The Big Sur region in California is one of the most naturally-beautiful places on the planet. The 80-foot-tall McWay Falls and camping spots with million dollar views are unmatched by anywhere else, except maybe here at the manmade Bixby Creek Bridge.
How to Get to the Bixby Creek Bridge
Along Highway 1 south of Carmel and north of Big Sur is the Bixby Creek Bridge. Acting as the most photographed bridge on the west coast, this 279-foot arched structure provides one of the most stunning viewpoints on the entire Pacific Coast Highway.
If you’re driving along Highway 1, you’ll pass right over the Bixby Creek Bridge. Stop at the pull-out just north of the bridge to get out and enjoy the scenery.
Embarking on a Pacific Coast Highway trip? Check out my one week itinerary here!
Facts & History of the Bixby Creek Bridge
Constructed in the year 1930, the Bixby Creek Bridge is a favorite spot to visit on the west coast with locals and tourists alike. Nearly 5000 cars a day drive over the 714-foot bridge, a far cry from only the locals who used it nearly 100 years ago. The construction of the bridge allowed residents to escape their homes in the winter as the Old Coast Road was nearly impassible at that time.
In 1930, the bridge was built for just under $200,000, equivalent to over $3 million today. At the time of its construction, it was the longest concrete arch bridge in California. Today, it still stands as one of the tallest single-span concrete bridges in the world.
Oddly enough, the Bixby Creek Bridge was built 5 full years before the Pacific Coast Highway was completed. It proved to be one of the hardest areas to construct along Highway 1 because of the rugged terrain and massive cliffs. Despite those risks, engineers chose to construct the bridge because it wouldn’t affect the environment as much as an inland route.
Supplies and equipment to build the bridge were brought in by boat from local areas up and down the coast. Steam-powered engines lifted the materials up to the workers, many of whom refused to work at the site. San Quentin Prison set up 3 temporary camps to provide labor with convicts working 2-3 shifts a day.
Visiting the Bixby Creek Bridge
At any time of day, visiting the Bixby Creek Bridge is a must while embarking on a Highway 1 road trip or visiting Monterey County. If you’re visiting on weekends or holidays, it’s almost impossible to find a parking spot as the pull-out north of the bridge is very small. If you have to park along Highway 1, be sure to have your vehicle completely off pavement and watch for traffic.
Check Highway 1 alerts and conditions here before visiting the Bixby Creek Bridge!
There are a couple of different worthy viewpoints to check out at the Bixby Creek Bridge. To the northwest and past the boulders, multiple spur trails head downwards, supplying better views from under the bridge. To the northeast is the Old Coastal Road which you can walk up for a different perspective of the bridge.
Driving over the bridge and to the south, take the first pullout on the west side of the road. Looking north, this provides a more aerial shot of the bridge spanning along Highway 1.
Note that the area beneath the Bixby Creek Bridge, to the north and south are private property. Any wandering on foot around these areas is trespassing. Respect the locals and the land around the bridge and always follow the Leave No Trace principles.
While visiting Big Sur, make a stop at McWay Falls, see the purple sand at Pfeiffer Beach and hike along the short Partington Cove trail!
Check out my California archives here for more first-hand experiences and tips for exploring!
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