Hurricane Point
Big Sur, CA
Hurricane Point earns its name honestly, a series of pullouts along a particularly exposed stretch of Highway 1 south of Bixby Bridge where the wind picks up fast and dramatically. The views from up here are some of the widest on the whole Big Sur coast, worth the buffeting if you don't mind holding onto your hat.
The views here are genuinely some of the widest on the whole drive, though the wind that gives the point its name is intense enough to cut a visit short.
How we score beachesHold onto anything loose when you get out of the car here, the wind at this exact point is genuinely strong enough to catch people off guard.
Free parking is available at the pullouts.
The viewpoints are reached directly from the Highway 1 pullouts.
Leashed dogs are welcome at this Highway 1 vista pullout, since it's a day use viewpoint rather than a California State Park trail.
Wind is a near constant and often severe at this exact point, regardless of season.
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.