As our alarms sounded at 3:30 am, we packed up our van and hit the road, eager to experience one of California’s most iconic landmarks. The plan? Arrive at Bixby Bridge for sunrise. Neither of us was sure whether sunrise or sunset would showcase the bridge at its best, but sunrise felt like the right choice for our night-owl road trip vibe.
The drive along Big Sur’s winding cliffside roads was an adventure on its own. Darkness surrounded us, but the occasional glimpse of the ocean’s edge reminded us why this stretch of Highway One is legendary. Our van, converted into a cozy home on wheels, made the trek feel even more special. Every curve in the road brought a sense of excitement and anticipation, a feeling heightened by the isolation of the early hours.
Looking out the front window of the van at Bixby Bridge for sunrise. Photo by Dalton Johnson
By the time we reached Bixby Bridge, the eastern horizon was just starting to lighten. With time to spare, we parked along the road, crawled into the back of the van, and fired up our stove with a kettle of water. Tea for me, coffee for Kristin—it was a ritual that always made mornings better, even when we’d barely slept. The sound of boiling water and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee added comfort to the chilly morning air.
Tea, Coffee, and a Question Answered
Sitting there with warm drinks in hand, we waited for the magic of sunrise to unfold. The world around us began to glow softly, the kind of light that promises a beautiful day ahead. But as the minutes ticked by and the golden hour stretched on, the reality set in. The mountains to the east blocked much of the rising sun. The bridge would eventually be bathed in the warm light, but not in the way we had imagined. If we had come for sunset, we would have seen the sun dipping into the Pacific, painting the ocean and the bridge in fiery hues.
Even so, the sight before us was stunning. The soft light highlighted the dramatic curves of the bridge and the rugged cliffs, creating a scene that was more serene than spectacular. It wasn’t the show-stopping moment we had envisioned, but it had a quiet beauty that made it worth the trip.
The Hidden Perks of Sunrise
Even though sunset would have been more dramatic, there was something undeniably special about our sunrise visit. The area was completely still, with not another soul in sight. We had the entire cliffside and the iconic view of Bixby Bridge all to ourselves.
In the quiet of the morning, we sipped our drinks and marveled at the solitude. Without crowds, we could linger as long as we wanted, snapping photos and soaking in the view without the pressure of other visitors vying for the perfect angle. The late sunrise was softer than expected, casting a gentle light on the rugged cliffs and the elegant arch of the bridge. The quiet gave us time to appreciate the moment—the sound of waves crashing below, the crispness of the air, and the sheer scale of the bridge.
This solitude was a gift. During the day, Bixby Bridge can become a bustling spot with cars lining the road and tourists competing for space. Experiencing it without the commotion felt like a rare privilege. It was as though we had this iconic landmark all to ourselves, if only for a brief window of time.
Kristin taking advantage of being the only people at Bixby Bridge and exploring the trails. Photo by Dalton Johnson
A New Adventure Awaits
After soaking in the morning tranquility, it was time to move on. The Big Sur coastline called to us with its promise of breathtaking hikes and sweeping ocean views. Our early start gave us the advantage of hitting the trails before the day grew too warm. The adventure ahead felt even more thrilling after such a peaceful start to the day.
We chose a nearby trail that hugged the cliffs, offering stunning vistas of the Pacific. The path wound through wildflowers and rugged terrain, the kind of scenery that makes Big Sur unforgettable. Every step felt like an extension of our sunrise experience, connecting us to the beauty of the coast in a deeper way.
Kristin enjoying a cup of coffee while waiting for sunrise at Bixby Bridge in Big Sur. Photo by Dalton Johnson
So, Sunrise or Sunset at Bixby Bridge?
If you’re chasing jaw-dropping light and picture-perfect colors, sunset is the clear winner at Bixby Bridge. The sun setting over the Pacific Ocean creates a visual spectacle that’s hard to beat. The golden hues reflecting off the water and the dramatic shadows cast on the cliffs make it an unforgettable sight.
However, if you value peace and quiet and want to experience the bridge without crowds, sunrise offers a serene alternative. The calm of the early morning, combined with the soft light and the absence of other visitors, creates a unique and peaceful experience. It’s a moment that’s less about capturing the perfect photo and more about savoring the stillness.
For us, the sunrise wasn’t what we expected, but it still turned out to be a morning to remember. We learned that even when things don’t go as planned, the experience can still be meaningful. Whether it’s sunrise or sunset, Bixby Bridge is worth the trip. The lesson? Sometimes, the journey is just as rewarding as the destination.
