One Of California's Only Big Sur Coast State Parks With Beach Access Is A Dramatic Paradise

A winding road trip for stunning views of the California coast should be a part of any road warrior's bucket list. With sweeping ocean views, charming historic towns, and majestic landmarks like Bixby Creek Bridge, there's a world of experiences to be had along this 650-mile drive. One of the most distinctive parts of Highway 1 is Big Sur. This magnificent stretch of coastline is where the Pacific Ocean, the Ventana Wilderness, and the Santa Lucia Mountains merge, making it a must-see destination for anyone who wants the ultimate West Coast road trip.

And if you venture just 40 miles north of San Simeon (home of Hearst Castle) on Highway 1, you'll reach Limekiln State Park: one of the only state parks in the area with beach access. But that's not the only special thing about this place. The uncommon name comes from the area's unique history when Rockland Lime and Lumber Company arrived in 1887 to extract and purify limestone in four towering kilns before shipping it off to be used for concrete. Although the limestone deposit was nearly gone by 1890 and the limestone industry left the area, those kilns still stand as imposing landmarks in the park today.

Limekiln State Park is 700 acres of parkland that includes two distinct habitats: the redwood forest and the beach. On the redwood side, visitors are treated to three beautiful hiking trails that showcase different features. The park's main trail is the Limekiln Trail which twists through the forest for about half a mile, leading you to the four large furnaces that gave the park its name. Next, take Hare Creek Trail, a short and level 0.3-mile trail along Hare Creek that contains some of the oldest trees in Monterey County. Among the towering redwoods along this trail you'll also find serene babbling brooks and small waterfalls. Finally, make your way to the Falls Trail for a magnificent view of the 100-foot-tall, fan-shaped waterfall. Fair warning that this is a pretty wet area, so make sure you have waterproof hiking boots with good grip. Before you go, check the website to know whether to plan for any trail closures.

Once you've explored the forest, you'll want to venture to the beach side for an afternoon of beachcombing, birdwatching, or surfing. This beach has a prime view of the Monterey Bay National Sanctuary. You may even catch a glimpse of a pod of dolphins during the colder months.

The park is open from 8:00 a.m. until sunset, and the day-use entrance fee is $10 (cash only) per vehicle. Keep in mind that only service animals are allowed on the trails. Also, be aware that the surf is rough with strong currents, so use extreme caution around the ocean. The weather can fluctuate quite a bit in this region, so it's a good idea to dress in layers. The park is currently accessible only from the south via Highway 1, as the stretch of road to the north is still undergoing infrastructure repairs from a recent landslide.

The park has roughly a dozen campsites on the beach and 17 more spread throughout the forest that go for $35 a night. Hot pay showers are available in both areas for registered campers. Reservations are required and can be made through Reserve California. However, the park is currently only open for day use due to ongoing infrastructure repairs, so be sure to call ahead to plan your trip accordingly.