Andrew Molera State ParkAbout Andrew Molera State Park
Andrew Molera State Park is a California state park on the Big Sur coast in Monterey County that protects coastal bluffs, a long sandy shoreline and riparian meadows. It is known for relatively undeveloped beachfront and a network of natural trails.
The park offers several miles of unpaved trails through meadows, riparian woodland and coastal scrub, with access to the beach at the mouth of the Big Sur River. Day hiking, beach walks, birding and photography are common activities; facilities are minimal compared with more developed state parks.
The land was formerly part of the Molera family ranch and later came under management by California State Parks; the park’s name derives from the Molera family. The area has been managed for conservation and low-intensity recreation since it entered the state park system.
The park sits along California State Route 1 in the Big Sur coastal region of Monterey County, north of the village of Big Sur and south of the Monterey/Carmel area. The landscape is dominated by coastal terraces, bluffs and the river corridor.
- Access and parking: Parking at the park is limited and trailheads sit directly off Highway 1, so expect short walk-ins from roadside parking during busy periods.
What to See#
- Big Sur River mouth: The park’s river mouth and estuarine meadow where the Big Sur River reaches the sea, with shoreline access and tidepooling opportunities.
- Molera Ranch meadows: The former Molera ranch meadows and riparian corridors that form the park’s inland habitat and trail network.
- Beach and coastal bluffs: A stretch of sandy beach backed by coastal bluffs that provides shoreline access and views along the Big Sur coast.
- Trail network: A network of unpaved hiking trails through coastal scrub, grassland and riparian woodland, used for day hikes and nature observation.
Nearby Attractions to Andrew Molera State Park
Best Time to Visit Andrew Molera State Park
Spring and fall offer the clearest conditions for hiking and views; summer brings fog and larger crowds.
Weather & Climate near Andrew Molera State Park
Andrew Molera State Park's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 6°C to 20°C. Abundant rainfall (1008 mm/year), wettest in January with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 7° - 15° | 11° | 200 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 7° - 16° | 11° | 171 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 8° - 16° | 12° | 163 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 8° - 17° | 12° | 78 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 9° - 17° | 13° | 12 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 10° - 18° | 14° | 5 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 11° - 19° | 15° | 2 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 12° - 19° | 16° | 2 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 12° - 20° | 16° | 12 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 10° - 20° | 15° | 47 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 8° - 18° | 13° | 149 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 6° - 16° | 11° | 167 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Andrew Molera State Park
Andrew Molera State Park is along Highway 1 in Big Sur, about 30 minutes south of Carmel-by-the-Sea and roughly an hour north of San Simeon. Parking is limited and managed (often on a first-come basis); the park is best accessed by car.
Tips for Visiting Andrew Molera State Park
- Take the easy 2-3 mile trail to the beach at Big Sur for the best ocean views and tidepools.
- Arrive early in summer to claim parking - lots fill quickly on weekends.
- Check for seasonal closures of the campground and parts of the park due to erosion or storms.