Ragged Point Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Ragged Point which includes landscape views, rugged coastline and a bay or harbour
Ragged Point
Ragged Point showing rugged coastline and general coastal views
Ragged Point featuring a bay or harbour, landscape views and general coastal views
Photo by Jared Jolley
Take in one of the Big Sur coast’s finest views from high above the water or hike down a cliff-side trail to see the impressive Black Swift Falls.

Ragged Point is a craggy promontory that juts 400 feet (122 meters) above the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean. Acclaimed as one of the Big Sur Coast Highway’s best views, the Ragged Point vista presents an awe-inspiring ocean outlook. See towering cliffs plunge dramatically into the sea, bombarded by the roaring ocean waves. Hike down a trail that picks a narrow path down the cliff and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of one of the Big Sur coast’s largest waterfalls.

Spend some time strolling around the Ragged Point cliff-top area, taking in the expansive views that sweep up and down the coast. Peer through the trees to the shrubs that cling to the steep cliffs and look down on the swirling waters of the cove below. You’ll see a trail of rock formations jutting out of the water offshore. Snap photographs of the magnificent vista or point your camera toward the cliff face, which takes on a different hue with the setting and rising of the sun.

If you are feeling up to the challenge, follow the 0.6-mile (1-kilometer) trail that zigzags through the vegetated cliffs to the black-sand beach below. From the trail, you’ll have the best vantage point for seeing Black Swift Falls. This breathtaking waterfall plunges 300 feet (90 meters) from the headlands cleaved by Young Creek. Ensure you have sturdy walking shoes, as well as sun protection and drinking water, if you intend to embark on the hike.

The Ragged Point Vista is approximately a 20-minute drive from San Simeon. It’s a popular place for visitors exploring the Big Sur Coast Highway to stop and take a moment to appreciate the views. Bring some lunch to enjoy on the sheltered picnic tables or pick up a quick snack from the kiosk. An inn, restaurant and wine bar are also located near the lookout. Parking is available on site. While in the area, check out the backcountry trails of Big Sur Ranch, Salmon Creek Falls and the Elephant Seal Rookery.

Ragged Point Inn and Resort
Ragged Point Inn and Resort
3 out of 5
19019 Highway 1, Ragged Point, San Simeon, CA
The price is AU$268 per night from 5 Jan to 6 Jan
AU$268
includes taxes & fees
5 Jan - 6 Jan 2025
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in San Simeon. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
Much needed rejuvenation
"We loved our stay! It was perfect and exactly what we needed. We did the nature trail down to the water and enjoyed walking around the property with our pup. Another highlight is how delicious the restaurant is! We also went to see the elephant seals and explored Cambria. We can’t wait to go ..."

Reviewed on 23 Dec. 2024

Ragged Point Inn and Resort
Cavalier Oceanfront Resort
Cavalier Oceanfront Resort
3.5 out of 5
9415 Hearst Drive, San Simeon, CA
The price is AU$213 per night from 6 Jan to 7 Jan
AU$213
includes taxes & fees
6 Jan - 7 Jan 2025
Book a stay at this beach hotel in San Simeon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,471 reviews)
"Nice area. Close to the ocean"

Reviewed on 25 Dec. 2024

Cavalier Oceanfront Resort
The Morgan Hotel San Simeon
The Morgan Hotel San Simeon
3.5 out of 5
9135 Hearst Drive, San Simeon, CA
The price is AU$210 per night from 2 Jan to 3 Jan
AU$210
includes taxes & fees
2 Jan - 3 Jan 2025
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in San Simeon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,155 reviews)
Location, staff, and simplicity.
"Great location down the road from Hearst Castle and Friends of the Elephant Seal viewpoint. About 2 hours north of Solvang. Hotel is a little on the older side but it has quaint and comfortable characteristics. Staff was extremely helpful and kind throughout our stay. Parking is near the rooms so ..."

Reviewed on 22 Dec. 2024

The Morgan Hotel San Simeon
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Oceanfront Unicorn Cottage - No Comparable Property Around
Oceanfront Unicorn Cottage - No Comparable Property Around
San Simeon
Stay at this cottage in San Simeon. Popular attractions Hearst Castle and San Simeon State Park are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
Amazing location
"Love the direct access to beach. Pet friendly and wheelchair friendly. Well definitely come back again. Thank you"

Reviewed on 10 Dec. 2024

Oceanfront Unicorn Cottage - No Comparable Property Around
A Charming Seaside Escape-
A Charming Seaside Escape-
San Simeon
Book a stay at this beach condo in San Simeon. Enjoy a beach locale, tennis courts, and patios. Popular attractions Hearst Castle and San Simeon State Park are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (31 reviews)
Another holiday in paradise!
"This was our second Thanksgiving here. Such a beautiful location…can’t wait to come back!"

Reviewed on 1 Dec. 2024

A Charming Seaside Escape-
Fabulous, Oceanfront Condo in San Simeon! Beautiful Views, Great Location!
Fabulous, Oceanfront Condo in San Simeon! Beautiful Views, Great Location!
San Simeon
Book a stay at this beach condo in San Simeon. Enjoy a beach locale, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Hearst Castle and San Simeon ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (26 reviews)
Thanksgiving
"The view of the ocean from this home is beyond magnificent."

Reviewed on 4 Dec. 2024

Fabulous, Oceanfront Condo in San Simeon! Beautiful Views, Great Location!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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