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Mission29

Big Creek Cove Vista Point

Big Creek Cove on Highway 1 in Big Sur. Frame the arched bridge and watch for otters and whales.

Pull over where the graceful concrete arch of Big Creek Bridge spans a cove of turquoise water and the mountains drop straight into the sea. Find the spot where the bridge, the cove and the coastline all fit in one frame and get your photo with it behind you. Then each scan the water and see who spots a sea otter in the kelp first. In winter and spring, watch for gray whale spouts too.

  • Date or adventure
  • 1-3 hours
  • Easy
  • Free
  • Outdoors

Good with just you, friends, family, and kids

Check before you go: weather and trail conditions

Big Creek Cove Vista Point, Highway 1, Southern Big Sur, between Esalen and Lucia59601-59627 Cabrillo Hwy, Big Sur, CA 93920
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Kids' version

Ocean lookout! Find each thing.

  1. The big arch bridge
  2. Blue-green water
  3. A sea otter or seal
  4. A whale spout
  5. A selfie by the ocean!

Checked November 2026

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About this place

Big Creek Bridge opened in 1938, just after this stretch of Highway 1 was finished. Building the road along these cliffs took about 18 years. The land in the canyon below is a protected research reserve, so it's a look-from-above kind of stop.

Bring a jacket, since it's often windy. Only stop in the paved pullout and never walk along the highway. This part of Highway 1 sometimes closes after storms and landslides, so check Caltrans QuickMap before you drive.

Also in: Free Date Ideas · Kid-Friendly Adventures

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