Bixby Creek Bridge Beach

The land behind Bixby Bridge south of Carmel is private property and the beach below is inaccessible due to cliffs north and south of the bridge, but don’t let that keep you from stopping! Bixby is one of the most photographed California bridges and for good reason.

This sandy beach is at the mouth of Bixby Creek below a picturesque and frequently photographed arched concrete bridge that was completed in 1932. It is nearly impossible to get to Bixby Beach except by landing a boat there. The canyon walls are very steep and the land above the mean high tide level is privately-owned anyway. At the north end of the bridge there is a pull-out parking area with a great view of the bridge and the beach. Take pictures from there and don’t risk your life trying to climb down.

Behind the bridge Old Coast Road branches off Highway 1 and goes inland which provides a different perspective for photographing the canyon and the beach. Also, on a clear day you can take distant photos from Hurricane Point about a mile south. If you somehow get to Bixby Beach there is a sea cave at the south end that can be entered at lower tides.

Address

Cabrillo Hwy & Coast Rd
Carmel, CA 93923

Owner

Private Land Owner

Fees

Free parking next to bridge

Activities

Photography, Scenic Driving

Amenities

No Facilities, Historic Bridge

Links

Water Temps
Tide Chart