Bixby Creek Bridge
Big Sur, CA

Bixby Creek Bridge is one of the most photographed bridges in the country, a tall concrete arch spanning a steep canyon with a viewing area on the north side for the classic shot looking south along the coast. It's a quick stop rather than a beach, but genuinely one of the most recognizable single images of the entire California coastline.
Genuinely one of the most iconic photo stops in California, though it's a quick viewing stop rather than anywhere to spend real time.
How we score beachesUse the north side viewing area rather than stopping on the bridge itself, it's both safer and gives you the better angle for photos.
Free parking is available at the north side viewing area.
The viewing area is reached directly from the Highway 1 pullout.
There is no formal ban on dogs at the Bixby Creek Bridge vista point; leashed dogs are commonly brought along, though a short leash is recommended given traffic and the cliff edges.
Fog is common most mornings year round, typical of the Big Sur coast, sometimes obscuring the classic bridge photo entirely.
More Pacific Coast beaches

Zuma Beach
Malibu, CA · Pacific Coast
A wide stretch of sand backed by the Santa Monica Mountains, with reliable swells that draw surfers year-round and plenty of room to spread out even on busy weekends.

Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Known as Surf City USA, with a mile-long municipal pier, consistent breaks for surfers of every level, and a laid-back boardwalk scene along Pacific Coast Highway.

Main Beach
Laguna Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Tucked between rocky headlands, with tidepools to explore at low tide, calmer coves for swimming, and an arts-town backdrop of galleries and cafes just steps from the sand.
