Andrew Molera State Park
Big Sur, CA
Andrew Molera State Park is the largest state park on the Big Sur coast, with walk-in campsites and trails leading down to a genuine sandy beach at the mouth of the Big Sur River. It's a good pick for anyone who wants real hiking variety alongside a beach day, without the crowds of the more famous stops further south.
The sheer size and trail variety make it a genuinely substantial park beyond just a beach stop, though reaching the sand takes more walking than most Big Sur beaches.
How we score beachesBudget real time for the walk to the beach, the trails here cover real distance compared to the drive-up beaches elsewhere on this coast.
A day use fee applies; the exact amount is best confirmed at the entrance station.
Stairs, a path, and blufftop trails lead from parking to the beach.
Dogs are allowed on leash only in the parking area and on paved roads; they are banned from all park trails, the picnic area beyond the lot, and the beach.
Fog is common most mornings year round, typical of the Big Sur coast.
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