Where is Big Sur Bixby Bridge, Big Sur, California?

Written by | Updated On: March 13, 2026, 13:58 ET

Bixby Bridge is located in Big Sur, California, USA.It lies between Monterey and Big Sur along the Pacific Coast Highway, situated on the rugged California coastline, and is famous for its stunning ocean views and iconic bridge architecture.

Big Sur Bixby Bridge Location Map, Big Sur, California

Top Attractions Inside Big Sur Bixby Bridge

  • Bixby Creek Bridge – Iconic concrete arch bridge offering dramatic views of the Pacific coastline.
  • Coastal Overlooks – Scenic pull-offs providing panoramic views of cliffs, beaches, and ocean waves.
  • Photographic Opportunities – Popular spot for sunrise, sunset, and drone photography along the California coast.
  • Pacific Coast Highway Views – Stunning drive along Highway 1 with breathtaking scenery before and after the bridge.
  • Bixby Creek Gorge – Rugged canyon beneath the bridge with a cascading creek.
  • Hiking Access Points – Nearby trails offering coastal exploration and cliffside vistas.
  • Wildlife Observation – Occasional sightings of seabirds, marine mammals, and coastal flora.

Big Sur Bixby Bridge Facts

Official NameBixby Creek Bridge
LocationBig Sur, Monterey County, California, USA
Latitude & Longitude36.3715° N, 121.9013° W
OpenedOctober 15, 1932
Managed ByCalifornia Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
Region / ConceptScenic coastal bridge, reinforced concrete arch, part of Pacific Coast Highway (State Route 1)
Main FeaturesConcrete arch bridge, 714 feet (218 m) long, 280-foot (85 m) height above Bixby Creek, scenic coastal views
Visitor ActivitiesPhotography, scenic driving, sightseeing, walking along roadside viewpoints
Trails & AccessHighway 1 provides vehicle access; small pull-outs and viewpoints for pedestrians
AccessibilityVehicle access via Highway 1; pedestrian viewing areas; no dedicated parking lot, limited shoulder space
Nearby TownsBig Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey, California
Entry / FeesFree access; no tolls
Best Time to VisitSpring–Fall for clearer skies; sunrise and sunset for photography and scenic views
Annual VisitorsApprox. 2–3 million (highly visited scenic landmark)
Nearby AirportMonterey Regional Airport (MRY) – 26 miles (42 km); San Jose International Airport (SJC) – 100 miles (161 km)
TransportationPrivate vehicles, motorcycles, guided tours, bicycles; no public transit directly to the bridge
Time ZonePacific Time (PT) — UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Official Websitehttps://dot.ca.gov/
Famous ForIconic coastal bridge, panoramic views of Big Sur coastline, photography and film locations
UNESCO / National StatusDesignated California Historic Civil Engineering Landmark; part of scenic Highway 1; no UNESCO designation

Distances from Big Sur Bixby Bridge to Nearby Landmarks

  • Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • McWay Falls – 18 km (11 mi)
  • Point Sur Lighthouse – 20 km (12.5 mi)
  • Garrapata State Park – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Big Sur River Gorge – 10 km (6 mi)
  • Andrew Molera State Park – 30 km (18.5 mi)
  • Bixby Creek Bridge Overlook – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – 18 km (11 mi)
  • Henry Miller Memorial Library – 5 km (3 mi)
  • Big Sur Station – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Sand Dollar Beach – 20 km (12.5 mi)
  • Esalen Institute – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Rocky Point – 15 km (9 mi)
  • Ventana Wilderness Trailhead – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Point Lobos State Natural Reserve – 40 km (25 mi)
  • Carmel-by-the-Sea – 45 km (28 mi)
  • Garrapata Beach – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Big Sur Village – 10 km (6 mi)
  • Ragged Point – 35 km (22 mi)
  • Molera Point – 30 km (18.5 mi)

Top Places to Visit in California

Explore the most popular tourist places in California. The list below includes famous beaches, national parks, historic sites, and scenic attractions across the state, along with map locations.

Places (A -J)Places (J - P)Places (P - Z)
Alcatraz IslandJoshua Tree VillagePebble Beach 17-Mile Drive
Angel Island State ParkKings Canyon National ParkPebble Beach
Anza-Borrego Desert State ParkLa Jolla CovePfeiffer Beach
Badwater BasinLaguna BeachPinnacles National Park
Balboa IslandLake Shasta CavernsPoint Lobos State Natural Reserve
Balboa ParkLake Tahoe Scenic DrivePoint Reyes National Seashore
Bixby BridgeLassen Volcanic National ParkRedwood National and State Parks
Big Sur CoastlineMalibu BeachSan Diego Zoo
Big SurMalibu Creek State ParkSan Francisco Cable Car System
Bodie State Historic ParkMalibu Lagoon State BeachSanta Barbara Mission
Burney FallsMammoth Lakes BasinSanta Monica Pier
Carlsbad BeachMission DoloresSanta Monica State Beach
Channel Islands National ParkMission San Antonio de PaduaSequoia National Park California
Coronado BeachMission San Carlos BorromeoSonoma County
Crissy FieldMission San Juan CapistranoSonoma Wine Country
Crystal Cove State ParkMission San Luis Obispo de TolosaTahoe National Forest
Death Valley National ParkMission Santa BarbaraThe Broad Museum
Disneyland ParkMono Lake Tufa State Natural ReserveThe Exploratorium
Donner Memorial State ParkMonterey Bay AquariumThe Getty Center
Emerald Bay State ParkMount Lassen Peak TrailHenry W. Coe State Park
Fort Point National Historic SiteMount ShastaJ. Paul Getty Villa
Golden Gate BridgeMount Tamalpais State ParkThe Presidio
Golden Gate ParkMount WhitneyUSS Midway Museum
Griffith ObservatoryMount Whitney TrailThe Wave Organ
Griffith ParkMuir Woods National MonumentTorrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Hollywood SignNapa Valley Wine CountryTransamerica Pyramid
Hollywood Walk of FameNewport BeachUniversal Studios Hollywood
Joshua Tree National ParkPalace of Fine ArtsYosemite National Park
Joshua Tree Scenic Drive

Explore the complete list of places to visit in the United States, including national parks, cities, landmarks, and famous attractions.