Bixby Creek Bridge
Big Sur, CA
A 1932 concrete arch 260 feet above a creek mouth on Highway 1. Pull-outs on the north side give the famous view.
This bridge on coastal Highway 1 was completed in October 1932 after just over a year of construction. It is 218 m (714 feet) long and 7 m (24 feet) wide, and its main arch spans 110 m (360 feet) across the Bixby Creek canyon. Before that, travelers had to take an 18 km (11-mile) detour inland on the Old Coast Road to get around the canyon. The bridge is about 21 km (13 miles) south of Carmel.
A short stop of 20 to 30 minutes is enough for photos. The classic view is from a small pullout on the north and west side of the highway. It is often overcrowded; if it is full, drive on rather than parking half on the roadway. Don't walk across the narrow road, as there is no room for pedestrians. Since September 2024, parking has been prohibited at the Old Coast Road turnoff at the north end of the bridge because vehicles were blocking the entrance.
- Nearest town
- Big Sur, CA
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 36.3715, -121.9017
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Big Sur Campground & CabinsCampsite9 mi from Bixby Creek Bridge · 100 pitchesTentsCaravansWaste disposal
- Riverside Campground & CabinsCampsite9 mi from Bixby Creek BridgeTentsCaravans
- Ventana CampgroundCampsite12 mi from Bixby Creek BridgeTents
- Montery Pines RV CampgroundMotorhome stopover15 mi from Bixby Creek Bridge · 37 pitchesMotorhomes
- Monterey Fairgrounds RV ParkMotorhome stopover16 mi from Bixby Creek BridgeMotorhomes
- Marina Dunes RV ParkMotorhome stopover23 mi from Bixby Creek BridgeMotorhomes
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Bixby Creek Bridge?
Bixby Creek Bridge is in Big Sur, CA, at GPS 36.3715, -121.9017. It is about 13 mi from Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Can you camp near Bixby Creek Bridge?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Bottcher's Gap Campground, about 5 mi away; within 25 mi there are 91 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Bixby Creek Bridge?
Bixby Creek Bridge is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Highway 1: San Francisco to Santa Monica and Fog, cliffs and elephant seals – the Pacific Coast Highway by camper.
What is there to see near Bixby Creek Bridge?
Places worth a stop nearby: Carmel-by-the-Sea (13 mi), Monterey Bay Aquarium (17 mi), McWay Falls (20 mi) and Kirk Creek Campground (35 mi).
When is the best time to visit Bixby Creek Bridge?
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)