Andrew Molera State Park California Big Sur Coast

Andrew Molera State Park is located 20 miles south of Carmel on Highway One. The Big Sur River also runs through the park with miles of trails that meander through meadows, beaches, and grassy hilltops.

The area where the park is situated was once part of Rancho El Sur. The Molera family eventually acquired the land. Frances Molera sold the property to the Nature Conservancy in 1965 with the promise that the park would be named after her brother, Andrew Molera.

Hiking Andrew Molera State Park

Hiking Molera State Park Trails can be used for horseback riding, bicycling, and hiking. Horses have the right of way, followed by hikers, then bikers.

The 4-mile round-trip Creamery Meadow Trail to the beach is the most popular hike in the park. The trail starts near the Molera Ranch House Museum. After crossing the river, the trail runs through a meadow down to Molera Point, where the Big Sur River enters the Pacific Ocean.

River Trail. Several trails follow the Big Sur River down to the ocean. These networks of trails can be accessed from the main parking lot and along Cabrillo Highway. On the north side of the river, a path from Highway 1 leads to the Cooper Cabin. The cabin was built in the mid-1850s and is considered the oldest structure in Big Sur.

Bluff and Beach Trail. During low tide, it is possible to hike from the Big Sur River to Cooper Point for about two miles. The Bluff Trail hike features views of the beach and mountains. There is no access to the beach from this trail, and horses and mountain bikes are not allowed.

Camping at Andrew Molera State Park

The small walk-in campground features 24 first-come, first-served sites situated in the heart of a beautiful meadow. It takes approximately 10 minutes to travel from the parking lot to the camping area. There is very little shade at the campground. However, there is an easy trail to the beach where you can cool off with a walk along the sand.

Molera Big Sur Horseback Tours offers guided rides on several trails in Andrew Molera State Park. The most popular trip is the one-hour beach ride that follows the Big Sur River down to the beach. All Horseback tours go to the beach on one trail or another.

Molera Ranch House Museum

Located in the Molera Ranch House, the museum features artifacts, photographs, and displays about the early pioneers and native people of California’s Big Sur region.

Nearby Point Sur State Historic Park is 3 miles north. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is 4 miles south. Andrew Molera State Park is situated 20 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1. Paid parking inside the park or free parking along Cabrillo Highway.

Things To Do Along the Big Sur Coast

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

California Central Coast Beach Camping