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Sight Northern Big Sur

Bixby Creek Bridge

A sight in Northern Big Sur, free to visit and worth about 20 minutes. Best time to go: Late afternoon.

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Bixby Creek Bridge in Northern Big Sur
Photo: JINU · Google

Why go

1932 concrete arch bridge, the most photographed spot on Highway 1.

It is one of 9 curated places we feature in Big Sur, alongside 3 outdoor spots, 2 places to eat and 1 activity. The closest of our other picks is Point Sur Lightstation, 4.3 mi away as the crow flies. At about 20 minutes, it slots neatly between bigger plans.

Type
Sight
Neighborhood
Northern Big Sur
Price
Free
Time needed
20 min
Best time
Late afternoon

Nearby

Our closest curated picks, including 3 beyond Big Sur. Distances are straight-line, not walking or driving.

  1. 1
    Point Sur Lightstation

    Guided tours of an 1889 lighthouse atop a volcanic rock.

    Activity · 4.3 mi straight-line
  2. 2
    Big Sur River Inn

    Roadside inn where you can sit in chairs set in the river with a drink.

    Drinks · 8.7 mi straight-line
  3. 3
    Pfeiffer Beach

    Purple-streaked sand and Keyhole Arch at the end of narrow Sycamore Canyon Road.

    Outdoors · 10 mi straight-line
  4. 4
    Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

    Granite coves, cypress groves and sea otters along easy coastal trails.

    Outdoors · Monterey & Carmel · 10 mi straight-line
  5. 5
    Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo

    Restored 1771 mission with a stone basilica, gardens and museum rooms.

    Sight · Monterey & Carmel · 12 mi straight-line
  6. 6
    Carmel Beach

    White-sand beach at the foot of Ocean Avenue with cypress-framed sunsets.

    Outdoors · Monterey & Carmel · 12 mi straight-line

On these curated routes

Bixby Creek Bridge is a stop on our Pacific Coast Highway route. Open it to see the full day-by-day plan.

More sights to see in Big Sur

Another curated sight in Big Sur. See the full Big Sur guide.

When to go

Average daily highs in Big Sur run from 58°F in January to 69°F in September; December is usually the wettest month. For Bixby Creek Bridge itself, we suggest: Late afternoon.

Modelled monthly averages for Big Sur from NASA POWER, not a forecast. Full Big Sur weather by month.

Getting there

Map links open a live search for Bixby Creek Bridge, so hours and directions come straight from the map app.

Address
Bixby Creek Bridge, California, USA
Coordinates
36.37148, -121.90192
Destination
Big Sur, California

Bixby Creek Bridge: quick answers

How much time do you need at Bixby Creek Bridge?

Plan on about 20 minutes at Bixby Creek Bridge. That is our curated estimate for a typical visit; groups that linger will want more.

When is the best time to visit Bixby Creek Bridge?

Our pick: Late afternoon. Insider tip: Use the north-side pullout; check Caltrans for Highway 1 closures before driving.

Is Bixby Creek Bridge free?

Yes, we list Bixby Creek Bridge as free to visit. Check locally before you go, since special exhibits, parking or tours can carry a fee.

Where is Bixby Creek Bridge?

Bixby Creek Bridge is at Bixby Creek Bridge, California, USA, in Northern Big Sur. The Google Maps and Apple Maps links on this page open it for directions.

Which TripsCircle routes include Bixby Creek Bridge?

Bixby Creek Bridge appears on Pacific Coast Highway, a curated route you can open on TripsCircle and plan with your group.

Add Bixby Creek Bridge to your crew's plan

Save it to a shared TripsCircle itinerary, settle the timing with a quick poll, and split the costs with everyone going to Big Sur.

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Also in Big Sur

Curated recommendation, not live listing data. Confirm hours, prices, bookings and access before you go.