Lipan Point: Your Complete Guide to Big Sur's Hidden Vista

You're driving down Highway 1, the Pacific Ocean a sheer drop to your right. You've seen the photos of Bixby Bridge, but you're looking for that view—the one that feels raw, uninterrupted, and just for you. That's Lipan Point. It's not a state park with an entrance fee. It's not even marked with a proper sign. It's a wide spot in the road where the continent seems to end, and the real Big Sur begins.

I've stopped here a dozen times over the years, and it never gets old. But I've also seen people miss it completely, or show up at the worst possible time. Let's fix that.

What Exactly Is Lipan Point?

Lipan Point is an unofficial, unnamed vista point on the Big Sur coast. It offers a breathtaking, south-facing perspective of the rugged coastline. You're looking down at steep, crumbly cliffs, vibrant blue water, and a series of small, hidden coves. On a clear day, you can see for miles.

Here’s the practical stuff you need to know before you go:

The lack of facilities is a feature, not a bug. It keeps the crowds thinner than at the official state park turnouts. But it also means you need to be self-sufficient.

How to Get There (Without Missing It)

This is the trickiest part. There's no sign that says "Scenic View Ahead."

From the North (Monterey/Carmel): Drive south on Highway 1 past Bixby Bridge. You'll go up and over the big hill at Hurricane Point. Start looking carefully on your RIGHT (ocean side) about 2-3 minutes after you start descending from Hurricane Point. The pullout appears suddenly. If you hit the Partington Cove turnout, you've gone about 4 miles too far.

From the South (Big Sur Village/San Simeon): Drive north. The pullout will be on your LEFT. It's easier to spot from this direction as you're climbing the hill. It's roughly 4 miles north of the Partington Cove junction.

The Biggest Mistake People Make: They drive too fast. This stretch of road is curvy and mesmerizing. Slow down to 45 mph or less. Not only is it safer, but you'll actually see the small break in the foliage that signals the pullout. I've flown right past it more than once when I was in a rhythm.

The Best Time to Visit for Photos & Solitude

Timing is everything here. Get it wrong, and you're sharing a tiny dirt patch with three SUVs and their doors are blocking your view.

For the Best Light (Photographers, Listen Up)

Late Afternoon to Sunset is king. The sun sets over the ocean to the west/southwest, meaning Lipan Point's south-facing view gets sidelit with gorgeous, warm, golden light. The textures of the cliffs pop, and the water turns a deep sapphire. This is the magic hour.

Sunrise can also be beautiful, with soft, cool light, but the coastline will be in shadow initially. It's a much quieter, more meditative experience.

Midday is the worst for photography. The light is flat and harsh overhead, washing out the colors and depth. This is when most casual visitors are there, too.

To Avoid the Crowds

Weekdays, always. Any day from Monday to Thursday will be significantly quieter. Early morning (before 10 AM) or the hour before sunset are your best bets, even on weekends. The tour buses and most day-trippers are on a schedule—they hit the major spots in the middle of the day.

I once went on a Tuesday in October around 5 PM. I had the entire point to myself for 45 minutes. It was just the sound of the wind and the waves crashing 400 feet below. That's the experience you're after.

Lipan Point Photography: Getting the Shot

You've got the epic vista. Now how do you capture it?

Essential Gear: A wide-angle lens (16-35mm full-frame equivalent) is perfect for capturing the sweep of the coast. A telephoto zoom (70-200mm or more) is fantastic for isolating details—the curl of a wave hitting a secluded cove, a seabird riding the updrafts. A polarizing filter is your best friend here. It cuts the haze over the ocean, deepens the blue of the sky and water, and reduces glare on the wet rocks.

Composition Secrets:

• Foreground Interest: Don't just shoot the distant horizon. Find a interesting rock, a patch of wildflowers (in spring), or even the twisted branches of a cypress on the cliff edge to use as a foreground element. It adds massive depth.
• Leading Lines: Use the curve of the coastline or the lines of the cliffs to lead the viewer's eye into the frame.
• Vertical vs. Horizontal: Shoot both. A vertical panorama can be stunning, emphasizing the dizzying cliff drop.

Pro Safety Tip: The cliff edge is unstable and crumbly. Do not set up your tripod right on the edge, and never back up without looking. Set up a few safe feet back. The best photos don't require risking your life.

Plan Your Stop: A Sample Big Sur Day

Lipan Point isn't a destination; it's a highlight in a string of coastal pearls. Here’s how a southbound traveler might weave it into a perfect day, based on a real itinerary I planned for friends last summer.

This flow works because it spaces out the driving, mixes easy stops with a short hike, and positions Lipan Point as a key scenic moment, not a rushed afterthought.

Your Lipan Point Questions Answered

What's the best time of day to visit Lipan Point for photos and to avoid crowds?

The absolute prime time is the hour before sunset. The light is golden, the shadows are long, and it paints the coastline in incredible colors. Most day-trippers are heading back north by then. For solitude, try a weekday morning right after sunrise. Midday, especially on weekends, is when the small pullout feels most cramped and the light is harshest for photography.

Is there any parking or facilities at Lipan Point?

Parking is the main challenge. It's just a dirt-and-gravel pullout on the west side of Highway 1, with space for about 8-10 cars at most. There are no guardrails, no restrooms, no trash cans, and no official signage calling it "Lipan Point." It's a raw, natural stop. If the pullout is full, do not park on the highway shoulder—it's dangerous and illegal. Drive a bit further south to the next official turnout and walk back, or come back later.

Can I combine a visit to Lipan Point with other nearby Big Sur attractions?

Absolutely, and you should. Heading north from Lipan Point, you're minutes from the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge. Heading south, you'll soon reach the turnoff for Partington Cove (a short hike to a hidden cove) and the trailhead for the epic McWay Falls overlook at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. A perfect southbound afternoon loop: Start at Bixby Bridge for the classic shot, stop at Lipan Point for the expansive view, hike down to Partington Cove, and finish with McWay Falls at sunset.

Is Lipan Point safe for kids and families?

It can be, but with extreme caution and constant supervision. There are no barriers between the pullout/viewing area and a several-hundred-foot cliff drop. The ground near the edge is uneven and can be slippery. Hold young children's hands tightly and keep them away from the edge. For families with very active kids, the paved, fenced overlook at McWay Falls is a far less stressful option. Lipan Point is better for older kids and adults who understand and respect the danger.

Lipan Point embodies the wild spirit of Big Sur. It’s not packaged or easy. It demands a little more attention to find and respect to enjoy safely. But that’s what makes the reward—that feeling of discovering a secret window onto the Pacific—so much sweeter than any postcard-perfect, crowded viewpoint. Check current road conditions on the California State Parks website before you go, pack your patience and your camera, and get ready to pull over.