Andrew Molera State Park

Andrew Molera State Park, in the spectacular Big Sur area, is a wonderful destination for quiet hiking and beachcombing. The park offers miles of trails that wind through meadows, bluffs, beaches, and hills. With stunning beach views and rolling green hills, Andrew Molera State Park is a "can’t-miss" spot for day trips and hiking near Monterey, California. This region of the beach is also considered the most reliable surfing spot in Big Sur.

As a still relatively undeveloped park area, visitors to Andrew Molera State Park may find a quiet hiking spot to spend the day. The park contains a year-round waterfall, Highbridge Falls. There are a number of other waterfalls in nearby parks. Also within the park is a walk-in camp, about a third of a mile from the parking area. Andrew Molera State Park has over twenty miles of hiking trails, which vary in length and difficulty, but all have stunning views of the river or the coast.

Dogs are unfortunately not allowed on any of the trails, but they are allowed in the campground, picnic areas, and on paved roads throughout the park. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, and cannot be left unattended. There are several nearby areas that you can take your dog for walks. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park or Pfeiffer Beach are each within a half of a mile from the Big Sur station and allow dogs as long as they are on a leash. Garrapata Beach is free to get in and is 16 miles from the Big Sur station. The beach there is long and sandy. Sand Dollar Beach is 33 miles from Big Sur station and only costs $10 for admission. The beach is a large crescent with plenty of tidepools and rock formations.

As with any state park, always clean up after yourself and your dog and respect the rules and posted signs in place. Come prepared with your own waste bags and never bring dogs who may be a nuisance to other visitors. If you’re looking for a perfect place to camp near the beach in the Big Sur area, Andrew Molera State Park is a great place to stay.