Andrew Molera State Park

Andrew Molera State Park Beach is a long sandy, rocky, and driftwood-covered beach along the base of the Big Sur headlands. This is the largest state park along the Big Sur coast. It has open meadows, high ridges, groves of sycamore and redwood trees, a river, many trails, and one of the best beaches to explore in the area. However, it requires quite a walk to reach the beach. Surfers will make this trek when the conditions are ideal as the Big Sur Rivermouth is one of the rare surf spots in Big Sur. A popular loop hike from the parking lot descends on the Beach Trail and returns on the Creamery Meadow Trail. Each segment is about one mile to the beach so it’s a little over a mile to do the loop. Seasonal footbridges are provided for crossing the Big Sur River typically June through October. During the rest of the year you will have to remove your shoes and socks to wade through the river.

Because of the remoteness you may find beachgoers without clothing in secluded spots even though it is not allowed. The Bluff Trail provides access to remote parts of the beach that can be wet at higher tides. In addition to the large drive-in campground here, there are 24 walk-in camp sites that can be reserved. Molera Horseback Tours is on site at the park offering horseback rides of various lengths through many parts of the park including the beach. The Ventana Wildlife Society Big Sur Discovery Center is located at Andrew Molera State Park. The center is open 10am-4pm on weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Address

Cabrillo Hwy and Andrew Molera Rd
Big Sur, CA 93920

Park Name

Andrew Molera State Park

Owner

State Park

Pet Details

No dogs allowed outside of parking areas

Fees

Fee for parking

Activities

Hiking, Backpacking, Camping, Mountain Biking, Beach Walking, Beachcombing, Equestrian Use, Wildlife Watching, Surfing

Amenities

Campground, Walk-in Campground, Educational Center, Picnic Tables, Trails, River

Links

Surfing Info & Web Cams
Water Temps
Tide Chart