Willow Creek Picnic Area in Big Sur, CA

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About Willow Creek Picnic Area in Big Sur, California

Willow Creek Picnic Area has the first public sandy beach in Monterey County when driving north from San Luis Obispo, but the sandy area is hidden from view when you get to the beach. Los Padres National Forest provides a parking area right off Highway 1 for those who just want to take in the stunning view. A narrow road leads down from here to a spot next to the beach with room for about ten cars. The beach at this location is covered with large boulders including some jade stones. Willow Creek flows down and pools next to a tall cliff here and a concrete highway bridge towers overhead. The sandy beach is around the corner to the right. At high tide it might not be accessible or safe due to sneaker waves that can roll in unexpectedly. But if you can get over there you might have this spot to yourself. Offshore is a cone-shaped rock and to the south is Cape San Martin and the huge San Martin Rock.

Address: Cabrillo Hwy
Big Sur, CA 93920
Park Name: Los Padres National Forest
Owner: National Forest
Pet Details: Dogs allowed on leash
Activities: Surfing, Rockhounding
Amenities: Toilets, Picnic Tables
Links: Surfing Info & Web Cams
Water Temps
Tide Chart