Ragged Point

Travel Guide

Ragged Point which includes a bay or harbour, landscape views and rugged coastline
Ragged Point
Ragged Point featuring rocky coastline and general coastal views
Ragged Point featuring landscape views, general coastal views and a bay or harbour
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 CA $205 per night from Sep 8 to Sep 9
CA $205
CA $230 total
Sep 8 - Sep 9
includes taxes & fees
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. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
Serenity now
"We had a wonderful 3 nights at Ragged Point. We explored hikes up the coast, loved our dinners at the on-site restaurant and relished in the serenity and sunsets. We will definitely make another trip out at some pint. (We are from the east coast and drove up from San Diego while visiting our daughter ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 7, 2025

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 CA $220 per night from Sep 8 to Sep 9
CA $220
CA $248 total
Sep 8 - Sep 9
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,646 reviews)
"watching the sunsets"

Reviewed on Aug. 8, 2025

Cavalier Oceanfront Resort
FogCatcher Inn

FogCatcher Inn

3 out of 5
6400 Moonstone Beach Dr, Cambria, CA
The price is CA $260 per night from Sep 4 to Sep 5
CA $260
CA $293 total
Sep 4 - Sep 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Cambria. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
Nice stay
"Beautiful area. Really neat motel style. Clean rooms. Pool needs work though. 30 second walk to beach"

Reviewed on Aug. 6, 2025

FogCatcher Inn
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.
Amazing Views! SOUTH COAST Big Sur; located SOUTH of HWY 1 Closure

Amazing Views! SOUTH COAST Big Sur; located SOUTH of HWY 1 Closure

Big Sur
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Big Sur. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Jade Cove and Sand Dollar ...
10/10 Exceptional! (234 reviews)
"Absolutely amazing place. So incredibly peaceful. Made for an excellent retreat to unplug and reset. Thank you so much. We will definitely be back in the future."

Reviewed on Aug. 2, 2025

Amazing Views! SOUTH COAST Big Sur; located SOUTH of HWY 1 Closure
Blue Haven-Oceanfront Stay Near Cambria & Beaches

Blue Haven-Oceanfront Stay Near Cambria & Beaches

San Simeon
Book a stay at this beach condo in San Simeon. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Moonstone Beach Park and Hearst Castle are ...
Blue Haven-Oceanfront Stay Near Cambria & Beaches
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 Moonstone Beach Park and Hearst Castle are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
"Check in was easy and the property was clean. The location is amazing and quiet. It was a great family friendly space to relax."

Reviewed on Aug. 4, 2025

Oceanfront Unicorn Cottage - No Comparable Property Around
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Ragged Point