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

Written by | Updated On: December 08, 2025, 13:55 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)