Booking choice: The private Big Sur tour from Monterey, from $328 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
Bixby Bridge sits about 13 miles south of Carmel, at the northern edge of Big Sur. McWay Falls is about 37 miles south of Carmel, in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Between and around them are Point Lobos, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Pfeiffer Beach with its Keyhole Arch.
Here is how to see each one, what parking costs, what changed at Bixby in 2026, and which tours actually reach them.
The quick answer
Bixby Bridge is 13 miles south of Carmel; since August 2026 Monterey County bans parking for about 900 feet north and 700 feet south of it. McWay Falls is 37 miles south of Carmel: an 80-foot waterfall seen from a short overlook trail, with a $10 parking lot that fills early. San Francisco day tours reach Bixby at most. For both, take the private Big Sur tour from Monterey ($328, rated 4.9 from 62 reviews), with parking fees included.
Where is Bixby Bridge, and how do you see it?
On Highway 1 about 13 miles south of Carmel. You see it from turnouts beside the road; you cannot stop on the bridge.
Bixby Creek Bridge is a concrete open-spandrel arch about 714 feet long, standing roughly 280 feet above the creek. It was finished in October 1932 and opened that November. The classic view is from the north side, looking south across the arch to the headlands.
The Big Sur day from San Francisco spends its Big Sur hour around here. The private Monterey tour lists 15 minutes at the bridge, and the San Jose day 30.
Want Bixby Bridge with someone else watching the road? The private Big Sur tour from Monterey stops here on the way south, from $328.
Check dates for the private Big Sur tour from MontereyCan you park at Bixby Bridge?
Not right beside it. Monterey County banned parking along Highway 1 for about 900 feet north and 700 feet south of the bridge, for 12 months from August 2026.
The county's supervisors approved the ordinance on 23 June 2026 after crowds stopping for photos caused what officials called "unprecedented" congestion; signs went up before Monterey Car Week in August (CBS News). Expect enforcement and fewer spots. Turnouts further from the bridge still give a view, but obey the signs, never stand on the road and never stop on the bridge itself. A guided tour takes the parking question off your hands.
How do you see McWay Falls?
From the overlook trail in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, a short walk of about 0.6 miles round trip. You cannot walk down to the beach.
The 80-foot waterfall drops onto a sandy cove that is closed to visitors. The view is from the trail along the cliff. Day-use parking costs $10 per car, from 8 am to sunset, and the lot is small, so it fills quickly on weekends and in summer (California State Parks). Check the park page before you go, as trail sections close for repairs from time to time.
Can you see McWay Falls on a tour?
Not from San Francisco. From Monterey or Carmel, the private Big Sur tour is built around it; from San Jose, the private coast day reaches it too.
The private Big Sur tour ($328) picks you up at your Monterey or Carmel hotel or rental, with about two hours in Big Sur and 1 hour 45 minutes in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Parking fees are included. Guests praise how the guide tailored the day; one in July 2026 felt four hours was short for the distance, so ask about timing when you book. The San Jose coast day ($498) gives you three hours in Big Sur.
Want McWay Falls, Bixby Bridge and Pfeiffer Big Sur in one morning, with parking handled? The private tour carries your own group only, one to twelve people.
Explore the private Big Sur tour from MontereyIs Pfeiffer Beach worth the detour?
Yes, at sunset especially, for Keyhole Arch and the purple-tinged sand. Parking costs $15 per vehicle at the end of a narrow road.
Pfeiffer Beach is run for the Forest Service and charges $15 per vehicle, open 9 am to 8 pm (US Forest Service). Sycamore Canyon Road, the 2.2-mile single-lane road down to it, is not suitable for RVs or trailers and can close after winter rain. A guest on the private tour in September 2025 advised trying to work it in to see the rock formations.
Is Point Lobos worth a stop?
Yes, if you have time for a walk. It sits just south of Carmel, and day-use parking inside the reserve costs $10.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve has short trails over granite coves, cypress groves, sea otters and seals. The lot inside fills early, and the roadside spaces on Highway 1 fill soon after; check hours and rules on the reserve page. None of the San Francisco day tours stop here. With your own car, it pairs well with Bixby on the same morning.
Prefer to drive Big Sur yourself with stories at every stop? The audio driving app covers Point Lobos, Bixby and McWay for $17.
Check dates for the Big Sur audio driving tourIn what order should you see the Big Sur stops?
Heading south from Carmel: Point Lobos, Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Big Sur, Pfeiffer Beach, then McWay Falls. Southbound puts the ocean on your side for the turnouts.
- Point Lobos: just south of Carmel; go first, before the lot fills.
- Bixby Bridge: about 13 miles south of Carmel; respect the no-parking zone.
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park: redwoods and the river in the Big Sur valley.
- Pfeiffer Beach: down Sycamore Canyon Road; best late in the day.
- McWay Falls: about 37 miles south of Carmel; arrive early for a space in the lot.
How much time do you need for Bixby and McWay?
Half a day from Monterey or Carmel by car, more with Pfeiffer Beach or a hike. From San Francisco it does not fit in a day.
The road is slow and the turnouts fill, so allow about four to five hours for the round trip with the main stops. Before you set off, check the road: read is Highway 1 open. For whether to drive or ride, see drive it or take a tour.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Bixby Bridge from Carmel?
About 13 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1.
Can you park at Bixby Bridge?
Not next to it. Since August 2026 Monterey County bans parking for about 900 feet north and 700 feet south of the bridge, for 12 months.
How much does it cost to see McWay Falls?
Day-use parking at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is $10 per car. The overlook trail is short, about 0.6 miles round trip.
Which tour goes to McWay Falls?
The private Big Sur tour from Monterey ($328) and the private coast day from San Jose ($498). The San Francisco day tours do not.
Ready to book
Choose your coast day
Every option here can be cancelled for a full refund; the deadline is on each listing. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Big Sur and McWay Falls Private Tour from Monterey
Seeing the real Big Sur from a Monterey base
Private Big Sur and Monterey Coast Day from San Jose
Big Sur, Monterey and Carmel Tour from San Francisco
- About 12 hours with hotel pickup from 6:30 am (within the operator's zones)
- 17-Mile Drive entrance fee included
- Cannery Row, Pebble Beach and Carmel, then about an hour in Big Sur
