Bixby Bridge, Big Sur Landmark

Bixby Creek Bridge, a Big Sur star and popular landmark among California bridges, was built in 1932 to provide one continuous coastal route between San Simeon and Carmel, Calif. It has become impassible countless times because of landslides. And when that happens, the impact is felt by tourists who come to drive Big Sur and see the famous bridge, and by celebrity locals who live in the Santa Lucia mountains that hug this portion of the California coast. Even the annual Big Sur Marathon can be impacted by road closures.

Located approx. 15 miles south of Carmel on State Route 1, the reinforced concrete bridge built with an open-spandrel arch that required incredible sums of lumber to shape, is believed to be the 2nd most photographed bridge in California. Known for its incredible arching effect near the Pacific Ocean, Hollywood loves to film automobiles traveling across the bridge, seen from bird's eye views over the water.

When the California Coastal Conservancy sought purchase of Bixby Ranch, easily identified by the historic Bixby Bridge on Highway 1, their goal was to safeguard its sweeping views, rocky shoreline, and magnificent rolling hills for public enjoyment and critical wildlife habitat. That land next to the bridge was once owned by Allen Funt of Candid Camera.

Not generally known (because celebrities are reluctant to announce their home addresses,) Al Jardine (Beach Boys) has long owned land near the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and has maintained a recording studio there. His latest album, A Postcard from California, features songs about the location -- California Feelin', Looking Down The Coast, Don't Fight The Sea, Campfire Scene, San Simeon, Drivin', Honkin' Down The Highway and California Dreamin'.

Steve Martin, Joan Baez, Ted Turner, Jill Eikenberry, Rosanna Arquette, , and Dean Stockwell have purchased homes in the area in recent decades.

BIXBY BRIDGE
Total length 714 feet
Width 24 feet
Height 280 feet
Opened November 27, 1932
F.W. Panhorst, designer