Bixby Bridge, Monterey

4 more images

The Bixby bridge is just one of the Many Bridges you cross to and from Monterey Going to the Central Coasts of California to Hearst Castle, San Simeon, Lucia, Pismo Beach, Cambria, etc along the Historic CA Route One. The Bixby Bridge and the Rocky Creek bridge are two of the more famous Arched Bridges here in the romantic California Pacific Coasts in between Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties. This bridge is often sen in many TV commercials and is one of the Most Photographed areas of the Spectacular Vistas along the Central Coast of California and driving in it is sheer joy along the jagged cliffs and the winding roads coming and going from it. The bridge is located 120 miles (190 km) south of San Francisco and 13 miles (21 km) south of Carmel in Monterey County and is the longest concrete arch span at 320 feet (98 m) on the California State Highway System. There are vista points at both ends of the bridge where you can take photos and videos of the wonderful postcard perfect area around the Bixby Bridge.

On your way to Big Sur, you’ll cross the Bixby Bridge on Rt 1. The Bixby Bridge was completed in 1932 and is one of the top ten highest single span bridges in the world. The bridge spans across a large canyon 18 miles south of Carmel.

On the northern side of the bridge is a vehicle pull-off area where people get out to take pictures of the bridge and the coastline. Be careful, the drop is far and steep.

A little history on the bridge: The contract for building the bridge was awarded to the Ward Engineering Co. for US$202,334.00 on August 13, 1931. Construction was completed on October 15 and the bridge dedicated on November 27, 1932.

It was on this site that Howard G. Sharpe (from the Bixby Inn) "rediscovered" the California Sea Otter in March 1938.