbark Trail & Tin House
- (0.00 mi) John Little State Natural Reserve
- (0.00 mi) Sofanya's Big Sur Gallery & Studio
- (0.01 mi) Lopez Point
- (0.01 mi) Big Creek Cove Vista Point